Configure VPN and Advanced Sharing Settings in Windows 11

VPN and Advanced Sharing settings in Windows 11 give you more control over how your computer connects to networks, accesses shared files and printers, and communicates with other devices. Although these settings can look complicated at first, most of them are straightforward once you understand what each option does.

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, creates a protected connection between your Windows 11 PC and a VPN server. This can be useful when connecting to a workplace network, accessing resources remotely, or protecting network traffic on an untrusted connection.

Advanced sharing settings, on the other hand, control whether your PC can discover other devices and whether other devices can access resources shared from your computer. Windows 11 provides separate controls for Network discovery, File and printer sharing, and Public folder sharing.

In this guide, you will learn what these settings do, how to configure them, how to manage sharing options, and what to do when common VPN problems occur.

VPN and Advanced Sharing Settings in Windows

Windows 11 places VPN and network sharing controls in different areas of the Settings app. Understanding their individual features makes configuration much easier.

VPN Settings

The VPN section allows you to add and manage VPN connections. You can enter information such as the VPN provider, connection name, server address, VPN type, and sign-in method.

The VPN provider identifies the service or VPN configuration you are using. Windows 11 includes an option for Windows (built-in), which allows you to manually configure a compatible VPN connection without installing a separate VPN application.

The Connection name is simply the name Windows displays for your VPN connection. You can choose a name that makes the connection easy to identify.

The Server name or address tells Windows where to establish the VPN connection. This information normally comes from your workplace, VPN administrator, or VPN provider.

The VPN type determines the protocol Windows should use. Available options can vary depending on your configuration and Windows version.

The Type of sign-in info determines how Windows authenticates you. Depending on the VPN, this could involve a username and password, certificate, smart card, or other authentication method.

Advanced Sharing Settings

The Advanced sharing settings page provides controls for network communication and sharing.

Network discovery allows your PC to find other devices on the same network. When enabled on a trusted private network, Windows can make it easier to discover computers, printers, and other network devices.

File and printer sharing allows other authorized devices on the network to access shared folders and printers on your PC.

Public folder sharing controls whether other network users can access the Public folders on your computer.

Windows 11 also provides Password protected sharing controls. When enabled, network users generally need an account and appropriate credentials on your PC before accessing shared resources.

The settings can differ depending on whether the network is classified as Private or Public. You should be more restrictive when connected to a public network.

Configuring VPN and Advanced Sharing Settings in Windows 11

Before changing anything, it is useful to know that VPN configuration and advanced sharing configuration are separate processes. You can configure a VPN without enabling file sharing, and you can configure local network sharing without using a VPN.

Follow the methods below carefully if you are new to Windows 11.

Method 1: Open Windows 11 Network Settings

The first step is to open the main network settings area.

Step 1: Open Settings

Press Windows + I on your keyboard. This shortcut opens the Settings app directly. You can also open the Start menu and select Settings.

Step 2: Select Network & internet

Look at the left side of the Settings window and select Network & internet. This section contains settings for Wi-Fi, Ethernet, VPN, proxy connections, and other network-related features.

Step 3: Review Your Current Connection

At the top of the page, check whether your computer is connected through Wi-Fi or Ethernet. This is important because some network options behave differently depending on the type of connection you are using.

Method 2: Configure a VPN Connection

Windows 11 lets you manually add a VPN connection when you have the required connection details.

Step 1: Open VPN Settings

Go to Settings > Network & internet > VPN. You will see the VPN connections already configured on your computer.

Step 2: Select Add VPN

Click Add VPN. Windows will display a form where you can enter the VPN configuration details.

Step 3: Choose the VPN Provider

Under VPN provider, select Windows (built-in) if you are manually configuring a VPN supported by Windows.

Step 4: Enter a Connection Name

Enter a recognizable name under Connection name. For example, you could use the name of your workplace or VPN service.

Step 5: Enter the Server Address

Enter the Server name or address supplied by your VPN administrator or provider. Check this information carefully because even a small error can prevent the connection from working.

Step 6: Select the VPN Type

Choose the appropriate VPN type. If your provider or organization specifies a particular protocol, select that option. If you are unsure, check the VPN provider’s configuration instructions rather than guessing.

Step 7: Choose the Sign-In Method

Select the appropriate Type of sign-in info and enter the required credentials if Windows asks for them.

Step 8: Save the VPN

Click Save. Your new VPN connection should now appear under the VPN settings page.

Step 9: Connect to the VPN

Select the VPN connection and click Connect. Windows will attempt to establish the connection using the information you provided.

Method 3: Turn On Network Discovery

Network discovery is useful when you want your Windows 11 PC to find other devices on a trusted network.

Step 1: Open Advanced Sharing Settings

Go to Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings. Under More settings, select Advanced sharing settings.

Step 2: Find the Private Networks Section

Look for the Private networks section. This controls discovery and sharing for networks Windows considers private.

Step 3: Enable Network Discovery

Turn on Network discovery. Windows can then discover compatible computers and devices connected to the same trusted network.

For security, avoid enabling network discovery simply because you are connected to an unfamiliar public network.

Method 4: Enable File and Printer Sharing

If you want other trusted devices to access shared folders or printers on your computer, you can enable file and printer sharing.

Step 1: Open Advanced Sharing Settings

Open Settings, select Network & internet, choose Advanced network settings, and then select Advanced sharing settings.

Step 2: Locate File and Printer Sharing

Under Private networks, find File and printer sharing.

Step 3: Turn On File and Printer Sharing

Switch File and printer sharing to On. Windows will then allow supported sharing features on that network.

Remember that turning this option on does not automatically share every folder on your computer. You still need to configure individual folders or printers for sharing.

Method 5: Configure Public Network Sharing

Windows 11 separates Public networks from Private networks because public connections require greater caution.

Step 1: Open Advanced Sharing Settings

Navigate to Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Advanced sharing settings.

Step 2: Expand Public Networks

Find the Public networks section and expand it.

Step 3: Review Sharing Options

Check the available Network discovery and File and printer sharing options. In most situations, you should leave unnecessary sharing features disabled when connected to a public network.

Method 6: Change the Network Profile

Changing a network from Public to Private can affect which sharing features Windows permits.

Step 1: Open Your Network Properties

For Wi-Fi, go to Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi and select your connected network. For Ethernet, open Settings > Network & internet > Ethernet.

Step 2: Find Network Profile Type

Look for Network profile type.

Step 3: Choose Private

If you trust the network, select Private. Windows will treat the connection as a trusted network and make features such as network discovery available according to your sharing settings.

Do not change an unfamiliar public network to Private simply to make sharing work.

Managing Advanced Sharing Settings in Windows 11

After enabling sharing, you may need to adjust individual settings depending on what you want other computers to access.

Open Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Advanced sharing settings.

Under Private networks, you can manage Network discovery and File and printer sharing.

Under Public networks, you can control whether discovery and sharing are available on public connections.

You can also review All networks for additional options. Depending on your Windows 11 version, this section can include settings related to Public folder sharing and Password protected sharing.

For everyday use, keeping password-protected access enabled provides an additional layer of protection. 

If you share folders, make sure the folder permissions are also configured correctly. Enabling file sharing alone does not determine exactly who can access every file.

Common VPN Problems & Fixes

VPN Will Not Connect

First, verify the VPN server address, VPN type, username, and password. A single incorrect configuration value can prevent the connection.

VPN Connects but Internet Stops Working

This can happen because of VPN routing or DNS configuration. Disconnect from the VPN and test your normal internet connection. If the internet works normally without the VPN, review the VPN provider’s recommended Windows configuration.

VPN Keeps Disconnecting

Check your internet connection first. If your regular connection is unstable, the VPN may repeatedly lose its connection. Updating Windows and checking your VPN configuration can also help.

Shared Computers Are Not Appearing

Make sure the network is configured as Private if it is a trusted network. Then check that Network discovery is enabled.

Shared Folders Cannot Be Accessed

Check File and printer sharing, folder sharing permissions, and the credentials being used to access the computer. Windows Firewall settings can also affect network sharing.

VPN and Local Network Sharing Conflict

Some VPN configurations intentionally prevent access to local network devices while the VPN is connected. If you cannot access a local printer or shared folder while connected to a VPN, check the VPN provider’s settings for local network access or split tunneling.

FAQs

Where are Advanced Sharing Settings in Windows 11?

You can find them by opening Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Advanced sharing settings.

Does Windows 11 Have a Built-In VPN?

Windows 11 provides support for manually configuring compatible VPN connections through its VPN settings. This does not mean Microsoft provides a general-purpose commercial VPN service.

Should Network Discovery Be On or Off?

Use Network discovery when you need to discover trusted devices on a private network. Keeping it disabled on unfamiliar networks is generally safer.

Why Can’t I See Another Computer on My Network?

Check that both computers are connected to the same network, their network profiles are appropriate, and Network discovery is enabled. Also check that required sharing features are enabled.

Does Enabling File Sharing Share Everything?

No. Turning on File and printer sharing does not automatically make every file on your computer available. Individual folders and their permissions determine what can actually be accessed.

Should I Enable File Sharing on Public Wi-Fi?

Generally, you should avoid enabling unnecessary file and printer sharing on public or unfamiliar networks.

Summary

VPN and Advanced Sharing settings in Windows 11 give you control over secure remote connections and local network communication. VPN settings let you configure supported VPN connections, while Advanced Sharing Settings control network discovery, file sharing, printer sharing, and related network-access options.

If you are new to Windows 11, start by identifying whether your connection is Private or Public. Then enable only the sharing features you actually need. 

For VPN connections, carefully enter the configuration details supplied by your VPN provider or organization. 

With the right settings, you can make Windows 11 easier to connect to remote networks while keeping local sharing under your control.