Share files over the network via Public folders

Whether a system is joined to a homegroup or is simply part of a workgroup, you can use the Public folder to share files with anyone who has access to your computer, either over the network or locally. If you created a homegroup, the Public folder is enabled automatically. If not, you need to turn the Public folder on.

To do so, open Windows/File Explorer and navigate to C:\Users\Public. In Win7, click Share with in the Windows Explorer menu bar; in Win8, select the Share tab in File Explorer. Select Advanced sharing settings. In Win7, locate the Public folder sharing section and turn on sharing. In Win8, expand the All Networks section and go to the Public folder sharing section to turn on the Public folder option.

Again, once you've enabled the Public folder, any files saved to that folder or subfolders will be available to all users with access to that computer. Keep in mind, however, that each system's Public folder is separate from the Public folders on all other systems. It's not a single folder that's shared across the network.

Once you've enabled the Public folder, I recommend making it a new Library. Right-click its name and select Include in library.