Resolving "can't sign in because this account is currently disabled"

Question

I have been working on setting up file sharing on new to me dell precision laptop and dell optiplex, both came with windows 11 pro installed. I've successfully set up shares to and from laptop to optiplex, but when trying to see optiplex via windows explorer on laptop, I'm receiving the pop up message above. I suspect this was due to too many tries at other passwords as I tried to set up advanced sharing. This is a home network. Please advise on how to resolve.

Answer 1

Welcome Al Addison,

I understand how frustrating it can be when you are encountering the error “can’t sign in because this account is currently disabled” when accessing a shared resource between your Windows 11 devices. 

Before we proceed, could you please clarify a few details: 

• Are you signing in to the shared computer using a local account or a Microsoft account? 
• Does the issue occur only when accessing network shares, or also when signing in directly on the device? 

In the meantime, you can try these steps below to troubleshoot the issue:  

Option 1: Check if the account is disabled on the target PC 

• Press Windows + R > type lusrmgr.msc 
• Go to Users, right‑click the account > Properties 
• Ensure Account is disabled is unchecked 

Option 2: Remove stored credentials on the client PC 

• Open Control Panel > Credential Manager 
• Go to Windows Credentials 
• Remove entries related to the target computer 

Option 3: Re‑add correct credentials 

• Access the shared folder again 
• Enter the correct username and password 
• Select Remember my credentials 

Option 4: Verify sharing permissions 

• On the host PC, right‑click shared folder > Properties 
• Check Sharing and Security tabs 
• Ensure the correct user or Everyone has access 

I hope the steps above help you deal with your issue.  

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Answer 2

So....posted more questions subsequently but problem was ultimately solved by deleting bad windows credentials on laptop changing my Microsoft password, and syncing the two computers on edge browser.

I had done all the advanced sharing setup steps but was denied access until I completed the above.

Thanks for your kind assistance!

Answer 3

When I first set up laptop it asked for and I used cloud backup image from a previous windows 10 computer that had at one time been on a company network. I believed I had removed all items that cued the company login, but am not sure if that may be involved in this issue.