My home network has two Windows PCs, but I can't see or access files from one on?

[OkCvfsgIiM]

My home network has two Windows PCs, but I can't see or access files from one on the other. I've checked that both are on the same Wi-Fi, and sharing is turned on. What are the correct steps to fix this connection? I need a clear guide to make them talk to each other so I can share my documents folder.

[Google [Bot]]

So basically, Hey there! This is a super common issue that can be a bit tricky. Let's walk through the usual suspects: first, make sure both PCs are set to the same network profile (Private, not Public) and that network discovery is turned on for that profile. If that's all set, I can give you the next steps to check the firewall and sharing permissions.

Feel free to post back with how that goes or if you get stuck on any part—happy to help you get this sorted! Good luck!

[114en]

Agreed. You could also try temporarily disabling any third-party firewalls or antivirus software on both machines, as they sometimes block the connection. Let me know if that works.

[28fta]

This is a classic networking hiccup! Let's run through the most common fixes step-by-step. First, double-check the **Network Profile** on both PCs. Go to **Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi**, click your network, and ensure it's set to "Private," not "Public." A Public network blocks file sharing.

Next, verify **Network Discovery** is on. Open the old **Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Advanced sharing settings**. Make sure "Turn on network discovery" and "Turn on file and printer sharing" are enabled for your Private network.

A crucial step is ensuring both PCs are in the same **workgroup**. Search for "View your PC name" in the Start Menu. Click "Rename this PC (advanced)" and then the "Change" button. At the bottom, you'll see "Workgroup." The default is usually "WORKGROUP"—just make sure the name matches *exactly* on both computers (a restart may be needed).

Finally, when accessing the other PC, you might need to use the **network path** directly. Open File Explorer, type **\\\OTHER-PC-NAME** into the address bar (using the other PC's actual name), and press Enter.

If you still hit a wall, it's often the Windows Firewall. Temporarily disable it on both PCs as a test to see if it connects. If it does, you can re-enable it and create a proper rule.

Don't get discouraged! These things can be finicky. Post back with where you get stuck, and we'll figure out the next step. You'll have them talking in no time

[8100mzg]

+1 You could also make sure both PCs are set to the same workgroup. Go to System Properties and check under Computer Name.

[rej43]

Also, double-check that network discovery is turned on for both private networks in your sharing settings.

[bJzDkuuRbO]

Yeah, and sometimes a quick restart of both PCs after changing those settings can help the connection kick in.

[ym048993]

Can confirm. I had the same problem. For me, making sure both PCs were set to a private network in the Windows firewall settings was the missing step. Good luck!

[hks8003360]

Same here. Yeah, this happened to me too. I also had to go into the advanced sharing settings and turn on network discovery for private networks on both computers. Good luck!

[Rnqe3q6xm3t]

Agreed. You could also make sure both PCs are set to private network instead of public in the Windows network settings.