In Windows 11 you can easily share files between users on the same device, without having to use an external storage device. This feature can be helpful when using separate accounts for work or school. Sharing files locally between users does not require an internet connection.
How to share files with other users on the same device
- Right-click on the file you want to share.
- At the bottom of the quick menu, select More Options.
- In the additional menu that appears, hover over Give access to and select Specific people.
- In the window that appears, enter the username or select the arrow on the right side to see a list of users on the device and select the user.
- Once a user is selected, select Add.
- Change the permission level if needed by selecting the current permission level (read/write allows users to view, make, and save changes to the file).
Note: By default, users will only be given Read permissions (the user will be able to view the file, but any changes they make will not be saved). - Select Share to share the file with the user.
How to locate a shared file
- Log in to the user that the file was shared with.
- Open File Explorer.
- On the left side, select This PC.
- In the Devices and drives section, select the drive shared files are stored on.
- Double-click on Users, and select the user that shared the file.
- Then click on the location of the file and you should see the file that was shared.
Note: Although a user may be able to see the name of other files that were not shared with them, they will not be able to open the files unless they have permission to.
