If you run a small business or home office, you don’t need expensive NAS devices or cloud subscriptions to share files securely. In this guide, you’ll learn how to build a free file server on Windows 11 and access it remotely from outside your local network using Tailscale — a secure, modern VPN powered by WireGuard.
Why You Need a File Server
A file server allows multiple users to access, edit, and store documents in one central location. It helps teams collaborate efficiently and ensures data stays organized and backed up.
Traditionally, companies relied on Windows Server or dedicated NAS hardware for this purpose, but Windows 11 includes all the core tools needed to set up a simple file server — completely free.
What You’ll Need
- Before you start, make sure you have:
- A Windows 11 PC (Pro or Home edition)
- Administrator access on that machine
- Stable internet connection
- Tailscale account (free for personal and small-team use)
Step 1: Prepare Your File Server Folder
Create a dedicated folder for company files.
E:\Shares\CompanyFilesStep 2: Create local user accounts Using PowerShell:
New-LocalUser -Name "test1" -Password (ConvertTo-SecureString "P@ssw0rdtest1" -AsPlainText -Force) -FullName "test1" -Description "Company user" New-LocalUser -Name "test2" -Password (ConvertTo-SecureString "P@ssw0rdtest2" -AsPlainText -Force) -FullName "test2" -Description "Company user"Step 3: Set NTFS Permissions for Security
Open PowerShell as a Administrator mode and Type below command:
$path = "E:\Shares\CompanyFiles"
icacls $path /grant "Administrators:(OI)(CI)F"
icacls $path /grant "test1:(OI)(CI)M" "test2:(OI)(CI)M"Scene 4: Create an SMB Share
New-SmbShare -Name "CompanyFiles" -Path "E:\Shares\CompanyFiles" -FullAccess "Administrators" -ChangeAccess "test1","test2" Step 3: Enable File and Printer Sharing in Firewall
Windows blocks SMB (file sharing) by default on public networks. To allow access safely:
Get-NetFirewallRule -DisplayGroup "File and Printer Sharing" | Set-NetFirewallRule -Profile Private,Domain -Enabled TrueStep 4: Install and Configure Tailscale
- Download and install Tailscale for Windows from tailscale.com/download
- Sign in using your Google, Microsoft, or GitHub account.
- Once connected, your PC joins your private “Tailnet” and receives a private IP
Step 5: Access Your File Server Remotely
From another computer or laptop:
Install Tailscale and sign in to the same Tailnet.
Open File Explorer and enter:
\\IP_ADDRESS\CompanyFilesConclusion:
Setting up a free file server on Windows 11 is easier than ever. With Tailscale, you can securely access your shared files from anywhere — without configuring routers, port forwarding, or paying for third-party VPNs.
This setup is ideal for small companies, home offices, or remote teams who want secure file access without a full Windows Server environment.
