How to Share Files and Folders in Ubuntu

This step by step guide will explain how to enable file sharing in Ubuntu, so that you can share files and folders across your network.

  1. Sharing files and folders across your network from your Ubuntu PC is every bit as easy as sharing files in Windows (arguably, it’s easier). Start by right-clicking on the folder you want to share, and select Properties
  2. the Ubuntu file manager with an arrow pointing to the Music folder

  3. Select the Local Network Share tab and then place a check in the box labelled Share this folder
  4. the Ubuntu folder Properties window with an arrow pointing to the Local Network Share tab

  5. In all likelihood you’ll get a message about the sharing service not being installed. Click the Install service button. If you didn’t get a message about the sharing service not being installed, you can skip down to step #7 below.
  6. installing a service in Ubuntu

  7. Ubuntu will now install Samba on your computer. This will allow other computers on your network to be able to communicate and share files and folders with Ubuntu. Click the Install button.
  8. installing the Samba service in Ubuntu to share files

  9. When prompted, enter your password and click the Authenticate button.
  10. the authentication panel in Ubuntu

  11. Give Ubuntu a few moments to download and install Samba.
  12. Samba installing in Ubuntu so it can share files

  13. Once you’re back at the Properties window, place a check in the box labelled Allow others to create and delete files in this folder
  14. adding permissions to a shared folder in Ubuntu

  15. This time Ubuntu will ask that you grant Nautilus (your file manager) permission to change certain properties of the folder you wish to share. Click the Add the permissions automatically button.
  16. automatically add permissions to a folder

  17. That’s it! Other computers on your network will now be able to access the folder you just shared and all of the files within it. Repeat these steps for each folder you wish to share.

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8 thoughts on “How to Share Files and Folders in Ubuntu”

  1. Thank you very much. I appreciate the work you have done. Its really well written.

  2. THANKS I didn’t know about the need of adding a SMB user to enable shares and that made me lose some time.

    How this whole process can be simple than a right click used in Windows still defeats me.

    Anyway, thanks
    Maxi

  3. While I should have known better, the ‘smbpasswd’ step had me stumped. Thanks for the kick in the right direction.

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