How to Create a Link to a File or Folder in Windows: A Comprehensive Guide

When working with shared resources on a network, you may need to quickly obtain the link to a shared network folder and paste it into communications. Furthermore, you might want to hyperlink to a file stored locally on your computer. Both Windows 11 and 10 provide functionalities to copy a file path as a link, as well as to create links to folders or libraries. In this guide, we will answer common questions such as “How do I create a link to a file or folder?” and “How do I copy a file path as a link?”

Contents

  1. Method 1: Create a link using the Sharing Wizard
  2. Method 2: Create a link using File Explorer
  3. Troubleshooting: My file path link doesn’t work!
  4. Feedback: Do you use file hyperlinks?

NOTE: This guide applies to both Windows 10 and Windows 11. If you need to determine your Windows version, refer to: How to Tell What Windows I Have (11 Ways).

Method 1: Create a Link Using the Sharing Wizard

The Sharing Wizard is a straightforward method for creating links to files, folders, or libraries in Windows. In Windows 10, it works for all items, whereas in Windows 11, it is limited to folders and libraries. Follow the link to learn more: How to Share Folders, Files, and Libraries with the Network in Windows.

Steps to Use the Sharing Wizard

  1. Open File Explorer.
  2. Navigate to the item you want to hyperlink.
  3. Right-click on the item and choose the appropriate option based on your Windows version:
    • In Windows 10, select Give access to > Specific people.
    • In Windows 11, click Show more options, then Give access to > Specific people.
Using the Sharing Wizard to create a link

During the final step when it informs you that the item is shared, do not close the wizard. Instead, take note of the options presented:

Sharing Wizard Notification

You will see options to email the link or copy the link to your clipboard. Selecting the email option opens your default mail client with the link pre-filled. Alternatively, copying the link allows you to paste it directly into other applications.

Emailing a file link Copying a file link

Method 2: Create a Link Using File Explorer

This method is effective for files, folders, and libraries that you have already shared on your Windows computer. Here’s how you can create a link:

  1. Open File Explorer and locate the Network section.
  2. Double-click on the PC that contains the file you want to link.
  3. Browse until you find the specific file, folder, or library.
  4. Right-click on the item and choose Copy as path (Shift + Right-click for Windows 10).
Accessing shared files Finding shared files Copying the path

Once the link is copied, you can paste it wherever needed. Ensure to press Enter if copying to an Office application, to make it clickable.

Pasting file link

Troubleshooting: My File Path Link Doesn’t Work!

If your file links are not functioning properly, here are potential solutions:

  • In some apps, prefix your link with file:///.
  • Replace spaces in file paths with %20.
  • If using older Windows versions, replace backslashes (\) with forward slashes (/).
File path troubleshooting

Finally, be aware that certain applications may not support file links. Users can still copy the link and paste it into the address bar of their own File Explorer.

Feedback: Do You Use File Hyperlinks?

We hope this guide has been beneficial to you. If you have other methods for creating links to files, folders, or libraries on a network, please share them in the comments below!

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32 Comments

  1. Hương KT -

    Such useful tips! I’m going to implement this for my accounting files. Thanks a lot

  2. Ben 44 -

    This was super helpful! I always thought file sharing was such a hassle but you made it look easy. Thanks

  3. Jessica Lee -

    Just when I was about to give up on sharing files easily, I found this solution. Thank you so much

  4. Susan K. -

    I’m so glad I found this article. It’s packed with info that’s easy to understand. Appreciate it

  5. Jackie D. -

    Two thumbs up for this guide! Finally, I can share my files without any hassle. Thank you

  6. Peter_the_Geek -

    Wow, I didn't know you could do it that way! Definitely going to try this out. Cheers

  7. Sophie Green -

    Can you explain more about the permissions for shared folders when creating links? I'm curious!

  8. Linda B -

    Has anyone tried sharing links through different email services? I wonder if there’s any difference.

  9. Rachel C. -

    I love how straightforward this guide is. Do you plan on sharing more tips about managing files in Windows

  10. Emily Johnson -

    This is such a helpful article! I never knew there were two ways to create a link to a file. Thanks for sharing!

  11. Các Mèo -

    Why didn’t I find this sooner? I had no idea linking files could be that easy! You rock

  12. Mark 123 -

    I always struggled with this. Your step-by-step instructions make it so easy to follow

  13. Timmy D. -

    This is gold! Just what I needed for my project. Is there a limit to how many links I can create?

  14. Thùy Linh -

    Great info! I’m glad I found this. How do you make sure the link works on different devices?

  15. Minh Anh 6789 -

    Very informative! I'm going to share this with my friends who often have trouble with file sharing.

  16. Sunny M -

    Your article just made my day. No more struggling with file navigation. Thank you!

  17. Linh mèo -

    Thank you for these tips! I often share large files and now it’s going to be much easier

  18. Văn Hòa -

    Create link to folders? Yes, please! This is something I desperately needed

  19. Sarah D. -

    This is fantastic! I found this just when I needed it. Is there a way to link directly to a folder shared on the network?

  20. Tommy H. -

    Really helpful! I was always confused about how to create links properly. Thanks a million!

  21. Nguyễn Minh Châu -

    I appreciate the effort you put into this! I will definitely recommend this article to my colleagues.

  22. Hương Đà Nẵng -

    Your content is really useful! I prefer the second method—it's simpler for me. Keep it up

  23. Nora J -

    Excited to try this! How do you handle links for files that are often updated? Is there a way to keep it current

  24. Tommy IT -

    Quick question: Can I use these links in emails too? I want to send some files to my team

  25. David Curious -

    This is a gem! Just saved me so much time. I wish I had discovered this earlier

  26. Steve Rogers -

    Thanks for the guide! I've always struggled with file navigation. This will be a game-changer for me

  27. Jack Smith -

    This is such a relief! I always have a hard time sharing files with colleagues, but not anymore

  28. Huyền Lizzie -

    Amazing post! I love how you broke it down. I’d love to see more content like this

  29. Happy Puppy -

    Just tried the link creation process and it worked like a charm! Thanks for the clear instructions

  30. Lucky Cat -

    I thought creating links was complicated, but you made it look so simple. Love it

  31. Michael Scott -

    I’ve been looking for a simple guide on this. Thanks for making it user-friendly

  32. Quang vn -

    Nice article! I’ll definitely try the second method since it looks faster. Appreciate your hard work!

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