Access Computer A files from Computer B on same network while not allowing Computer C

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turkey3_scratch

turkey3_scratch

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I have two computers. Both are on the same network, running Windows 10. I'd like to make it so both computers can access all the files of each other on the local area network. But I don't want other computers or anything outside of the local network (i.e. an outside network) to be able to do this.

What (preferable) built-in Windows functionality can I do to make this possible?
 
Solution
USAFRet


"all the files" ?
No, you don't.

You want to share specific things. You don't want to try to access the Windows folder from a different PC. Bad things will happen.

But to share folders? Easy.
Turn on File and Print sharing
Right click on a folder in Explorer.
Go to 'Share with'
Share with 'Everyone'. This functionality does not transfer past your router...
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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"all the files" ?
No, you don't.

You want to share specific things. You don't want to try to access the Windows folder from a different PC. Bad things will happen.

But to share folders? Easy.
Turn on File and Print sharing
Right click on a folder in Explorer.
Go to 'Share with'
Share with 'Everyone'. This functionality does not transfer past your router, this is just on your LAN.
You also have to turn OFF 'password protected sharing'. This is in Advanced Network Settings.
 
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Solution
turkey3_scratch

turkey3_scratch

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Right I'd make a folder used to share between the computers. But why would I turn OFF password protected sharing? The thing is I don't want my brother to be able to access those files, I just want one computer to be able to, so wouldn't I want that ON?

And if a password is required for access to the folder, will it be the same as the Windows account password, or can I make it a custom password?
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Try it, and play with the settings.
Require a pwd every time will get tiring soon.
But you can also share it with certain 'accounts', and not necessarily 'Everyone'.

I figured you'd know how to look up how to do this....:pt1cable:
 
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boosted1g

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If you create an account with your same username password on computer B
And an account with the same username and password of computer B on computer A then you just add that user to the folder and the share permissions and it will work (just remember this if you change password and then wonder why your share does not work).
 
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turkey3_scratch

turkey3_scratch

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I got it working. Some things I discovered:

1) Right-clicking a file and going to share with > stop sharing actually doesn't stop sharing the file/folder. In fact, I can't even tell what it does. To unshare the folder you have to right-click, go to properties > sharing > advanced sharing and then uncheck "Share this folder". The thing is misleading.

2) Windows by default has the entire C://Users folder shared. I undid that and created a single folder that is shared.

3) Network discovery also needs to be turned on in the control panel.

4) If your Windows account is linked to a Microsoft account the login credentials are seemingly that email address for the username rather than your account username on the PC.
 
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