Where Is the Windows Public Folder?
Windows Public user folder at C:\Users\Public with shared Documents, Desktop and Downloads.
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Windows keeps a Public user profile alongside real accounts for files every local user should see. Shared Documents, Desktop items and Downloads land here instead of one person's folders.
Anything on the Public Desktop appears for everyone who logs in. That makes it handy for shared shortcuts and dangerous for sensitive drops.
Where Windows stores this, by platform
C:\Users\Public
Contains Public Documents, Public Desktop, Public Downloads and the shared libraries wiring. Files here skip per-user permissions by design, so treat it as readable by every local account.
Frequently asked questions
Why does a shortcut appear for every user?
It lives on the Public Desktop inside the folder above. Delete it there to remove it for everyone at once.
How do I share a file with another local user?
Drop it into Public Documents or another Public subfolder. Both accounts read it without permission surgery.
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