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

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.

This was the fix for me. I kept trying to use my PIN and was confusing it with my password. My work and home PCs are on the same network and I log into my work PC using a PIN that is a memorable phrase plus a few odd characters. The password itself was something randomly generated by my password vault program (LastPass) and consists of meaningless numbers, letters, and special characters. I never log in using my password and indeed was not really even remembering that there was a difference between the PIN and a password.

When I finally tried entering my password and not my PIN for the network credentials prompt, everything worked properly.

For many people (myself included) Microsoft calling this a PIN (personal identification NUMBER) is what is confusing. Microsoft now allows your PIN to consist of numbers, letters, and other characters. In other words, it is impossible to distinguish a password from a PIN simply by looking at what characters are allowed - a PIN can now be %yt9&-ert@Ht6 and not just something entirely numerical like 594432. As such, it is no longer intuitive to call it a PIN because for many people, they will associate this with something that is numbers-only, like the PIN associated with your debit card.

If you are on Computer #2 and trying to access Computer #1 on a windows home network, do the following:

1. Go to computer #1 and log in using your password (not your PIN) to ensure it is locally cached on computer #1. If you have never logged in using anything except a PIN, you will need to log in at least once using your password.
2. Make a note of computer #1's username and password. The username will usually be the email address associated with your Microsoft account
3. Go to computer #2 and when prompted for your network credentials, type in the username and password for computer #1

Hi Stan. I'm Greg, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, specializing in Installation, Performance, Troubleshooting and Activation, here to help you.

Set up file sharing again following this best guide for Windows 11 File Sharing:

https://www.ubackup.com/windows-11/windows-11-f...

If any problems troubleshoot file sharing here:

https://itechhacks.com/fix-windows-cannot-acces...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSVY4JwuZNA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLIsfR-pV2I

Fixes for Invalid Credentials:

https://www.thewindowsclub.com/fix-enter-networ... (Avoid ad links which intrude into editorial copy, especially avoid Restoro, PC Repair Tool and Reimage ads)

https://wethegeek.com/enter-network-credentials...

You said the problem doesn't happen in a Local Account. How about if you change the MS Account to a Local Account in Settings > Accounts > Your Info > Sign in with a Local Account Instead. Then if the Local Account fails, create another to test it and if it works, link the MS Account to it in Settings > Accounts > Your Info > Sign in with a MS Account, move your files over from the old account.

Feel free to ask back any questions. Please report back results for all steps given so I know what else to suggest if necessary.

______________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

Hello Horace,

I am grateful for your detailed input but my problem is not how to setup my desktop. The problem was that I could not make the sharing work despite accepting advice and suggestions from many people. Thankfully, I can now share with others because I have moved from a Microsoft Account to a Local Account for all my users.

Hi Greg,

I have now followed (to the letter) every video & piece of guidance that you kindly offered and, regrettably, nothing solved the problem.  The last resort was always to revert to a Local Account, and you alluded to that at the end of your email.  I have now converted all of my PCs to a Local Account and everything works perfectly again.  I wonder why Microsoft have made it so difficult to set up a home network when using a Microsoft Account?

Kind regards

Stan