Windows 11 computer not being able to connect to a Shared Folder

Question

Dear Sir,

May I ask is there an issue with a Windows 11 computer not connecting to a Shared Folder on a Windows 10 Workgroup network? The Windows 11 computer repeatedly asks for Network Credentials despite the correct LAN IP Address.

Or I missed some setting on Windows 11? I have checked all the share network setting such Advance Sharing Settings, Windows Features.

Regards,

Alfred

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

Answer 1

Hello ,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community forum.
When a Windows 11 computer is unable to connect to a shared folder on a Windows 10 workgroup network, the network credentials are repeatedly asked to enter even though the LAN IP address is correct, probably due to one of the following reasons: 

1. Make sure the sharing settings on Windows 11 are properly configured:
   Open Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > change advanced sharing settings.
   Make sure network discovery and file and printer sharing are enabled.
   If you don't need credentials to sign in, turn off the sharing that requires password protection.
   If Windows 11 is a private network, make sure to select the Private Network configuration.
2. Both Windows 11 and Windows 10 need to support the same SMB protocol to share folders normally.
   Make sure SMB 1.0/CIFS file sharing support is checked. Try to avoid using SMB 1.0 and prioritize making sure SMB 2.0/3.0 is enabled.
3. Right-click on the shared folder and select Properties> Sharing > Advanced Sharing > permissions. Make sure that "Everyone" or a specific user has "Read" and "Change" permissions.
   Check the Security tab to make sure that the correct access is assigned.
   If you're using a Microsoft account to sign in to Windows 11, make sure you assign access to the same Microsoft account in Windows 10 or create a matching local user account.
4. Try accessing the shared folder in the following ways:
   Type directly into the address bar in File Explorer:
   <Windows10_IP address>
   If you use a computer name: 
   <Windows10_ computer name>
   If the hostname is unresolvable, it could be a DNS or web browser issue. Try the following command to clear the DNS cache: ipconfig /flushdns
5. Windows 11 may have saved the wrong credentials. You can delete old credentials in the Credential Manager.
   Enter the correct username and password when reconnecting the shared folder.
6. In some cases, Windows 11 may default to a higher security policy, resulting in the inability to connect to Windows 10 shared resources:
   Open Local Security Policy.
   Navigate to Local Policies > Security Options, adjust the following policies: Network Security: LAN Manager Authentication Level, set to "Send LM and NTLM Responses".
   Ensure network security: Minimum session security is not enforced to use an encrypted connection.
7. Temporarily disable Windows Defender or other antivirus software to test if you are able to connect.
8. Finally, make sure that the system and network adapter drivers for Windows 11 and Windows 10 are updated to the latest version. Updates can be checked through Windows Update and Device Manager.

I hope the information above is helpful.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to let us know.

Regards,
Jill Zhou