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

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
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.

Was this answer helpful?

100+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

63 additional answers

Sort by: Oldest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2021-12-12T17:22:52+00:00

    It may simply just need all of the devices restarted in order to reset this, could you try that?

    Kind Regards,

    Elise

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2021-12-12T17:41:52+00:00

    Restarting all devices is the final stage of the reset process. Unfortunately, that did not solve the problem.

    I am grateful for your assistance in attempting to solve my problem and I shall continue to research the problem.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2021-12-12T18:03:24+00:00

    Unfortunately I am not sure how to assist further, hopefully another advisor will be able to assist further.

    Kind Regards,

    Elise

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2021-12-12T18:30:07+00:00

    Hello Elise,

    I am most grateful for your attemts to solve my problem.

    Kindest regards & Happy Xmas,

    Stan

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments