How to Remove Shared Folder from File Explorer
In today’s digital age, sharing folders across networks is a common practice. However, there may come a time when you need to remove a shared folder from your File Explorer to declutter your network or address any issues. This article will guide you through the process of removing a shared folder from File Explorer on Windows.
Step 1: Open File Explorer
To begin, open File Explorer by clicking on the folder icon in your taskbar or by pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard.
Step 2: Navigate to the Shared Folder
In the File Explorer window, you will see a sidebar on the left-hand side. Look for the “Network” section and click on it. This will display all the shared folders on your network. Find the folder you want to remove and click on it to open it.
Step 3: Access Network and Sharing Center
Once you have opened the shared folder, right-click on the folder and select “Properties” from the context menu. This will open the folder’s properties window.
In the Properties window, click on the “Sharing” tab. Here, you will see the “Advanced sharing settings” link. Click on it to open the Network and Sharing Center.
Step 4: Disable Sharing
In the Network and Sharing Center, click on the “Turn off network discovery and file sharing” link. This will open a new window with advanced sharing settings.
In this window, select the “Turn off file and printer sharing” option. Click “OK” to save the changes.
Step 5: Remove the Shared Folder
Now that the sharing has been disabled, you can remove the shared folder from File Explorer. To do this, go back to the Network and Sharing Center and click on the “Change advanced sharing settings” link.
In the Advanced Sharing Settings window, expand the “File sharing” section and set the “Network discovery” and “File and printer sharing” options to “Off.” Click “Save changes” to apply the settings.
Step 6: Delete the Shared Folder
Finally, navigate back to the shared folder in File Explorer. Right-click on the folder and select “Delete” from the context menu. Confirm the deletion when prompted.
Congratulations! You have successfully removed the shared folder from File Explorer. This process will help you keep your network organized and address any issues with shared folders.
