Whether you work from home, share files between devices, or connect to a private network, knowing how to manage VPN and Advanced Sharing settings in Windows 11/10 can make your computer more secure and easier to use. Windows includes built-in tools that let you configure Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) for secure internet access and adjust Advanced Sharing Settings for file sharing, printer sharing, and network discovery.
Many users overlook these settings until they encounter issues such as being unable to connect to a VPN, access shared folders, or detect another PC on the same network. The good news is that Windows makes these settings easy to manage once you know where to look.
This guide walks you through every step using simple navigation paths, explains what each setting does, and helps you choose the right options for your home, office, or public network.
Understanding VPN and Advanced Sharing Settings
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, creates an encrypted connection between your computer and another network. Businesses often use VPNs to let employees securely access company resources from anywhere. Individuals also use VPNs to improve privacy when browsing online or accessing region-specific content.
Advanced Sharing Settings control how your computer communicates with other devices on the same network. These options determine whether your PC can discover other devices, share folders, share printers, and allow other computers to access shared resources.
Learning how these features work together helps you build a network that is both convenient and secure.
Manage VPN and Advanced Sharing Settings in Windows 11/10
To manage VPN and Advanced Sharing Settings in Windows 11/10, open the Settings app and configure your VPN connection by going to Settings > Network & Internet > VPN. To manage sharing features, open Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change advanced sharing settings. From there, you can enable or disable Network Discovery, File and Printer Sharing, Public Folder Sharing, Password Protected Sharing, and other network features based on your needs.
These settings help improve both network security and device connectivity, making it easier to securely connect to private networks and share files with trusted devices.
1: Open the VPN Settings
The first step is locating the VPN settings in Windows.
Go to Settings > Network & Internet > VPN.
On Windows 11, this page displays all configured VPN connections. If you are using Windows 10, the layout looks slightly different, but the options remain very similar.
If you already have a VPN configured, you can select it to Connect, Disconnect, Edit, or Remove the connection. If you have never created one before, Windows allows you to add a new VPN profile.
Click Add VPN or Add a VPN Connection. You’ll need information provided by your employer, school, or VPN service, including the VPN provider, server name or address, VPN type, and your login credentials.
Once everything is entered, save the profile and connect whenever needed. Windows remembers the connection for future use, making it easy to reconnect with a single click.
2: Configure VPN Connection Options
After creating a VPN, you can customize how it behaves.
Go to Settings > Network & Internet > VPN > Select Your VPN Connection.
Choose the VPN you want to manage. Here you can connect, disconnect, edit the server information, or remove the profile if you no longer need it.
If your VPN uses a username and password, verify that the saved credentials are correct. Incorrect credentials are one of the most common reasons a VPN fails to connect.
Some VPN providers also require specific authentication methods such as L2TP/IPsec, IKEv2, SSTP, or PPTP. Selecting the correct VPN Type ensures Windows communicates properly with the VPN server.
After saving any changes, reconnect to verify everything works correctly.
3: Open Advanced Sharing Settings
Once your VPN is configured, you can adjust your network sharing settings.
Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change advanced sharing settings.
This page is divided into different network profiles, including Private, Guest or Public, and All Networks.
Each profile has separate sharing options. This allows Windows to use stricter security settings on public Wi-Fi while enabling convenient sharing on your trusted home network.
Before making changes, verify whether your current network is marked as Private or Public, since the available sharing behavior depends on the active network profile.
4: Enable or Disable Network Discovery
Network Discovery allows your computer to locate other devices on the same network and allows other trusted devices to detect your computer.
Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change advanced sharing settings > Private.
Locate Network Discovery.
Turn on Network Discovery if you want to share files, printers, or folders with other computers on your home or office network.
If you’re connected to a public Wi-Fi network, leaving Network Discovery turned off improves security by making your PC less visible to nearby devices.
After changing the setting, click Save Changes to apply the new configuration.
5: Configure File and Printer Sharing
The next setting controls whether your computer shares files and printers with other devices.
Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change advanced sharing settings > Private.
Locate File and Printer Sharing.
Enable this option if you want other trusted devices to access shared folders or use a printer connected to your computer.
If you rarely share files or printers, leaving this setting disabled reduces unnecessary network exposure and improves security.
Once enabled, Windows automatically allows approved devices on your trusted network to access the resources you choose to share.
6: Manage Public Folder and Password Protected Sharing
Windows provides additional sharing controls that improve both convenience and security.
Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change advanced sharing settings > All Networks.
Here you’ll find Public Folder Sharing, Media Streaming, File Sharing Connections, and Password Protected Sharing.
Public Folder Sharing allows everyone on your local network to access files placed inside the Public folders.
Password Protected Sharing requires users to enter valid Windows account credentials before accessing shared files or printers. For most home and business environments, keeping Password Protected Sharing enabled provides better security because only authorized users can access your shared resources.
Save your changes before closing the window.
7: Test Your VPN and Sharing Configuration
After configuring both VPN and sharing settings, it’s important to verify that everything works correctly.
Connect to your VPN from Settings > Network & Internet > VPN.
Once connected, check whether you can reach the intended private network resources.
If you’ve enabled file sharing, open File Explorer > Network and confirm that your shared devices appear correctly. If they do not, verify that Network Discovery and File and Printer Sharing are enabled on both computers.
Restarting both devices can also refresh network detection and resolve temporary communication issues.
FAQs
Is Windows 11’s built in VPN a VPN service?
No. Windows provides a VPN client, not a VPN service. You still need a VPN provider or company VPN server to establish a secure connection.
Should I enable Network Discovery?
Yes, but only on Private networks that you trust. On Public networks, keeping Network Discovery disabled improves security.
What does Password Protected Sharing do?
Password Protected Sharing requires users to authenticate with a valid Windows account before accessing shared files or printers.
Why can’t I see another computer on my network?
This usually happens because Network Discovery is disabled, both devices are on different network profiles, or firewall settings are blocking communication.
Can I use VPN and file sharing together?
Yes. Many businesses use a VPN together with File Sharing so employees can securely access shared folders while working remotely.
Summary
Learning how to manage VPN and Advanced Sharing Settings in Windows 11/10 helps you create a safer and more reliable networking experience. A properly configured VPN protects your internet traffic and provides secure access to private networks, while correctly configured Advanced Sharing Settings let you safely share files, folders, and printers with trusted devices.
By following the navigation paths in this guide, including Go to Settings > Network & Internet > VPN and Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change advanced sharing settings, even beginners can confidently configure these important Windows features.