Windows crashed and now won't show all the folders in This PC and is requiring a security credential to be entered to access my Network Drives

Question

I have an MSI GS75 Stealth Laptop with Windows 11 Professional (all updates installed), 32GB of memory and an Intel i9 processor. Windows crashed and I had to let the battery run down to be able to reboot. When I did, it required me to enter my Bitlocker key to open Windows. When I got into Windows, File Explorer does not show all the folders it previously did- it only shows the desktop and the 4 mapped drives for my NAS devices. When I try to open one of these, Windows is asking me to enter my credentials to access any of them. I do not have any security credentials on any of them- I was previously able to just open any of them. I can access the NAS devices through my web browser by entering their IP address. I ran SFC which showed no problems. I restarted and again had to enter my Bitlocker Key to get into Windows, and nothing had changed. I did a complete shutdown, then rebooted, and was not required to enter the Bitlocker Key to get into Windows. I rebooted and tried to go into the recovery environment, which told me there was a device missing and would not allow me to enter the recovery environment.

I was using a slideshow for my desktop background, but Windows won't allow me to use it now because the folder with the pix for the slideshow is on one of the NAS servers.

How can I eliminate Windows insistence on security credentials, so I can access my NAS servers. This will probably solve most if not all of the problems.

***moved from Windows / Windows 11 / Performance and system failures***

Answer 1

Hello，

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community forum.

Based on your description, here are some possible solutions:

1. Open Credential Manager, search for Credential Manager, go to Windows Credentials, and delete the entries related to the NAS.
2. Remap the NAS drive:

Open File Explorer.

Right-click on This PC and select Map Network Drives.

Enter the path of the NAS (for example, NAS_IPShareName) and select Connect with Other Credentials.

Enter the correct username and password and tick "Remember my credentials".

3. Check the sharing permissions of your account on the NAS to ensure that you have the permissions.
4. Make sure the following services are started and set to automatic:

Function Discovery Resource Publication

SSDP Discovery

UPnP Device Host

5. Go to "Settings> "Network & Internet" > "Network & Sharing Center".

Make sure that Network Discovery and File and Printer Sharing are enabled.

6. Group Policy Settings (if applicable)

Use Group Policy to disable local account credential requirements:

Open gpedit.msc and navigate to "Security Options".

Set Network Access: Sharing and Security Model for Local Accounts to Classic.

7. Make sure Windows is updated, go to Settings > Update & Security to check for updates.
8. Restart your computer after applying the changes and try to access the NAS again.

If none of the above steps work, consider contacting NAS support.

I hope the information above is helpful.

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

Regards,

Jill Zhou