Can't share files, device offline, Microsoft account password not accepted on local computer

PulledAllHairOut 0 Reputation points
2026-06-20T21:10:03.0966667+00:00

All I want to do is set up folder sharing across two Windows 11 PCs on a local network. I've done this before and had a working share with a third PC until I broke it just now while trying to troubleshoot.

All PCs are running Windows 11 25H2.

All PCs are logged into Windows using the same Microsoft Account (online).

Network is set to Private

Private network discovery ON

Set up network connected devices automatically CHECKED

File and printer sharing ON

All networks public folder sharing OFF

All networks password protected sharing tried both ON and OFF

Trying to map the network location I get "The specified network password is not correct".

I've given both Security and Sharing permissions of the shared folder to my Microsoft Account.

I've tried removing existing credentials.

I've tried formatting the credentials as
MSAccountEmail@example.com : MSAccountPassword

HostPCName\MSAccountEmail@example.com : MSAccountPassword

MicrosoftAccount\MSAccountEmail@example.com : MSAccountPassword

What seems to be the most relevant information I've found is that having only logged into these PCs using a PIN, the MSAccount password isn't recognized. I tried to log into windows using the password option but every single time, across all 3 PCs it either says my device is offline (when they are connected to the internet) or intermittently and rarely that my password is incorrect.
I've reset my Microsoft Account password and using the new password logged into the Microsoft Account website to make sure that the new password is correct and working.

Remote Desktop Access into the host PC also doesn't work "The logon attempt failed".

Are these Windows computers even mine anymore? They can't even do the most basic networking. My devices are offline at Windows login even though the network icon at the bottom of the screen says otherwise. My MS password doesn't work for anything.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Accounts, profiles, and login
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Answer recommended by moderator
PulledAllHairOut 0 Reputation points
2026-06-20T22:01:55.0966667+00:00

Edit: and back to "That password is incorrect" on the 3rd PC. Can't make this up.

Solved... by bashing my head in repeatedly. Doing yet another password change followed by countless failed logins until it decided to work.

BTW the correct format for inputting your MS Account credentials is email@example.com.
Microsoft's dumb AI generated answer to my question said to us MicrosoftAccountemail@example.com. This does NOT work.

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