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
    2023-09-22T07:13:36+00:00

    You rock!! I have been searching for the answer everywhere for 2 weeks!! Nothing else has worked and this is not available that I have found from Microsoft. I can sleep now.

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-08-28T01:52:50+00:00

    Thank you so much for providing this solution. I had spent numerous hours trying to figure out why I couldn't log in with the correct ID and password. It's frustrating that Microsoft creates such confusion for its users.

    Best regards,

    Nasser

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  3. 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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  4. 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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