File & Folder Sharing in Windows RT

[AstareGod]

I'm highly amazed at all of the advanced, behind-the-scenes stuff that Windows RT is capable of. I especially like being able to enumerate and manage all of my files in my Libraries, much like how Windows 8 operates. However, I was disappointed to find out that File & Folder Sharing is disabled by default, but there are a few things you can do to make the files & folders on your Windows RT tablet accessible from other computers on the network.

1) Go to "Services.mmc". Set the Server service to the Automatic startup type, apply the settings, and click Start to start the Server service.

2) Open up "Mmc.exe" and add the Shared Folders snap-in. (I don't know the .mmc name off the top of my head.)

3) Expand the folder tree, right-click Shares and click New Share...

4) Enter the details of your new share, such as the path, name, and permissions, and create the file share.

5) Make sure your tablet is network discoverable and that file sharing is enabled. (Network discoverability might be optional, however.)

6) Access your tablet by typing "\\[Your Tablet's Computer Name]\[share name]" into a Run box or a File Explorer address bar.

7) Enjoy having access to the files on your Windows RT tablet from any other computer on your network!

As I'm poking around, I'm finding Windows RT is much more capable than I originally thought it would be. Feel free to post any other "advanced" tips you can come up with!

[MS Bob 11]

HomeGroup (for n00bs who use it) is also missing in Windows RT.

[softcomp]

Thanks very much for the shared folder stuff. I followed your steps and set up shared folders on my surface RT, I'm currently trying to connect my RT to my work computer via VPN. Currently I have no issue accessing files on my work computer from RT, but my work computer cannot access my shared files on RT (it can't ping RT at all). I have tried to turn off windows firewalls on both computers, but still cannot ping my RT. Any idea what to do? :(

[softcomp]

never mind, I just found remote desktop desktop app has the same function, i.e. share local files to the remote end. That satisfies my need.

[AstareGod]

  On 27/10/2012 at 18:18, MsftGaurav said:

HomeGroup (for n00bs who use it) is also missing in Windows RT.

I don't use HomeGroup, but I have heard that, while you cannot create a HomeGroup from Windows RT, you can join an existing one. I have a domain setup here in the office, and I have no issues using my domain user account to access shares on the network.

Also, I found out that the usual "Share with" menu item and "Sharing" tab become visible, probably after setting the Server service to Automatic, starting it, and then restarting Windows. This means you don't have to necessarily go through the MMC Shared Folders snap-in once the other sharing options become available.

[illidanx]

  On 27/10/2012 at 18:18, MsftGaurav said:

HomeGroup (for n00bs who use it) is also missing in Windows RT.

That's not true. I can join my home group with my surface RT easily. I just can't create a home group with my surface RT.

[~Johnny]

  On 27/10/2012 at 18:18, MsftGaurav said:

HomeGroup (for n00bs who use it) is also missing in Windows RT.

HomeGroups are lovely things for those of us with multiple PC's around the home :p