Win 11 Sharing Issue

Question

I have a Win 11 PC setup with 2 accounts and both accounts have the "documents" folder setup for sharing. The problem is that another PC can only access 1 of the accounts, the second account does show up as a possible folder but when I double click on it it does not open up. The sharing on both accounts is set to "full control" for autheniticated users and both accounts are Amin type of accounts.

When I double click using File explorer nothing happens. If I use my other file manager (Total Commander) when I double click on the folder I get a pop up which states access denied and then I can click on "As Administrator" but again nothing happens.

Do you have any suggestions?

Answer 1

To troubleshoot the issue where one of the shared "documents" folders on a Windows 11 PC is inaccessible from another PC, follow these step

1. Check Network Discovery and File Sharing Settings

Ensure that network discovery and file sharing are enabled on both PCs.

• Open *Control Panel*.
• Go to Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
• Click on *Change advanced sharing settings*.
• Make sure *Turn on network discovery* and *Turn on file and printer sharing* are selected.

2. Verify Sharing Permissions

Double-check the sharing permissions of the folder that is not accessible.

• Right-click the problematic folder and select *Properties*.
• Go to the *Sharing* tab and click on *Advanced Sharing*.
• Ensure *Share this folder* is checked.
• Click *Permissions* and verify that *Authenticated User* have*Full Control* or at least *Read* permission.
• Click *OK* to save changes.

3. Check NTFS Permissions

In addition to sharing permissions, NTFS permissions can also restrict access. Make sure the NTFS permissions are correctly set.

• Right-click the folder and select **Properties**.
• Go to the **Security** tab and check the permissions for **Authenticated Users**. They should have appropriate access rights (like at least **Read & Execute**).
• Adjust if necessary and apply the changes.

4. Verify User Accounts and Passwords

Ensure that the user accounts and passwords on the other PC are recognized by the PC sharing the folders. You might need to use credentials that match the user accounts on the PC where folders are shared.

5. Firewall and Antivirus Settings

Sometimes, the firewall or antivirus settings can block network access to shared files and folders.

• Temporarily disable the firewall and antivirus software on both PCs to see if the issue resolves. If it does, adjust the firewall settings to allow file sharing.

6. Network Profile Type

Ensure both PCs are set to a private network profile as public network profiles have stricter security settings.

• Go to **Settings** > **Network & Internet**.
• Check the network profile under **Properties** and make sure it’s set to **Private**.


7. Use IP Address Instead of Computer Name

Sometimes network resolution issues can cause problems.

• Try accessing the shared folder by typing \\IP_Address\Shared_Folder_Name in the address bar of File Explorer where IP_Address is the actual IP address of the PC sharing the folder.

8. Command Line to Check Network Sharing

Use the command line to check if the folder is listed as a shared resource.

• Open Command Prompt and type net share. This will list all shared resources on the PC.

9. Re-share the Folder

If none of the above methods work, remove the sharing and share the folder again.

• Right-click the folder, go to **Properties** > **Sharing** > **Advanced Sharing**.
• Uncheck **Share this folder**, apply the settings, then re-enable sharing.

Conclusion

If after following these steps the problem persists, consider looking at event logs under **Event Viewer** to find any related error messages that might give more insight into the issue. If necessary, you might need to consult additional IT support or check online forums for similar cases.

Best regards

Rosy

Answer 2

It sounds like your PC still enters a low-power state when the lid is closed, despite your efforts to prevent this through your power settings. This issue can prevent network access to shared folders as the network adapter might also be disabled or put into a low-power state. Here are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot and hopefully resolve this issue:

1.Ensure your power settings are configured correctly:

• Right-click on the Start button and select Power Options (or search for "Power Options" in the Windows search bar).
• Click on Additional power settings on the right side under "Related settings."
• Next to your active power plan, click on Change plan settings.
• Click on Change advanced power settings.
• Expand the Sleep setting and ensure Sleep after is set to "Never."
• Expand the Hibernate after setting and ensure it is also set to "Never."
• Expand the Hard disk and set Turn off hard disk after to "Never."

2.You should also check what your laptop is set to do when the lid is closed:

• In the same Power Options menu, click on Choose what closing the lid does on the left sidebar.
• Make sure the settings for When I close the lid are set to Do nothing for both On battery and Plugged in modes.

3.The network adapter settings could be disabling the adapter to save power when the lid is closed:

• Right-click the Start button and go to Device Manager.
• Expand the Network adapters section, right-click your network adapter, and select Properties.
• Go to the Power Management tab.
• Uncheck the box that says Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
• Click OK to save changes.

4.Some laptops have BIOS settings that affect what happens when the lid is closed. You might need to enter the BIOS to ensure there isn't a setting enabled that affects the lid's behavior:

• Restart your PC and enter the BIOS (usually by pressing a key such as F2, F10, DEL, or ESC immediately after turning on the PC).
• Look for settings related to lid closure or power management and adjust as necessary.

Answer 3

You solved the problem. The sharing was set properly but the security was not, I corrected it and now it works.