Windows 11 I can share some folders using everyone but when sharing my main folder after a min says folder cannot be shared. I have followed all suggestions and setting but selecting everyone fails

Question

I cannot share my main user folder when selecting EVERYONE I can share to everyone other folders. I have selected and verified all settings its just my folder RUSS/users/rjree

***moved from Windows / Windows 11 / Files, folders, and storage***

Answer 1

Hi Russell,

I understand that you are having issues sharing your main user folder in Windows 11, while other folders can be shared without any issues. Here are some steps to help troubleshoot and resolve this issue:

Troubleshooting Steps for Folder Sharing Issues

1. Check Folder Permissions:
   • Ensure that the permissions for the folder RUSS/users/rjree are set correctly.
   • Right-click on the folder and select *Properties*.
   • Go to the *Security* tab and check the permissions for the user *Everyone*.
   • Ensure *Everyone* has the appropriate permissions (Read/Write).

2. Check Sharing Settings:
   • Right-click on the folder and select *Properties*.
   • Go to the *Sharing* tab and click on *Advanced Sharing*.
   • Check the box *Share this folder* and click on*Permissions*.
   • Add *Everyone* and ensure the appropriate permissions (Read/Write) are set.

3. Disable Password Protected Sharing:
   • Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Advanced sharing settings.
   • Scroll down to *All Networks* and ensure that *Turn off password protected sharing* is selected.
   • This can sometimes interfere with sharing, even if *Everyone* is selected.
4. Use the Network Reset Feature:
   • Sometimes network settings can get corrupted. Use the network reset feature to restore network settings to their default.
   • Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status.
   • Scroll down and click on *Network reset*.
   • Follow the prompts and restart your computer.
5. Check File Sharing Connections:
   • Ensure that your network is set to *Private*.
   • Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi or *Ethernet*.
   • Click on the network you are connected to and ensure it is set to *Private*.
6. Use Command Prompt to Share Folder:
   • Sometimes using the command line can help bypass any UI-related issues.
   • Open *Command Prompt* as an administrator.
   • Use the following command to share the folder: shell net share sharename="RUSS/users/rjree" /grant:Everyone,full
   
7. Verify Folder Ownership:
   • Ensure that you have ownership of the folder.
   • Right-click on the folder and select *Properties*.
   • Go to the *Security* tab and click on *Advanced*.
   • Ensure that the *Owner* is set to your user account. If not, change the owner to your user account.
8. Check for Hidden or System Attributes:
   • Sometimes folders may have hidden or system attributes that can interfere with sharing.
   • Open **Command Prompt** as an administrator.
   • Use the following command to remove hidden and system attributes: shell attrib -s -h "C:\RUSS\users\rjree"
9. Check for Conflicting Software:
   • Ensure that no security software (antivirus, firewall) is blocking the sharing of the folder.
   • Temporarily disable any third-party security software and try sharing the folder again.
10. Review Event Viewer Logs:

• Check the Event Viewer logs for any related errors.
• Open *Event Viewer* (search for it in the Start menu).
• Navigate to *Windows Logs > System* and look for any errors or warnings related to file sharing.

Best regards,

Rosy