Windows 8 Bible

Using Public Folders

Windows 7 and Windows 8 include a Public folder from which files are shared automatically. This feature is similar to the Shared Documents folder in Windows XP and Windows Vista. You can simply move any files that you intend to share across all user accounts or computers in a private network to that folder. To get to that folder, start by opening File Explorer. Then, expand the Documents, Music, Pictures, or Videos libraries in the left Navigation pane. Figure 50.12 shows the Public folders.

FIGURE 50.12 Public folders in various libraries

The Public folders you see in the Navigation pane are actually all contained in a single folder named Public in the Users folder. (The default path is C:\Users\Public.) The Public folder is organized much like your Documents folders. It contains subfolders for storing documents, downloads, music, pictures, and videos. If you have Media Center installed, it also contains a Recorded TV folder, in which Media Center–Recorded TV files are stored.

Perhaps the easiest way to move files into a Public folder would be to open one of its subfolders, like Public Documents or Public Pictures. Then, open the folder that contains the files you want to share. Size and position the two windows so you can see both. Then drag files from one folder to the other. See Chapter 28, “Managing Files and Folders,” for more information on moving and ...