Can't access the other Windows 11 computers on my home network

Anonymous
2021-12-12T13:32:14+00:00

Since upgrading to Windows 11, my ASUS PC and all DELL laptops on my home network can see each other and can see all computer folders.  Unfortunately, they are not permitted access to files despite having set up file sharing. I am always told that my Network Credentials are invalid. I have validated that my usernames and passwords are correct but they are still rejected.

I have established that when I move all of my accounts from "Microsoft Accounts" to "Local Accounts" then everything works perfectly thus proving that : -

  1. The network infrastructure is not the cause of the problem.
  2. Cause of the problem is the creation of a Microsoft Account - what is in this account setup that prevents proper networking?

Obviously, I would prefer to use "Microsoft Accounts" so can anyone please suggest how I might resolve this problem?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Files, folders, and storage

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Anonymous
2021-12-13T05:04:33+00:00

Hello Stan,

It's probably due to the credentials located on your local machine. If you've set up a PIN for logging into Windows 11 and have never logged into the computer using a password, the PASSWORD is not located on the local machine. Since the PIN only works for the local device, and not across the network, you'll need to sign into the computer 1-time using the full password. It should then work after that...at least until an update wipes it out.

Go to Settings

Accounts

Sign-In Options

Under Additional Settings --> TURN OFF "For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device

Click into some settings (e.g. Apps) and then click back on "Accounts"

Go back into Sign-in Options

You should not see "Password" located underneath "Security Key"

If after clicking on it you see "You're all set up"

Press "Windows Key + L" to lock your computer

Log into the machine using your full Windows 11 password

You should be all set!

Go to your other computer and try out your credentials.

Hope this helps!

P.S. You can then turn on the "Improved security, only allow Windows Hello" again and resume only using a PIN. The PASSWORD will now be stored.

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-02-12T00:12:08+00:00

    My problem is very similar. I will try this solution.

    I have a new T16 PC with OEM Win 11 Pro. Several other older Win 10 PCs. All on WiFi network, all with same specs.

    All Win 10 PC's can connect and manipulate files on all Win 10 PCs AND the Win 11 PC. The Win 11 PC will not connect to any of the Win 10 PCs.

    Will this solution work?

    DRC

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  3. Anonymous
    2025-01-20T17:50:33+00:00

    This worked for me - but your instructions appears to have a typo - and for one computer on the network I had to add a step

    Typo: "You should not see "Password" located underneath "Security Key""

    Correction "You should NOW see "Password" located underneath "Security Key"

    Extra step

    After Turning Off "for improved security..."

    After logging out then back in, the default prompt is for the PIN - but under that is other sign in options which includes password - use that to sign in with password

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-12-16T22:50:25+00:00

    I had at first checked all the Window settings available to match the 2 PCs that were networking. After fixing the network to work right on my laptop with Windows 11 it has been working OK, except after a Wjindows update sometimes, until the following update. Currently my network at home is working OK.

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