Steps to perform file sharing in Windows 8.1

How to Enable File Sharing

If you’re the administrator of a local network, enabling file sharing will ensure that your users always have access to important files. You’ll always able to control which folders are shared and what level of access to give your users. As long as the computer hosting the shared folder is connected to the local network, the shared folder will be accessible to all who need it.

Windows 8.1

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   Press ⊞ Win+S to launch Windows Search. Before you can share files from your Windows 8.1 computer with the rest of your local network, you’ll need to make the computer “discoverable.”
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   Type “PC Settings” and press ↵ Enter. The PC Settings screen will appear.
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   Click the “Network” link. A list of networks will appear in the right panel.
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   Click the name of the network you’re connected to. If you see more than one network listed, use the one that says “connected” beneath its name.
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   Flip the “Find Devices and Content” switch to On. Once you do this, the computer will be discoverable on the network, which means that other users on the network will be able to find the folder(s) you share.
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   Press ⊞ Win+S to launch Windows Search. Now you’ll get ready to share your first folder.
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   Type “Explorer” and press ↵ Enter. This will launch the Windows File Explorer.
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   Navigate to a folder you want to share. Use the sidebar on the left to navigate your folder structure until you find the folder you want to share with other users on the network.
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   Click to highlight the folder you want to share. Don’t double-click—just click once.
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    Click to the “Share” tab at the top of the Explorer. Some sharing options will appear at the top of this tab.
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    Click “Specific People…” in the “Share With” area. The “File Sharing” dialog will appear.
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    Type “Everyone” into the box and click “Add.” This allows everyone on the network access to this folder. You’ll be able to define which type of access they have in just a moment.
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    Click “Share” to share the folder. The folder is now shared with members of the network. To see your files, they can open the File Explorer and click the “Network” icon.
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    Right-click on the shared folder and select “Properties.” Now you’ll decide the type of access that “Everyone” has. The Folder Properties screen will appear.
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    Click to the “Security” tab. This dialog shows all the security settings for the folder.
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    Click the “Edit” button. This will open the “Permissions for [folder]” screen.
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    Select “Everyone” from the “Group or user names” list. If you don’t see “Everyone” listed:
    

    • Click “Add.”
    • Type “Everyone” into the blank.
    • Click “Add.”
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    Set the permissions for the user(s) you selected. Under “Permissions for (Everyone)”, decide what sort of access you’d like to provide:
    

    • Full Control: Allows everyone to read, delete, and edit files in this folder. This also grants this user the ability to change permissions on the folder.
    • Change: Allows everyone to read, delete, and edit files in the folder but not change permissions.
    • Read and execute: Allows everyone to view files in the folder and run programs. Users cannot modify files in the folder if this is the only option selected.
    • List folder contents: Allows users to see a list of files in the folder.
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    Click “OK” to save your permissions. The files are now accessible by users connected to your network.