How to move shared folder to another drive on Windows 11, 10

Need to free up space on your main drive or just want to organize your files? Moving a shared folder to another drive in Windows 11 or 10 is easier than you might think—if you know the right steps. Here’s how to do it without losing sharing settings or breaking links for your network users.

Why Move a Shared Folder?

• Running out of space on your C: drive
• Wanting to separate shared data from personal files
• Upgrading to a faster or larger drive

Whatever the reason, you can move a shared folder and keep it accessible to everyone on your network. Here’s how.

Step 1: Unshare the Folder (Temporarily)

1. Open File Explorer and find the shared folder.
2. Right-click the folder and select Properties.
3. Go to the Sharing tab and click Advanced Sharing.
4. Uncheck Share this folder and click OK.

This stops sharing temporarily so you can move the folder without causing permission issues.

Step 2: Move the Folder

1. Copy or Cut the folder:
   • Right-click the folder, select Cut (to move) or Copy (to duplicate).
2. Navigate to your target drive (for example, D: or E:).
3. Paste the folder in your desired location.

Tip: If the folder is large, the move might take a while. Be patient and let Windows finish the job.

Step 3: Reshare the Folder

1. Right-click the folder in its new location.
2. Go to Properties > Sharing > Advanced Sharing.
3. Check Share this folder.
4. (Optional) Change the share name if you want, or keep it the same.
5. Click Permissions to set who can access the folder (default is “Everyone” with read access).
6. Click OK to save.

Step 4: Update Network Paths

If users access the folder via a mapped network drive or shortcut, you may need to update these:

• Remap network drives to the new location if necessary.
• Update shortcuts with the new path.

Step 5: Remove the Old Folder (Optional)

Once you confirm everything works from the new drive and users can access the folder, you can delete the original copy to free up space.

Extra Tips

• Keep folder names and share names consistent to avoid confusion.
• Double-check permissions after moving. Windows can sometimes reset them.
• Back up important data before making big changes, just in case.

Common Issues & Fixes

• “Access Denied” Error: Make sure your user account has the right permissions on the new drive.
• Network users can’t find the folder: Double-check the sharing settings and the network path. If you changed the share name, users need the updated path.
• Hidden folders: If the folder vanishes from network view, recheck your sharing and security permissions.

Moving shared folders isn’t complicated, but a little attention to detail keeps your network running smoothly. Follow these steps and you’ll keep your files organized—and your network users happy.

Have a question or run into trouble? Drop a comment below—happy to help!

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!