Networking: Access shared folder on Windows 8 and share files with other PC’s

To access a shared folder on Windows 8 you need to configure your sharing settings first, then follow this tutorial to access the shared folders

• Tip: Before reading this tutorial, you may also want to make sure that you properly set up your network and sharing settings – else if you don’t you might end up asking yourself why you can’t find other computers on the same network

Steps to access a shared folder

1. On the Start screen, select the Desktop tile.

2. Next, double click on the Network icon to open it.

• Tip: If you don’t see the Computer icon on your Network then unhide it by checking the checkbox for the Network icon here: Control Panel >> Appearance and Personalization >> Personalization >> “Change desktop icons” or simply right-click on the Desktop and select Personalization and then select “Change Desktop icons”.

3. Next, double-click on the computer name to see a list with shared folders – obviously you need to know the name of the computer you want to access first, so ask the other person on the network

4. Next, all shared folders are listed.

• Folders can be shared by right-clicking on the folder, select Properties >> Advanced Sharing >> Tick ‘Share this folder’.

You may be asked for login credentials if you enabled password-protected sharing (see link at the top) – so enter the login details of the other computer that is sharing files and folders with you.You can also join a homegroup and make accessing computers over the network a little easier.

That are the complete steps to access a shared folder on Windows 8.

Conclusion: 

Windows 8 has a simple but very efficient file-sharing and networking tool. Unlike earlier version of Windows, Windows 8 does not prompt you to create or join a Work or Homegroup network. To share files or folders, you will have to create a network group, and give other users permissions to access your network shares