Windows 10: How can I share a USB device over the network?

Hi, I need to access a flash drive connected to a remote computer via USB. I mainly need access from a laptop Windows 10 but if it's also possible from a smartphone, that would be great.I've seen a similar question on this forum from 2017, but maybe there are new solutions or methods now?Thank you in advance for your help!

:)

 

sharing a usb printer without sharing files

Hi,

Thank you for visiting Microsoft Community.

If other USB devices are working and only USB printer is not working then I would suggest you to try the steps provided in the article/threads mentioned below and see if it helps.

Error "0x0000052e" Appears When You Try to Install a Network
Printer in Windows 7

Error message when you try to install a network printer in Windows 7: "0x0000052e"


windows 8.1 and sharing a printer hardwired to a windows 2000 desktop


If other USB devices are also not working then Then the issue may arise if the currently loaded USB driver has become unstable or corrupt or if your PC requires an update for issues that may conflict with a USB device and
Windows. This may also occur if your USB controllers may have become unstable or corrupt. So, I would suggest you to try the following steps and check if the issue persists.

Method 1:

Remove and reinstall all USB controllers.

• Open Device Manager by pressing Windows key + X and select
  device manager from the list. If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
• In the list of hardware categories, find and expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
• Right-click every device under the Universal Serial Bus controllers node, and then click
  Uninstall to remove them one at a time.
• Restart the computer, and let the USB controllers get reinstalled.
• Plug in the removable USB device, and then test to make sure that the issue is resolved.

Method 2

The issue could be if the drivers are not updated or get corrupted. So, try to install all of the Windows updates available and if issue persists, try to update the USB
and mouse drivers by following the steps provided in the article mentioned below.



How to: Install and Update drivers in Windows
10



If issue still persists, then install the drivers for Windows 8/8.1 from the manufacturer's website in compatibility mode and check if that works.

Make older programs compatible with this version of Windows

Make older apps or programs compatible with Windows - Microsoft Support



Reference:

Fix Wi-Fi connection issues in Windows - Microsoft Support

Method 3

If issue persists try the steps provided to uninstall the USB device from Device Manager, uninstall the device drivers from program list and then download the latest drivers from the manufacturer's website.

Step 1:

Uninstall the Device from Device Manager

• Open Device Manger by clicking on Windows key + X and selecting
  Device manager from the list.
• Expand the USB section.
• Find the USB device.
• Right click USB and select Uninstall.
• Select the check box delete the driver software for this device.
  
• Reboot the computer after uninstall process has finished.

Step 2:

Uninstall the Device Drivers from Program List in Control Panel

• Click on start, select Control Panel
• Now click on Programs and select Programs and Features.
• Find the USB.
• Right click USB driver and select Uninstall.
• Reboot the computer after the uninstall process has finished.

Step 3:

Download and install the latest drivers for the USB from the manufacturer website

Hope this would help. If issue still persists post back with current status of your computer and result of proposed suggestion, we will be happy to assist you.

Regards,

 

Network Sharing

Hi Arya,

Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

Provide us additional information to assist you better with this issue:

1. Are you trying to share the wireless network connection from Windows device to phone?
   
2. What is the make and model of the phone?
   
3. Which version of Windows is installed on your device?
   

Refer the article ‘Which version of Windows operating system am I running’
to provide the details.

If you’re referring to sharing the Wireless network connection in Windows 10, I suggest you to follow the steps mentioned below.

1. Press Windows + I key on your keyboard and click on Network & Internet.
   
2. On the network & Internet page, click on ‘Mobile hotspot’.
   
3. ‘Turn On’ Share my Internet connection with other devices under Mobile hotspot.
   
4. The default network name and password will be available under Mobile hotspot.
   
5. Enter the same password on the device which you’re trying to connect and check the status of the issue.
   

If you’re trying to share the internet connection, then refer the article
Use your PC as a mobile hotspot
for more information.

If you’re referring to ‘File sharing’, I suggest you to refer the section ‘How do I troubleshoot sharing and folders’ from the article ‘File
sharing over a network in Windows 10’.

Get back to us for further assistance on this issue. We will be happy to help you.

Regards,

Muralidhar

Microsoft Community Moderator

 

Sharing folders over network - access denied

Hello,

To troubleshoot your concern with sharing files over the network using your Windows 10 device, we suggest that you run the Shared folders troubleshooter and check if it helps. Kindly refer to the steps below:

• Type in Troubleshooting in the search box and press
  Enter.
• Click View all.
• Click Shared Folders.
• Click Next and follow on-screen instructions.

Hope it helps.