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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  1. Anonymous
    2023-02-06T22:27:23+00:00

    Thank you !

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-02-06T22:19:28+00:00

    Our Solution was to make sure the computer hosting the file had each individual account and password created as Local Accounts. The the next step make sure to log onto each account with the password option instead of pin. We had icon choices to choose from, a key or a number pad. Once all the accounts had been initialized on the hosted computer then everything became available. Make sure they now log in with passwords instead of pins.

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  3. Anonymous
    2022-12-09T17:49:48+00:00

    Hi Skulfighter, yes THX. Your answer was quite helpful. Nevertheless, I would like to add that had somehow an additional issue (don’t remember it so clearly). I had to leave the “PASSWORD setting on” (not going back to early to the PIN setting) in order to activate the correct response between the two systems W11 and W10. CiBi

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  4. Anonymous
    2022-11-18T14:55:37+00:00

    How was this comment helpful?

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