Setting up file sharing between two PCs on the same network is a common task. To give you the most accurate and helpful steps, I’ll need to consider what operating system your PC is running and if you have any specific sharing preferences.

First, let’s get some general information on how to share files on a PC, and then look for specific steps related to Windows, as it’s the most common operating system for PCs. There are several ways to share files between two PCs, especially if they are on the same local network (like your home Wi-Fi). The most common and direct method for Windows PCs involves using built-in Network Sharing or Nearby Sharing.

Here’s a breakdown of how to do it:

Important First Steps (for both PCs):

1. Ensure both PCs are on the same network: They should both be connected to the same Wi-Fi router or via Ethernet cables to the same router/switch.
2. Set your network profile to “Private”:
   • Go to Start Menu > Settings > Network & internet.
   • Click on your currently connected network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
   • Under “Network profile type,” select “Private.” This setting allows your PC to be discoverable by other devices on the network for file sharing.

Method 1: Using Network Sharing (Sharing Specific Folders)

This method allows you to set up specific folders on one PC that other PCs on your network can access.

On the PC you want to share files FROM (Source PC):

1. Enable Network Discovery and File Sharing:
   • Go to Start Menu > Settings > Network & internet.
   • On the right side, click “Advanced sharing settings” (or “Sharing options”).
   • Under the “Private” profile, make sure these are selected:
     • “Turn on Network discovery”
     • “Turn on file and printer sharing”
   • Under “All Networks,” you might want to consider:
     • “Turn off password protected sharing”: If you want easy access without needing a username and password from the other PC. Be aware this is less secure. If you keep it on, you’ll need to know a username and password for an account on the source PC to access the shared files from the other PC.
   • Click “Save changes.”
2. Share the Folder:
   • Open File Explorer (Windows Key + E).
   • Navigate to the folder you want to share.
   • Right-click on the folder.
   • Select “Show more options” (if on Windows 11) > “Give access to” > “Specific people.”
   • In the window that appears, click the dropdown and select “Everyone” to allow all network users access, or select specific user accounts if you have them set up on that PC and prefer more control.
   • You can set the permission level (e.g., “Read” for viewing only, “Read/Write” for viewing and editing).
   • Click “Share.”
   • Note down the network path (e.g., \\PCNAME\ShareName) that appears.

On the PC you want to access the files FROM (Destination PC):

1. Access the Shared Folder:
   • Open File Explorer.
   • In the left pane, click on “Network.” You should see the source PC listed there.
   • Double-click the source PC’s name. You might be prompted for a username and password if password-protected sharing is enabled on the source PC.
   • You should now see the shared folder(s) and can open, copy, or move files.

Alternative (Mapping a Network Drive):

1. • Open File Explorer.
   • Right-click “This PC” in the left pane.
   • Select “Map network drive.”
   • Choose an available drive letter.
   • In the “Folder” box, type the network path you noted earlier (e.g., \\SourcePCName\SharedFolderName).
   • Check “Reconnect at sign-in” if you want it to automatically connect every time you log in.
   • Click “Finish.” The shared folder will now appear as a regular drive under “This PC.”

Method 2: Using Nearby Sharing (For quick transfers between Windows 10/11 PCs)

This is excellent for sending individual files or small groups of files quickly between two modern Windows PCs that are close by. Both PCs need to have Nearby Sharing enabled.

On both PCs:

1. Enable Nearby Sharing:
   • Go to Start Menu > Settings > System > Nearby sharing (or “Shared experiences” on older Windows 10 versions).
   • Under “Nearby sharing,” choose “My devices only” or “Everyone nearby.” “Everyone nearby” is easier for sharing.
   • You can also choose the location where received files are saved.

To Share a File (from Source PC):

1. Right-click on the file you want to share.
2. Select “Share.”
3. In the share window, choose the name of the other nearby PC.

To Receive a File (on Destination PC):

1. A notification will pop up on the receiving PC.
2. Click “Save & Open” or “Save” to accept the file.

Remember to consider security: if you’re on a public network or don’t trust other devices, keep password-protected sharing on or use more secure methods like cloud storage.

For a visual guide on setting up file sharing on Windows 10/11, you can watch this video: Transfer Files Between Two Computers over Wi-Fi | Windows 10 & 11. This video provides a walkthrough for transferring large files between two computers on the same Wi-Fi network using Windows 10 or 11.