1. Add an Exception to Your Antivirus Software
Your antivirus software can prevent files from being shared, even over a local network. This is the most likely reason you are seeing the error message.
You can quickly test this theory by temporarily deactivating the antivirus and checking if the error persists. If it no longer occurs, your antivirus software is the cause.
But don’t worry, you don’t have to leave the antivirus disabled and expose your PCs to threats. The answer is to set up an exception or exclusion for the shared folder.
The exact way to do this will vary, depending on the antivirus software you use. You can usually find an exceptions section in the antivirus software’s settings menu. Here’s how to do it in Windows Security.
In Windows 11, open Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection. In Windows 10, it’s in Update & Security. Click Manage Settings under the Virus & Threat Protection Settings heading, and scroll to the bottom of the page. Click Add or Remove Exclusions, and then the Add an Exclusion button. Navigate to the Shared folder and select it to add it.
Check out our complete guide to adding exceptions in Windows Security for more information.
2. Give All Network Users Full Folder Control in Advanced Sharing
Assuming you trust the people who use the local network, you can give everyone full folder control. This might not be desirable if the local network is in a business environment, but it shouldn’t be a problem on a home network.
Right-click the folder you want to share with full control, and select Properties from the menu. Click the Sharing tab and then the Advanced Sharing button. Select the Share this folder option, and then click the Permissions button. You can then select Everyone and check the box next to allow Full Control. If you are planning on using password protection for sharing, click Add > Advanced > Find Now. Select Authenticated Users, click OK, and then Full Control. You can then exit the folder sharing settings.
You might need to restart your computer before the setting change is recognized.
Remember that this will allow anyone on the local network to access the shared files. It is up to you to decide if this fix is suitable for the local network you are connected to.
3. Disable Password Protected Sharing
This is another way to prevent the error from occurring that comes with some risk. It is better to protect shared files and folders with a password. But if you trust the people and devices on the local network, you can remove that protection.
Open the Control Panel. You can type it into Windows Search if you aren’t sure where to find it. Open the Network and Sharing Center and click on Change Advanced Sharing Settings. Expand the All Networks section and disable the Password Protected Sharing option. Save the changes and close the Control Panel.
Our guide on how to network file share on Windows is a great place to learn more if you are new to this subject.
Fixing the Folder Sharing Error
The problem of not being able to share folders across a local network is not uncommon. It is usually caused by your antivirus software and is easily solved. Hopefully, our steps have helped you discover the cause of this error, how to fix it, and how to share your files over your local network again.
