I have a Win 11 laptop and a Win 10 laptop. I can access the Win 11 from the Win 10 thru the network. I can't go the other way. I see the Win 10 laptop but get a Cannot access message. Any ideas?

Hello,

To troubleshoot the issue of not being able to access the Win 10 laptop from the Win 11 laptop through the network, you can follow these steps:

1. Verify network connectivity: Ensure that both laptops are connected to the same network and can communicate with each other. You can try pinging the Win 10 laptop from the Win 11 laptop using its IP address or hostname to check if there is network connectivity between them.
2. Check firewall settings: Make sure that the firewall on the Win 10 laptop is not blocking incoming network connections. You can temporarily disable the firewall or create an exception for the network connection to see if it resolves the issue.
3. Check sharing settings: On the Win 10 laptop, ensure that file and printer sharing is enabled. You can go to the Network and Sharing Center in the Control Panel and check the sharing settings for the network profile you are using.
4. Verify permissions: Ensure that the user account on the Win 10 laptop has the necessary permissions to access shared files or folders. You can check the permissions settings for the shared resources on the Win 10 laptop and make sure the user account from the Win 11 laptop has appropriate access.
5. Check network discovery settings: On the Win 10 laptop, make sure that network discovery is turned on. This allows the Win 11 laptop to discover and access shared resources on the Win 10 laptop. You can go to the Network and Sharing Center and check the network discovery settings for the network profile.

Regards,

Zunhui

Nothing helps.

Can you provide a screenshot of the error reporting that the shared folder cannot be accessed.

here is what I get on the Win 11 screen. INSPERON3558 is the name of the Win 10 laptop.

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.