cannot share computers on network. credentials unknown

Question

when i try to share two desktop computers, the computers show up under network but i cannot access because i do not know credential sign in

Answer 1

Hi,

Since you and your husband each use separate Microsoft accounts and sign in with PINs, the reason you can see each other’s computers but can’t open them is because Windows won’t accept a PIN over the network it wants the actual Microsoft account email and password tied to that PC. To fix this, you can either sign in using that email/password combination (and if you don’t remember it, reset it at account.microsoft.com), or, if you’d rather not bother with passwords between your two home PCs, go into Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Advanced sharing settings and turn off "password protected sharing," which lets you connect without sign-in prompts. This comes down to whether you want the extra layer of security or the convenience of open sharing on your home network.

Kind regards,

Answer 2

Hi Carol Bailey,

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A. I'm happy to help.

Have several ways to get sharing can be done, from simple to complex.

In this case, the simplest way is using Microsoft account credentials. While a prompt appears asking for credentials, enter the email and password belongs to Microsoft account of sharing computer. So, if you're using your computer and accessing your husband's computer, enter your husband's email and password.

Generally, it works just simple as that. But rarely in some case, it might not work. If it does not, please "Add comment" to give me more information about what location you're trying to share. I will investigate and provide you further support.

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Answer 3

Hi Carol,

What’s happening is Windows sees the other computer but, by default, it wants a username and password from the machine you’re trying to reach. You’ve got a couple of ways around it: either use the actual account name and password from that computer, or tweak the sharing settings so it doesn’t ask for credentials every time. A lot of people also find it easier to just use the same Microsoft account (or matching local accounts) on both PCs that way the prompt goes away completely.

Quick question though, are both of your desktops signed in with Microsoft accounts, or do you mainly use local accounts?

Kind regards,