How to Check Who Is Accessing Shared Folder on Windows

Sharing folders on a Windows network is a useful feature, allowing multiple users to access the same files from different computers. However, managing these shared resources and ensuring that only authorized users have access is crucial for both security and efficiency. In this article, we'll guide you through two straightforward methods to check who is accessing your shared folders on Windows: using the Computer Management tool and Command Prompt.

Method 1: Check Shared Folder Status Info in Computer Management

The first method involves using the Computer Management tool, a built-in utility in Windows that provides detailed information about shared resources. Here's how to use it:

Step 1: Press Windows + S to evoke the Search bar.

Step 2: Type "Computer Management" and select the corresponding search results to open the Computer Management window.

Step 3: Navigate to "Shared Folders" in the left pane.

Step 4: Click it and double-click on "Sessions" in the main panel to see which computers on your LAN are currently connected to your shared folders.

Step 5: If you want to stop a specific session, right-click on the session you want to end and select "Close Session".

Additional Tips

1. If you want to see which specific files are being accessed, click on "Open Files" in the "Shared Folders" section. This shows the files currently open, the user accessing them, and the type of access they have.

2. To view all shared folders on your system, click on "Shares" in the left panel, and you can see which folders are currently available to other users on your computer.

Method 2: Check Shared Folder Status Info Using CMD

For those who prefer command-line tools, Command Prompt offers a quick way to manage and monitor shared folders.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as an administrator(search for "cmd" in the search bar, right-click, and select "Run as administrator").

Step 2: Type net session and press Enter to see a list of users currently connected to your shared folders.

net session

Step 3: Type net file and hit Enter to see all open files in shared folders and the users who have them open.

net file

Step 4: Type net share to list all shared folders and their paths.

net share

Bonus

Type fsmgmt.msc and press Enter to open the Shared Folders management console. It's a practical tool similar to Computer Management but is more direct.

fsmgmt.msc

Summary

Monitoring who accesses your shared folders on Windows is essential for maintaining security and managing resources efficiently. Whether you prefer using the graphical interface of Computer Management or the command-line tools in Command Prompt, Windows provides you with the tools to easily check who's accessing your shared folders. By following the methods outlined above, you can stay on top of your network's shared resources, ensuring they're used appropriately and securely.