How to fix ‘Windows Cannot Access Network Drive’ issue

This article will show you how to fix ‘Windows Cannot Access Network Drive’ issue. When users try to access a shared network resource, like a shared network drive, Windows shows the “Cannot access network drive” error. The error code also says, “The user has not been given permission to use the requested type of logon at this computer.” Before Microsoft took away the HomeGroup feature from Windows 11/10, it was easy to share resources with other people in your homegroup over a small network.

Sharing files or folders on the go is very easy with shared folders. Just set up network sharing on your computer, and you’ll be all set. But you might run into problems when you try to access a shared folder. For example, if you click on a shared folder, you might run into a problem with permissions or see that you have to wait forever. Most of the time, people have this problem right after setting up a new LAN connection in their network, and the error message pops up when you try to open a shared folder on the other computer. Here are the ways how to fix ‘Windows Cannot Access Network Drive’ issue.

What is the Windows Cannot Access Network Drive error?

When a Windows user tries to access a network drive or shared folder but gets an error message instead, they often see the “Windows Cannot Access Network Drive” error. Most of the time, the error message means that the computer can’t make a connection or get to the shared resources on the network drive. Depending on which version of Windows you’re using, the error message might look a little different, but here are some common ones:

1. “Windows can’t get to the [network-drive].”
2. “Error code: 0x80070035 We couldn’t find the network path.”
3. “Error code: 0x80004005 Unknown mistake.”

How to fix ‘Windows Cannot Access Network Drive’ issue

Enable SMB Protocol

Windows uses the SMB protocol to share network resources with devices that don’t run Windows. There is a chance that your system has turned off this client-server communication protocol. For network sharing, the system might also only work with SMBv2 or higher. With a few command lines, here’s a quick way to make SMB 2.0 work.

1. Start PowerShell as a person with administrative rights.
2. Type these commands to see how the SMB protocol is doing.
3. Choose EnableSMB2Protocol in Get-SmbServerConfiguration.
4. If the SMB protocol status says False, you will need to use this command line to turn it on.
5. Set-SmbServerConfig –EnableSMB2Protocol $true
6. When asked, type Y and press enter to make sure.

For older devices, you may also need to turn on SMB 1.0 file sharing. Even though this protocol is no longer used and isn’t safe to use, some Windows users can get back into the network drive by turning on the SMB 1.0 file-sharing protocol. You can temporarily turn on this feature to see if it helps the network sharing work.

1. Press the Windows key + R, type optionalfeatures, and hit Enter.
2. Find SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support and check the option.
3. To save the changes, click OK.
4. Last, check to see if you can get to the shared drive.

Grant Security Permission

1. Right-click on the drive you want to share on the network and choose Properties.
2. Click the Edit button on the Security tab.
3. Select Add.
4. Then, in the window that says “Select Users or Groups,” click “Advanced.”
5. Now, click Find Now and choose Everyone from the list of things to look for. Just click OK.
6. From the section called “Permissions for Everyone,” choose “Full control,” and then click “Apply.”
7. Lastly, try using your computer to access the drive.

Enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP

NetBIOS is a protocol that makes it easier for computers on a local network to share resources. If NetBIOS is turned off, any service that needs it might not work right. This could make the shared network drive inaccessible. To fix the problem, make sure that NetBIOS over TCP/IP is turned on for every computer on the network.

1. Press the Windows Key + R, type services.msc, and press enter.
2. Look for TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper and double-click it to open it.
3. Change the type of start-up to Automatic.
4. Change the type of start-up to Automatic.

Once you have changed the NetBIOS startup settings, you will need to turn it on through the network adapter.

1. Open Run again, type ncpa.cpl, and press enter.
2. Select Properties by right-clicking on the network adapter.
3. Look for and click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
4. Click on the button that says Properties.
5. Click the button that says “Advanced.”
6. Click the Enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP option on the WINS tab. To save the changes, click OK.

Grant Network Sharing Permissions

1. Click the right mouse button on the drive you want to share on the network.
2. Choose “Properties.”
3. Go to the tab called “Share.”
4. Click on the button that says “Advanced Sharing.”
5. Check the box next to Share this folder.
6. Lastly, click “Ok” to save the changes and see if you can access the shared drive from the other device.

Enable File/Printer Sharing and Network discovery

1. To open Settings, press Windows Key + I.
2. Go to Network and Internet > Advanced network settings.
3. Then, go to Settings > Network > Advanced.
4. To turn on the features, click the Network discovery and File and printer sharing sliders.

Causes of the ‘Windows Cannot Access Network Drive’ Issue

1. Problems with the network connection: If there are problems with the network connection, Windows may not be able to access the network drive. This can happen when the network cable, router, switch, or Wi-Fi connection is broken.
2. Incorrect Network Configuration: Windows may have trouble accessing the network drive if it is not set up correctly. This includes IP addresses that aren’t set up right, the wrong permissions for sharing, or the wrong workgroup/domain settings.
3. Firewall or Antivirus Software: Windows might not be able to access the network drive if the firewall or antivirus settings are too strict. Security software can sometimes find network drives that could be dangerous and block access to them.
4. Credential Problems: The “Windows Cannot Access Network Drive” error can happen if your login information is wrong or out of date. This could happen if the password was changed but the computer wasn’t updated.
5. Drive Mapping Errors: Windows can’t make a connection if the network drive is mapped wrong. Drive mapping gives the network location a drive letter, and if there is a mistake in this process, it can cause the problem.

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