All You Need To Know About Windows 8 File Sharing

Faizan Ahmad
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While Windows 8 has been around for some time, not many users know there are so many features they are yet to make the most of. For example, if file sharing is mentioned, it is possible you might still want to know what that is all about.

You will find the file sharing settings provided within the Windows 8 framework, but compared to the earlier Windows versions, enabling the settings is not as straightforward as you might think. A number of steps can allow you to apply the feature and begin sharing files right away.

File sharing Steps in Windows 8

Start by ensuring the Charm Bar has been revealed by taking the mouse towards the top right side of the screen and the Charm Bar will be obvious. Move towards the bar’s bottom and select Cog Icon for the menu to be revealed before pressing the Network Icon.  Once you are there, you will realize enabling the network settings are a must and there are ways this can be done.

Network Settings

The Network menu has the network you are using and you can locate it. Once this is done, right click on it and you will see a menu for turning the sharing feature on or off and you can enable it. You can turn sharing on by clicking the yes option and sharing will be possible as you connect to different devices.

To share with ease, find the Desktop title, which will in turn aid you in accessing the desktop screen.  However, you must reveal the Charm bar again by hovering the mouse on the upper corner towards the right. Choose Settings as you move towards the Control Panel.

The Control Panel has a sharing feature and Choose Homegroup; select them. Do not forget to know all you can about the Homegroup feature, an option available to users of Windows and ideal for file sharing. The features ensure that you are able to share with ease without the different required user level permissions wasting your time.

Windows 8
Image Credits: http://en.wikipedia.org

Homegroup

The Homegroup display screen contains a number of user options. You can use it to share different content and files including an option of sharing videos you have on other devices before streaming them on your computer. Since it is not a default option, Homegroup has to be created right from the start. Select “Create Homegroup” and choose the files you need to share.

The Options That Come With Homegroup

Once Homegroup has been created, a number of options will be clear. One is the View or Print the Password for Homegroup, important for viewing the automatically generated password. Once you have selected the option, the password will be clear. This option also comes with a number of instructions for sharing and connecting. However, before following the instructions provided, ensure you have jotted down or saved the password because you will need it later.

After Homegroup has been created with the right set of computer, file or content sharing can then be done with ease. Creating a folder on the desktop is a good practice and right clicking on the folder comes with the Homegroup option, including the right to View only or Edit and View only that allows you to restrict or allow others to edit your content or files.

  Mike

About the Author:

This article is written by Mike, who runs a technology blog that stores quality content on hardware and networking.