How to view all network shared folders on Windows 10

Wondering how many folders are you sharing and where they're located? In this guide, you'll learn the steps to view all the shared folders on Windows 10.

Windows 10 network shares view
Windows 10 network shares view

On Windows 10, you can easily share folders with other users in the network to share files and offer network storage. However, keeping track of all the shares can become difficult if you share multiple folders from different locations.

Luckily, Windows 10 includes multiple ways to view a list of all the folders shared on your device, including using File Explorer and Computer Management.

This guide will tech you two ways to view all the folders your computer is currently sharing in the network on Windows 10.

View shared folders from File Explorer

To view all the network shared folders in File Explorer, use these steps:

  1. Open File Explorer on Windows 10.

  2. Click on Network.

  3. Under the “Computer” section, double-click your device name.

  4. See all the folders currently shared on the network.

    See all shared folders using File Explorer

Once you complete the steps, you can see the folders currently accessible from the network. However, you may need to confirm the user credentials to access the network contents.

View shared folders from Computer Management

To view all the network shared folders through Computer Management, use these steps:

  1. Open Start.

  2. Search for Computer Management and click the top result to open the app.

  3. Expand the Shared Folders branch from the left pane.

  4. Click the Shares item.

  5. See all the folders currently shared on the network.

    All shared folders using Computer Management

In Computer Management, you will see a shared folder list, plus other shared items, such as C$, IPC$, and ADMIN$. These are administrative (hidden) shares that Windows 10 enables by default and are not visible unless someone uses the specific path and proper credentials.

Although these methods can help review the folders currently shared on the network, note that if you share a folder inside your profile folder, it will appear as the “Users” folder being shared in the network. Typically, you don’t want to share folders from within your profile folders (Desktop, Downloads, Pictures, etc.). Instead, you should create a share from the secondary drive or the root of the “C:\” drive.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].