how do i allow my laptop access my pc and visa versa.

Question

how do i allow my laptop access my pc and visa versa.

Colorado Blank 20

I need help. I am wanting to setup my pc and laptop so they can be accessed using the network feature of file explorer. I have both of them configured alike but neither one can see the other. I have read several articles on line (apparently not posted recently) which didn't help because the system has been changed somehow. I currently now use a thumb drive to share files and that is so inefficient and time consuming. My Bride's work files are on my pc (I accomplish her files for her due to typing issues due to arthritis in her hands) but she in the past had been able to access them for review, etc., from her laptop but not anymore. All three are running WIN 11 25H2. Any suggestions or setup procedures would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

John

Ivan B 116.1K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-06-24T21:02:42.1966667+00:00

Hi,

Even with the Home edition, you can access your PC via its IP address.

Do the following: note down the IP address of the PC whose folders you want to share.

To find the IP address, go to Start > Settings > System > Network & internet > click Ethernet or Wi-Fi; the IPv4 address will be listed there.

On your laptop, open Windows Explorer, type \\<PC-IP-address>\ in the address bar, and press Enter. See if it connects or asks for credentials.

Let me know.

Thanks.

3 answers

Your answer

Ivan B 116.1K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-06-24T21:02:42.1966667+00:00

Hi,

Even with the Home edition, you can access your PC via its IP address.

Do the following: note down the IP address of the PC whose folders you want to share.

To find the IP address, go to Start > Settings > System > Network & internet > click Ethernet or Wi-Fi; the IPv4 address will be listed there.

On your laptop, open Windows Explorer, type \\<PC-IP-address>\ in the address bar, and press Enter. See if it connects or asks for credentials.

Let me know.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi,

So, you want to enable file sharing between the PCs, but they aren't showing up in the Network tab in Windows Explorer.

First of all, are the computers using different Windows accounts?

Have you tried accessing the computers via their IP addresses? Does it work, or do you get an error?

On every computer where you want to enable folder sharing, perform the following steps:

Go to the Start menu > Settings > Network & internet > Ethernet or Wi-Fi network > select Private mode.

If you only want to share your PC and access it from the laptop, just perform the following steps on the PC:

Then go back to the previous menu and select Advanced network settings > Advanced sharing settings.

Check "Network discovery" and "File and printer sharing."

Under the "All networks" tab, check "Share public folders."

Uncheck "Password protected sharing."

All of that has already been done.

Let me know here.

Thanks

Answer 2

Colorado Blank 20

Apparently my OS version may be causing the connection issues. I have stopped wasting your time and mine and purchased and installed a NAS to use vice a thumb drive or external drive. It can be accessed from all our digital devices without any issues. so, please close this ticket out. I thank you for all the time and effort expended by Microsoft Techs and wish you a happy day.

Thanks again.

John

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Answer 3

Colorado Blank 20

i'm using the Home version so the IP option is not available. Just verified all the settings you mentioned and they are properly set. Both pc's are using the same account. I'm almost convinced my router is blocking the access. It's a stretch I know but i'm looking into the routers capabilities. Thanks for the rapid response, I appreciate it.

John

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