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
    2023-04-09T23:37:19+00:00

    [SOLUTION] ... a simple solution that doesn't require additional account creation regardless of MS account or Local account.

    Hi Stan,

    I was having this EXACT same problem. When I create a Microsoft Account I can no longer see any of my other computers on my LOCAL network. I'm not on a domain and I have 6 local PCs running at home and none of them can see each other now after installing just ONE of my computers with Win 11 using my Microsoft Account (aka the PIN method using TPM).

    I had NO choice to install a regular user account when installing new Win11 on one of my PCs, I was forced to use PIN process.

    I've done everything:

    1. Network Troubleshooting which actually suggested I disable the Firewall (both public and private) which I did but no difference
    2. Verified network discovery enabled for both Private and Public
    3. Verified shares for "Everyone" full access
    4. Network Reset
    5. sfc /scannow -- no errors (ran 3 times)
    6. rebooted all PCs

    My network of 5 computers all running Windows 11 "was" working fine, they all could see each other and share files. As soon as I add one more computer (using a "different" Win 11 Pro key I purchased) using the PIN approach and forced to login with my Microsoft account (no option to NOT login with it, no local account option) NONE of my other 5 PCs could see each other. Network Discover brings up nothing.

    The ONLY thing all my computers can still see is my NAS.

    SOLUTION:

    1. Determine the names of your computers on your network (in Search box type "computer name")
    2. Open File Explorer
    3. In the File Explorer address bar type in \ComputerName
    4. Enter the credentials for that computer (can be Microsoft account or your local account so long as the shares exist)
    5. Map a drive letter and check automatic reconnect at login

    Basically "Network Discovery" is broken in Win11 as it was in Win10.

    Cheers, Rob.

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-06-14T13:15:49+00:00

    [SOLUTION] ... a simple solution that doesn't require additional account creation regardless of MS account or Local account.

    Hi Stan,

    I was having this EXACT same problem. When I create a Microsoft Account I can no longer see any of my other computers on my LOCAL network. I'm not on a domain and I have 6 local PCs running at home and none of them can see each other now after installing just ONE of my computers with Win 11 using my Microsoft Account (aka the PIN method using TPM).

    I had NO choice to install a regular user account when installing new Win11 on one of my PCs, I was forced to use PIN process.

    I've done everything:

    1. Network Troubleshooting which actually suggested I disable the Firewall (both public and private) which I did but no difference
    2. Verified network discovery enabled for both Private and Public
    3. Verified shares for "Everyone" full access
    4. Network Reset
    5. sfc /scannow -- no errors (ran 3 times)
    6. rebooted all PCs

    My network of 5 computers all running Windows 11 "was" working fine, they all could see each other and share files. As soon as I add one more computer (using a "different" Win 11 Pro key I purchased) using the PIN approach and forced to login with my Microsoft account (no option to NOT login with it, no local account option) NONE of my other 5 PCs could see each other. Network Discover brings up nothing.

    The ONLY thing all my computers can still see is my NAS.

    SOLUTION:

    1. Determine the names of your computers on your network (in Search box type "computer name")
    2. Open File Explorer
    3. In the File Explorer address bar type in \ComputerName
    4. Enter the credentials for that computer (can be Microsoft account or your local account so long as the shares exist)
    5. Map a drive letter and check automatic reconnect at login

    Basically "Network Discovery" is broken in Win11 as it was in Win10.

    Image

    Cheers, Rob.

    There is merit in waiting until one has read all the suggestions before deciding on which one to try first.

    There were a couple of contributor's suggestions worthy of trying out, but yours, Rob, seemed the easiest, and so it proved to be the case.

    I will add that although initially the other PC showed under "Network" in the left pane, once file explorer was reopened, it no longer appeared, but the shared folder remains in This PC > Network locations, and the network drive is visible in the left pane under This PC in my case.

    Much appreciated.

    Peter

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-06-14T17:29:48+00:00

    I have 2 desktops with Windows 10 & my laptop with Windows 11.

    I do not use credentials, and the WIndows 11 has a different Network name.

    BUT one of the desktops was linked to the laptop.

    So after doing the scannow I copied the services on the one & compared it with the alone one.

    A few services had to be changed from Manual to Automatic.

    Then when I restarted the network is completely working.

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-08-23T13:47:06+00:00

    This solved my problem. I can now access my Windows 11 laptop using the microsoft email and its password through network. Thanks!

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