network credentials on windows 11

Guess hackers on home networks have caused MS to make sharing on a cable wifi.ethernet harder for us all than in the old days.

When setting up moderate security (we're not protecting launch codes, just basic security.

1. What settings and HOW to get there in Win 10 and 11 PCs for places like C drive, pictures, music, docs as well as windows/users/public directories so all several pcs on the network can share them.}
2. Regarding "Credentials" when were trying to log into see shared files on a sister PC, do we set it up with our OWN USER ID and PW for us to ENTER, or for the sister PC to add each users UID/PW to know whose valid?
3. Do you recommend we use our Google or MS email ID and PW that sometimes changes and the current password, or a shorter one like our 4 digit code easy to remember and not often or ever changed?
4. Where does this code need to be entered? In the main PC we use to get files from sister PC's or all of them with identical UID/passwords?
5. Is it best to always reboot each PC so each has access to our new credentials?
6. Do you recommend we set up credentials for an entire USERS/PUBLIC folder with each sister PC in it, or just the PUBLIC one for Downloads, Pictures, Music, Videos, Documents?
7. Whats the best way to NOT share particular folders, like personal Docs with private passwords or financial information we dont want shared with the whole family that would otherwise access all shared folders?
8. Is there a simple HOW TO step by step discussion by Microsoft or someone NOT trying to sell us add-on software that walks us thru the undocumented features about Network/PC and Fille Sharing that will be kept up to date as MS moves buttons and controls around when programmers are making their 'uh', tweeking improvements?

Hi BJ Maddox,

Thanks for your detailed questions. Below are clear answers to all eight points you raised:

1. What settings to enable, and how to get there, for sharing C drive, Pictures, Music, Docs, and Public folders

In Windows 10 and 11, you can enable Network Discovery and File and Printer Sharing by going to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Advanced sharing settings, then turning on these features under “Private Network.” To share any folder (Pictures, Music, Documents, Public folders), please right‑click the folder > Properties > Sharing > Advanced Sharing, check Share this folder and set permissions as needed. You can share entire drives the same way, though Microsoft recommends sharing only specific folders rather than entire C:\ for safety.

2. When logging into a sister PC, should you enter your own user ID/password or an account that exists on the sister PC?

You must enter credentials that exist on the sister PC, not the one you are sitting at. Windows checks whether the incoming connection is tied to a valid local account on the destination machine, so the sister PC must have a user account (or matching username/password) that you can authenticate with.

3. Should you use Google/Microsoft account passwords or a shorter local password?

It’s recommended not to use your Microsoft or Google account password for file‑sharing authentication. Those passwords change more often and may not work consistently for network credentials. Instead, create a simple local Windows account with an easy-to-remember password specifically for LAN sharing—this is both simpler and more reliable. This is supported by Q&A guidance where users had trouble using Microsoft account credentials and were advised to rely on local account names.

4. Where is this password entered—just on the main PC or all PCs with identical credentials?

You enter the password on the PC that is trying to access the shared folder, and the username/password must match an account on the PC hosting the files. Many home users create the same username/password on all PCs so Windows automatically authenticates without repeated prompts.

5. Is it necessary to reboot each PC after setting new credentials?

In most cases, rebooting is not required for new usernames, passwords, or folder sharing settings to take effect. Settings for Network Discovery and File Sharing apply immediately. Reboots are only needed if you change workgroup names or major network configurations.

6. Should you share the entire Users/Public folder, or only the individual Public subfolders (Pictures, Music, Videos, Documents)?

The safest and simplest option is to share only the Public subfolders (Public\Pictures, Public\Documents, etc.), because Windows designs them for family/group sharing. Sharing the entire Users folder exposes much more data and is typically unnecessary unless you have a specific reason. Microsoft’s support guidance recommends sharing specific folders instead of broad system directories.

7. How do you avoid sharing personal or sensitive folders (financial docs, passwords, private data)?

To prevent others from accessing private documents, simply make sure those folders are not inside any shared folder. Windows only shares what you explicitly enable. If something becomes shared accidentally, right‑click at Properties > Sharing > Advanced Sharing > uncheck Share this folder. Keeping sensitive files in unshared directories (such as your personal Documents folder rather than Public Documents) ensures nobody on the network can access them.

8. Is there a simple, up‑to‑date step‑by‑step guide that doesn’t try to sell extra software?

The answer is yes, Microsoft provides an official, up‑to‑date, no‑software‑needed guide explaining how to share folders, how to set permissions, how to use Network Discovery, and more. The article “File sharing over a network in Windows” is the most complete and frequently updated reference. It covers Windows 10 and 11 and avoids third‑party tools or ads.

I hope this information is helpful. If you have any further questions, I’ll be glad to assist.