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
    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

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  2. Anonymous
    2021-12-12T15:42:36+00:00

    Do you have Windows 11 Home or Pro? I have Pro and haven't had any problems sharing between my computers.

    Hi Horace,

    I am using Windows 11 Pro Version 21H2 Build 22000.348

    Since you are having no problems then clearly something is wrong with how my devices are setup. All of them have BitDefender installed so I shall disable that software to see whether it is the cause of the problem.

    Kind regards,

    Stan

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  3. Anonymous
    2021-12-12T15:18:52+00:00

    Do you have Windows 11 Home or Pro? I have Pro and haven't had any problems sharing between my computers.

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  4. Anonymous
    2021-12-12T14:38:13+00:00

    Hi, I'm Elise, and I'd be happy to help with your issue.

    It sounds like the username might be causing the issue, if you check in C:\Users you will see that the name of the folder is a shorter than the full Microsoft account name.

    If you use this shorter folder name as the username instead and try this again?

    Kind Regards,

    Elise

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