How to I fix "enter network credentials"?

Question

I have 5 computers on a Home Network. We save an excel file and another file on 1 computer, the server, so we can share. The server is Windows 10 and the other computers are Windows 11. Recent one of the computers had an update and we can longer access the server. I am being asked to enter network credentials. This was was disabled on the server and no other computer needs this. When I hit cancel I get this message.
\server\shared2024 is not accessible. You might not have permission to use this network resource. Contact the administrator of this server to find out if you have access permissions.
The use canceled the authentication prompt to a remote server.

Answer 1

Thank you for reaching out. Based on your description, the issue seems to be related to recent update on the Windows 11 computer might have caused an issue with the network credentials. Here are a few steps you can follow to resolve this issue:

1. Ensure File Sharing is Enabled on the Server (Windows 10)

On the server, go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change advanced sharing settings.

Make sure Turn on file and printer sharing is selected.

Under All Networks, ensure Turn off password protected sharing is selected (since other computers do not require credentials).

2. Map Network Drive with Credentials on Windows 11 Machine

On the Windows 11 computer, try mapping the shared folder again. Right-click This PC > Map Network Drive.

Choose a drive letter and enter the network path to the shared folder (e.g., \server\shared2024).

When prompted for credentials, enter the username and password for the server. You may need to use the full username format like SERVER\Username instead of just the username.

3. Clear Cached Credentials

On the Windows 11 computer, go to Control Panel > Credential Manager.

Under Windows Credentials, look for any saved credentials related to the server (like \server\shared2024) and remove them.

This will ensure that the system is not using old or incorrect credentials.

4. Reset the SMB Settings on Windows 11

Windows 11 might have reset certain settings related to SMB (the file sharing protocol). To ensureSMB 1.0 is enabled:

Open Control Panel > Programs > Turn Windows features on or off.

Ensure that SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support is checked.

Click OK, restart the computer, and try accessing the server again.

5. Check Local Group Policies (Windows 11)

Sometimes, updates can reset policies that affect network access. Ensure that Local Group Policies are set correctly:

Open gpedit.msc (press Win + R, type gpedit.msc).

Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Network > Lanman Workstation.

Check if Enable insecure guest logons is enabled.

6. Disable Firewall/Antivirus Temporarily

On the Windows 11 machine, try temporarily disabling the firewall or antivirus to ensure that it’s not blocking the network share.

7. Use the Command Prompt to Force Access

If none of the above steps work, try using the Command Prompt to force the connection:

Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

Type the following command to connect using the net use command:

net use \server\shared2024 /user:Username Password

Replace Username and Password with the actual credentials for the server.

Once you've followed these steps, try accessing the shared folder again and see if the issue is resolved. Let me know if you need more help!

Answer 2

Step 5 Worked,
5. Check Local Group Policies (Windows 11)

Sometimes, updates can reset policies that affect network access. Ensure that Local Group Policies are set correctly:

Open gpedit.msc (press Win + R, type gpedit.msc).

Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Network > Lanman Workstation.

Check if Enable insecure guest logons is enabled.

Thanks for the help

Answer 3

Hello,

You're welcome. Glad to know it helps!

Best regards,

Molly

Answer 4

This also fixed my problem which was the same as yours. Thanks Kent and Molly.