Windows 10: Most efficient way to share a folder between two Windows 10 laptops

I want to periodically backup files from one laptop to the other. How do I go about sharing a folder on one?

:)

 

unable to share a folder between two Windows 10 computers

Hi Phil. I'm Greg, an installation specialist and 8 year Windows MVP, here to help you.

Run the Shared Folder Troubleshooter at Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.

Go over the steps again for setting up File Sharing to make sure it's correct:
https://pureinfotech.com/setup-network-file-sha...

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

 

unable to share a folder between two Windows 10 computers

This should be done already but check if File and Printer sharing are allowed in Allowed Apps and Features:

https://www.online-tech-tips.com/windows-10/adj...

 

Setting up Home Group will be my suggestion.

 

Hi there

This could be one case where "The Cloud" could be of use - depending on the size of files to share and speed of your network.

Otherwise you don't need a home network setup - just treat as bog standard networked computers on your LAN and enable sharing for the available files.

My own view is that if you want backups then just copying files between two machines while better than nothing is a pretty weak form of backup. Get some proper backup software and use it regularly. There are plenty of cheap backups packages available.

Cheers
jimbo

 

You can share the files by your local network, given that you’ve already set a homegroup up before trying to passing files between both computers.
The second method is to simply choose another user on the same machine you’re working from, and send it over to their account through the option highlighted “Specific People” in the Share tab. Select this option, and only users registered on your local computer will see the file pop up on their desktop the next time they log in.

 

How about a USB disk?
Periodically that would be a simple solution.

 

OK I created a Homegroup and shared a folder with the Homegroup. Yet when I try to access it from the other Windows 10 laptop, I get a similar error message...

 

Win10 is not ready for this.
You can keep on trying and eventually, maybe, find a way to do it.
Networking is screwed up, there is a serious bug with the most confusing symptoms in the latest build.
If you want a pragmatic solution, go for external disk transfers and wait for MS to fix the root cause.
If you want to beat the system, keep on trying. Every network setup is unique.
Best of luck

 

I know next to nothing about Home Group.
However, I have my Win 10 Home RTM and Win 10 Pro Insider Preview joined in home group.
I can see files from one computer to the other.

 

I read preceding suggestions but thought I'd ask the specific purpose you have in mind. If it truly is backup in the sense that it protect against data loss with restore capability - cloud as is suggested by Jimbo or an actual backup solution where the other computer serves as a (weaker) form of external storage may be OK. If it's actually synchronization, file sharing, and mutual access to files, then it would seem like (currently problematic for some) Homegroup/Workgroup sharing or a cloud solution may serve best. Care to define your need a little more clearly unless I'm overthinking it?

 

Let me simplify my desire. I have two Windows 10 laptops. I want to designate just ONE folder on laptop A to be shared with laptop B...so that laptop B can add/edit/remove files from that folder on laptop A.

Is this possible with the latest Windows 10? If so, how?

 

Yes, it's possible. IF Win 10 works as it should.
However, there is a network bug in the latest release that could make it difficult.
If you hit the right solution for your unique setup it will work. It could take time to find that solution.
There are lot's of similar threads here, search and you will find, it is impossible to
state a specific solution for your situation.

 

I think that makes what you're asking much more clear and that's all I wanted to contribute. It sounds like a networked share (in the muddled state Windows 10 has it now) or cloud alternatives (One-Drive, more native, or 3rd party alternatives) with synchronization are better routes.

Which is the more reliable and appropriate alternative for you, I'll leave to prior contributors to help you determine.

 

When you created the share, did you add in group 'Everyone' with full rights?