How Do I Restrict Access to Shared Folders?

Typically when you share a folder across a home network the contents of that folder are made available to every computer that is also connected to the same network. You also have the option of sharing that folder (or any folder) with only specific users on that network for security purposes. This can be helpful if there are files you need other people to have quick access to, but don't want just anybody being able to see what is stored in that location.

Instructions

1. Go to the computer that physically houses the shared folder you want to restrict access to.

2. Click on the name of the folder one time.

3. Click the "Share with..." button in the toolbar. This will pull up a drop-down menu displaying a list of all the computers connected to your network.

4. Click on the name of a computer you want to share that folder with.

5. Click on "Share with..." again and repeat these steps until you have selected only the people you want to be able to access the folder. Do not click "Everyone," or everyone on the network will be able to view and change the contents of that folder.

Tips & Warnings

• This article was written using Windows 7. The process may be different in different operating systems.

References

• How to Geek: Sharing Files and Folders in Windows