What’s Public folder on Windows
While you can always share a folder manually on your account, the Public folder is a special setup very easy to configure and allows anyone to share files without having to go through the hassle of setting up share and security permissions, and you can even let other users access the folder without requiring a password. On Windows 10, similar to previous versions, the folder is located in C:\Users\Public, and by default all user accounts on a computer have access to it. However, depending on your network configuration, you’ll be limiting access to only network users who have a password protected account on your computer. Also, inside the folder, you’ll find a number of subfolders, including “Public Documents”, “Public Downloads”, “Public Music”, “Public Pictures”, and “Public Videos”, which are meant to help keep the files you share organized. In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to share files with other users and disable Public folder as necessary on Windows 10.
How to share files using Public folder How to enable Public folder How to disable Public folder
How to share files using Public folder
Public folder is one of those hidden gems in the operating system that it’s available for anyone who knows that it exists. This option doesn’t have a settings page, which means that the best way to use it to share files is manually accessing the folder at its location. However, you can make things a bit easier by pinning the folder to Quick access, Taskbar, or creating a simply shortcut on the desktop for you and for those users who will be accessing the files. To pin Public folder to the Quick access, do the following: To pin Public folder to the Taskbar, do the following. Pinning folder to Quick access To create a shortcut to the desktop, do the following: Pinning a folder to Taskbar If you’re trying to access a folder that someone shared on the network, do the following: Creating a folder shortcut on the desktop Remember that anyone with access to the folder can read, modify, and delete files, as such make sure to know exactly the content you’re sharing. Browsing folder on the network
How to enable Public folder
Public folder is enabled by default for local users, and you can’t turn it off, as it’s just a folder Windows creates with special settings on every installation. However, you have to manually enable Public folder, if you want network users to access your shared files.
How to disable Public folder
You can only disable Public folder to stop sharing files with users on the network. The only way to stop sharing files with other users in the same computer is by simply removing from the folders. Advanced Sharing Settings If you’re looking to stop sharing files for network users, do the following:
Wrapping things up
Public folder is a great way for home users to share files with other users in the same computer and over the network, but it’s an option that most of the time is overlooked. Advanced Sharing Settings Using this method to share files, you can quickly make available music, documents, pictures, and videos with other users without having to go through complicated setups. However, it’s worth noting that this is meant for home or really small networks, if you’re trying to share content on your organization this is not the correct route to do things. While this guide is focusing on sharing content using Windows 10, Public folder has been around for years, as such you can also use this on Windows 8.1 and Windows 7. What do you think about Public folders on Windows 10? Tell us in the comments below. All content on this site is provided with no warranties, express or implied. Use any information at your own risk. Always backup of your device and files before making any changes. Privacy policy info.
