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?”

Method 1: Create a link using the Sharing Wizard
Method 2: Create a link using File Explorer
Troubleshooting: My file path link doesn’t work!
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

Open File Explorer.
Navigate to the item you want to hyperlink.
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:

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.

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:

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

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.

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 (/).

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!

(32) Comments

Hương KT - 02/20/2025 11:26

Such useful tips! I’m going to implement this for my accounting files. Thanks a lot
Ben 44 - 02/21/2025 19:37

This was super helpful! I always thought file sharing was such a hassle but you made it look easy. Thanks
Jessica Lee - 02/22/2025 13:10

Just when I was about to give up on sharing files easily, I found this solution. Thank you so much
Susan K. - 02/22/2025 16:57

I’m so glad I found this article. It’s packed with info that’s easy to understand. Appreciate it
Jackie D. - 02/23/2025 02:12

Two thumbs up for this guide! Finally, I can share my files without any hassle. Thank you
Peter_the_Geek - 02/24/2025 05:18

Wow, I didn't know you could do it that way! Definitely going to try this out. Cheers
Sophie Green - 02/24/2025 20:50

Can you explain more about the permissions for shared folders when creating links? I'm curious!
Linda B - 02/25/2025 19:54

Has anyone tried sharing links through different email services? I wonder if there’s any difference.
Rachel C. - 02/26/2025 03:56

I love how straightforward this guide is. Do you plan on sharing more tips about managing files in Windows
Emily Johnson - 02/26/2025 22:41

This is such a helpful article! I never knew there were two ways to create a link to a file. Thanks for sharing!
Các Mèo - 02/28/2025 06:32

Why didn’t I find this sooner? I had no idea linking files could be that easy! You rock
Mark 123 - 02/28/2025 09:22

I always struggled with this. Your step-by-step instructions make it so easy to follow
Timmy D. - 03/03/2025 13:55

This is gold! Just what I needed for my project. Is there a limit to how many links I can create?
Thùy Linh - 03/05/2025 01:09

Great info! I’m glad I found this. How do you make sure the link works on different devices?
Minh Anh 6789 - 03/05/2025 05:44

Very informative! I'm going to share this with my friends who often have trouble with file sharing.
Sunny M - 03/05/2025 09:03

Your article just made my day. No more struggling with file navigation. Thank you!
Linh mèo - 03/05/2025 22:47

Thank you for these tips! I often share large files and now it’s going to be much easier
Văn Hòa - 03/10/2025 01:34

Create link to folders? Yes, please! This is something I desperately needed
Sarah D. - 03/13/2025 20:58

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?
Tommy H. - 03/14/2025 18:25

Really helpful! I was always confused about how to create links properly. Thanks a million!
Nguyễn Minh Châu - 03/16/2025 03:25

I appreciate the effort you put into this! I will definitely recommend this article to my colleagues.
Hương Đà Nẵng - 03/20/2025 03:15

Your content is really useful! I prefer the second method—it's simpler for me. Keep it up
Nora J - 03/21/2025 11:13

Excited to try this! How do you handle links for files that are often updated? Is there a way to keep it current
Tommy IT - 03/22/2025 12:58

Quick question: Can I use these links in emails too? I want to send some files to my team
David Curious - 03/25/2025 05:43

This is a gem! Just saved me so much time. I wish I had discovered this earlier
Steve Rogers - 03/25/2025 19:19

Thanks for the guide! I've always struggled with file navigation. This will be a game-changer for me
Jack Smith - 03/26/2025 20:44

This is such a relief! I always have a hard time sharing files with colleagues, but not anymore
Huyền Lizzie - 03/28/2025 17:38

Amazing post! I love how you broke it down. I’d love to see more content like this
Happy Puppy - 03/30/2025 15:24

Just tried the link creation process and it worked like a charm! Thanks for the clear instructions
Lucky Cat - 04/01/2025 01:15

I thought creating links was complicated, but you made it look so simple. Love it
Michael Scott - 04/02/2025 01:50

I’ve been looking for a simple guide on this. Thanks for making it user-friendly
Quang vn - 04/02/2025 14:52

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

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