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.

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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
    2022-06-20T06:17:23+00:00

    This is the first answer that actually helped, thanks.

    As usual microsoft bullying users to obedience in order to gain access to more user data via onedrive

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  2. Anonymous
    2022-01-08T02:56:29+00:00

    Nevadamistermom -

    Thank you so much. I have been battling this issue for days now, I DID NOT want to remove my PIN, and once I followed your steps

    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

    everything worked like gangbusters. I even created this account to make sure to log in and give you the praise you deserved.

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  3. Anonymous
    2021-12-13T23:05:43+00:00

    Stan, home networking has been broken ever since they removed HomeGroup, which many think was to force us to use OneDrive. These usual fixes are not working for many.

    I'm glad you found that a Local Account will work. How about if you now change that back to your MS Account in Settings > Accounts > Your Info > Sign in with a Microsoft Account Instead.

    BTW this is the fix for corrupted account: to try a new Local Admin account and if it doesn't have the same problem, to move into it and then when ready delete the old account and convert the new Local to your MS Account. I wonder if this would work here? If not we'll know it's something in the MS account itself that is causing this.

    Unfortunately we no longer have the MS Account Troubleshooter which might have fixed this, as they took it down a year ago and haven't replaced it. What often work in lieu of that is to change to a Local Account (even a brand new one) and then change it back to a MS account.

    Let me know what you find.

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  4. Anonymous
    2021-12-13T12:20:20+00:00

    Many thanks for your helpful response. Unfortunately it did not work.

    I have now tried advice from numerous people who kindly offred me assistance but nothing has worked. As a last resort I have converted from a Microsoft Account to a Local Account and now everything works perfectly. In essence I have now spent about a week trying evrything that people have kindly suggested but to no avail. It took me no more than ten minutes to move to a Local Account on all PC's on my Home Network - why have Microsoft made Home Networking so incredibly difficult?

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