How to fix issues connecting to network share folders

Question

How to fix issues connecting to network share folders

L Robbins 75

Since a an update two months ago, I have lost connection to mapped network share folders and I am not able to re-map them. I have have tried Microsoft chat support four times and cant seem to get the help that I need. The last rep that I spoke to said its a known issue for some windows 11 pro devices with no ETA on resolution. Its been two months...This problem affects my ability to work. I needa fix.HELP!!!

Charles Holdaway 40 Reputation points

2026-02-27T12:02:51.54+00:00

I imagine there are countless people who have wasted vast amounts of time fighting the network mapping, and numerous other battles, with Windows 11. Microsoft engineers better get their act together quickly, or the world will soon be using only Apple and Unix. I cringe every time another "update" is forced upon us, because it usually means that things that used to work stop working, and it becomes necessary to relearn the details of the operating system. Just keep it simple and reliable, and don't change it! We don't need this constant change (unless you are trying to correct bugs that have slipped out the door in a rush to sell us new bells and whistles that we will never need). Your reps, virtual assistants, and online help are a joke. They have never solved any problem, and at best just state the obvious, like "Check to make sure the power cord is plugged in."
Paul H 20 Reputation points

2026-02-27T13:28:13.03+00:00

Too True
CK Wong 5 Reputation points

2026-03-11T11:15:52.5966667+00:00

I tried all and it still doesn't work. Have anyone found a solution yet?
Minu Shah 5 Reputation points

2026-03-11T14:11:45.3166667+00:00

Was this ever solved? Or Microsoft has ignored this and never solved it?
Clinton Oberholster 0 Reputation points

2026-03-12T07:17:12.7866667+00:00

It appears that previous settings related to sharing and discoverability were reset by the update(s). Check the post below for a reminder where to check these settings and correct the problems. I had this issue for a week and had totally forgotten that the settings under "Advanced sharing settings" even exist. After adjusting these settings back to where I previously had them my network shares are connecting as expected again.

6 answers

Your answer

Charles Holdaway 40 Reputation points

2026-02-27T12:02:51.54+00:00

I imagine there are countless people who have wasted vast amounts of time fighting the network mapping, and numerous other battles, with Windows 11. Microsoft engineers better get their act together quickly, or the world will soon be using only Apple and Unix. I cringe every time another "update" is forced upon us, because it usually means that things that used to work stop working, and it becomes necessary to relearn the details of the operating system. Just keep it simple and reliable, and don't change it! We don't need this constant change (unless you are trying to correct bugs that have slipped out the door in a rush to sell us new bells and whistles that we will never need). Your reps, virtual assistants, and online help are a joke. They have never solved any problem, and at best just state the obvious, like "Check to make sure the power cord is plugged in."
Paul H 20 Reputation points

2026-02-27T13:28:13.03+00:00

Too True
CK Wong 5 Reputation points

2026-03-11T11:15:52.5966667+00:00

I tried all and it still doesn't work. Have anyone found a solution yet?
Minu Shah 5 Reputation points

2026-03-11T14:11:45.3166667+00:00

Was this ever solved? Or Microsoft has ignored this and never solved it?
Clinton Oberholster 0 Reputation points

2026-03-12T07:17:12.7866667+00:00

It appears that previous settings related to sharing and discoverability were reset by the update(s). Check the post below for a reminder where to check these settings and correct the problems. I had this issue for a week and had totally forgotten that the settings under "Advanced sharing settings" even exist. After adjusting these settings back to where I previously had them my network shares are connecting as expected again.

Answer 1

Anonymous

Hi L,

You may start by enabling Network Discovery and File Sharing. Open your system settings by pressing Windows + I, then navigate to Network & Internet → Advanced network settings → Advanced sharing settings. Make sure both Network Discovery and File and Printer Sharing are turned on. This allows your PC to see and connect to other devices on the network.

Next, you'll want to remap the network drive. Open File Explorer, right-click the old mapped drive (if it’s still listed), and choose Disconnect. Then go to This PC, click on Map network drive at the top, and choose a drive letter. Enter the network path (for example, \\PCName\SharedFolder), check the box for Reconnect at sign-in, and click Finish. This should restore access to your shared folders. Let me know if any of these works.

Regards,
Jeric.

LP 5 Reputation points

2025-11-11T02:26:25.8633333+00:00

What happens if the above doesn't work. I turned on both options and rebooted and i still can't map the network drive.
John Ficner 0 Reputation points

2026-03-03T16:50:57.4366667+00:00

Tried many different ways, still cannot connect to another networked computer running Windows 10.
CK Wong 5 Reputation points

2026-03-11T11:16:57.86+00:00

No, this is the normal way, but it doesn't work.
Minu Shah 5 Reputation points

2026-03-11T14:12:46.2633333+00:00

I think people posted here inability to connect to Network drives after this process didn't work.

Answer 2

Maznev, Georgi (ext) 25

Not start it need diagnose

Ray Pixley 1 Reputation point

2025-10-29T11:29:54.3833333+00:00

The suggestion doesn't report or explain what the "All Networks" settings in "Advanced sharing settings" should be.

Answer 3

Juan Alvarez 0

When attempting to select a computer in the network neighborhood, an error appears: 0x80070035 Network path not found. However, approximately half of the computers have no connection issues. For reference, all machines are connected to the same subnet and the same DНCP endpoint. Version: 25H2 26200.8037

0 comments

Answer 4

ORLINE POPOV 0

I have the same question and since I did install Windows 11 I lost my network disks based on "SeaGate-D2".

I am running 25H2 26200.6725 version. I've tryed the option with Advanced Share ON for Network share and Files and Printer share, they are ON, no any access to the shared otherwise Seagate disks on the network, that I can have with Windows 10.

They SHOULD BE existing a way to have access, isn't it ? Look on the message I get - Error code 0x80070035

Capture d’écran 2026-03-23 151054.png

Orline

Claude 0 Reputation points

2026-05-01T01:18:39.9133333+00:00

I had the same issue. I did the same actions as you and had the same problem. I then deactivated all firewalls and security software and tried it again - and surprise, it worked. After that, you just have to make sure to reactivate all security measures.

I hope that it will survive the next updates 😉

Answer 5

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How to fix issues connecting to network share folders

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