Running Windows 11, when accessing the network folder it says it is empty.

Question

I am trying to access my network storage device through the network folder on my Surface Laptop running Windows 11. I have adjusted the network sharing settings and restarted the device and nothing has changed. I have another Surface device and an am able to access the network drives from it with no issue.

***moved from Windows / Windows 11 / Files, folders, and storage***

Answer 1

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community forum.

According to your description, the other Surface device has normal access to the network drive, indicating that there is nothing wrong with the NAS itself. Here are some possible solutions:

1. Make sure network discovery and file sharing are enabled:

Open Settings -> Network & Internet -> Advanced Network Settings -> Network & Sharing Center. Click on "Change advanced sharing settings". Make sure that Enable Network Discovery and Enable File and Printer Sharing are enabled.

2. Check the network profile type:

Open "Settings" -> "Network & Internet" -> "Ethernet" or "Wi-Fi". Click the name of the network you are connected to and make sure that the network profile type is set to VPC.

3. Make sure SMB 1.0/CIFS file sharing support is enabled:

Open Control Panel -> Programs and Features -> Enable or Disable Windows Features. Check "SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support" and click "OK".

4. Verify and modify the permissions of the NAS device:

Make sure that the shared folder permissions on the NAS device are set correctly. Whether the appropriate permissions are granted for the user account accessing the device.

5. Reset Network Settings:

Open a command prompt as an administrator and run the following command:

netsh int ip reset

netsh advfirewall reset

ipconfig /release

ipconfig /renew

ipconfig /flushdns

6. Temporarily disable firewalls and any third-party security software to ensure they don't block network sharing.
7. Direct access using the network path:

Press the Win + R keys, enter the [NAS IP address], and press Enter. Check if you can directly access the NAS device in this way.

8. Check the local security policy settings:

Press the Win + R keys, type secpol.msc, and press Enter. Go to "Local Policies" -> "Security Options". Ensure that Network Security: LAN Manager Authentication Level is set to Send LM and NTLM Responses.

9. Make sure the service is activated:

Press the Win + R keys, type services.msc and press Enter.

Ensure that the following service is started and set to automatic: Function Discovery Provider Host

Function Discovery Resource Publication

SSDP Discovery

UPnP Device Host

10. Check the logs in the Windows Event Viewer for error or warning information related to the network share.

I hope the information above is helpful.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to let us know.



Regards,

Jill Zhou