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How do I access files on a different computer?

Purab A 20 Reputation points
2025-09-15T02:21:43.36+00:00

I have 2 computers, a new PC which I use and an old PC I don't. The old PC runs Windows 10 and the new one runs Windows 11. The old one has 4x the storage of the new one, so I'd like a way to store files on the old PC but be able to access them from the new PC.

Is this possible? If so, how? If any more information is needed, I'd be happy to provide.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Files, folders, and storage
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  1. Randy Baroja 20,600 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-09-15T02:58:28.7533333+00:00

    Hi,

    Nice to meet you! My name is Randy and I'm an independent advisor.

    That’s a really practical idea, Purab lots of people keep an older PC around just to act like a "storage server." The good news is yes, it’s possible to access files on your old Windows 10 PC from your new Windows 11. You can access files from your old Windows 10 PC on your new Windows 11 PC by using Windows’ built-in file sharing. On the old PC, right-click the folder (or drive) you want to share, go to Properties > Sharing > Advanced Sharing, check Share this folder, and set permissions so your new PC can access it. Then, on the new PC, open File Explorer and type \\OldPCName or \\OldPCIPAddress to view the shared files. For easier access, you can also map the shared folder as a network drive by opening File Explorer on the new PC, right-clicking This PC, choosing Map network drive, and entering \\OldPCName\SharedFolder. This makes the old PC’s storage show up like a regular drive on your new computer.

    Hope that this helps.

    Kind regards,

    2 people found this answer helpful.

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  1. Randy Baroja 20,600 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-09-15T23:55:38.7633333+00:00

    Hi,

    On your old PC, personal user folders like C:\Users\Me are protected by Windows, so sharing them alone doesn’t allow network access. To fix this, right-click the folder > Properties > Security > Edit > Add "Everyone" > give Read or Full Control > Apply, then also ensure it’s shared via Advanced Sharing with Everyone. On your new PC, access the folder using \OldDesktop\OldDisk\Users\Me and enter the old PC’s username and password if prompted, or map it as a network drive using different credentials. Alternatively, moving files to C:\Users\Public avoids permissions issues, since the Public folder is designed for sharing over a network.

    Kind regards,

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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