Member Avatar for Omar_17

I want to connect 3 or more devices with one adminstrator device (PC) by using router for the network connection.

The PC Windows 8

Should i use server program like Filzila or something like that, or can i do without.

I have to do?

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by rproffitt

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— short answer: for a small LAN you do not need special server software. The Windows 8 PC can act as the administrator/host and share folders and printers over the router. was right to ask what you want the “server” to do — local file/print/scan sharing is different from remote/public file hosting.

Basic, reliable sequence to get files shared on the LAN:

  • Put the PC and all devices on the same subnet and choose a “Private” (trusted) network profile on the host.
  • On the host enable network discovery and file/printer sharing (Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change advanced sharing settings).
  • Share any folder you want (right‑click folder > Properties > Sharing > Advanced Sharing) and set share and NTFS permissions for the user accounts that will connect.
  • Give the host a fixed LAN address (static IP or DHCP reservation in the router) so clients can map \192.168.x.y\ShareName consistently.
  • On client machines use File Explorer -> Map network drive -> \HostName\ShareName (or \IP\ShareName) and supply credentials if prompted.

Printer and scanner notes:

  • Share a printer from Devices and Printers (printer Properties > Sharing) or, better, connect the printer/scanner directly to the router (wired/Wi‑Fi) if it supports network mode; then install the network driver on each client.
  • USB scanners are harder to “share” across clients. Options: install the scanner software on every client, keep scans on the host and place them in the shared folder, or use an MFP with built‑in network scanning.

Security and troubleshooting checklist:

  • Keep password‑protected sharing enabled or create a dedicated sharing user with a strong password.
  • Allow File and Printer Sharing in the Windows firewall for Private networks; disable any “AP/client isolation” on the router.
  • Test with ping and \IP\ShareName; check both share and NTFS permissions if access is denied.
  • Do not expose SMB ports to the internet; use a VPN or secure file server if remote access is required.

This approach covers typical home/small office setups without extra server software.

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Member Avatar for rproffitt

The "connect" you describe is typical. But you left out what exactly you need this server to do.

Before we get into Filezilla, I want to share that last week our office uncovered a laptop running Windows 8. To bring it into the fold we gave it a shot at a W10 upgrade. Huzzah! It worked and we saved 100 bucks on the license. Along with this laptop there was another back on Windows 7 but that failed (not the only one may I add) to upgrade. It appears Microsoft has shutdown the free upgrades from W7 now.

-> I can't guess what you are looking to do exactly but hey, what you noted does "connect." And Filezilla is a known good server but is that what you need?

Member Avatar for Omar_17

I want to share files between devices (PC - Scan - Print), So does i need any program to do or just local network settings can done this?

And how if you have a way to done it?

Edited by Omar_17
Member Avatar for rproffitt

Windows since about Windows 3.1x or WFWG (Windows For WorkGroups) has file and printer sharing capability. What's happened since those days is the Web has a lot of tutorials about this.

You wrote "local network settings can done this?" That's slightly incorrect. Network settings is network settings. Creating file shares is something else. Filezilla is a great way to set up a file share system though. I can't guess if it is the solution you seek due to, well, you haven't quite told what you are expecting.

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