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Modern computing has introduced a number of helpful features and established a new standard where we anticipate things to function flawlessly at all times. Due to this widespread standard, it can be very upsetting when a shared folder on a network suddenly stops functioning. Even prior to Windows 10’s release, users had trouble accessing shared folders. The problem was addressed back then in part by enabling network discovery and ensuring network services were operational.
Fortunately, the solution to the shared folder access problem is not too difficult. Even Windows 11 will assist you by displaying a Network Error and instructing you to double-check the shared folder’s name’s spelling. A shared folder might not function for a variety of reasons. Possible causes include an incorrectly configured network, misconfigured drive settings, and the aforementioned misspelling of the folder’s name.
It is advised that you first speak with the person in charge of the shared folder before navigating the fixes in this manual. People might not be able to access the shared folder because of an error, such as forgetting to enable permissions. To make that access possible, you will need to reconfigure and grant network sharing permissions if you are the person in charge of the shared folder.
Use Registry Editor
“ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindowsLanmanWorkstation”
Give Security Permission
Enable File and Printer Sharing
Private
Guest or public (current profile).
All networks
Turn on Network Sharing Permission
Check Your Internet Connection
Make sure your internet connection is functioning properly as a first step. You might not be able to open the shared folder if your internet speed is too slow. You can try to access other websites or online services to test your internet connection or go to a website to measure your internet speed. Before looking at other options, you must first troubleshoot your internet connection if you are unable to connect to the internet.
Be aware that shared folders can only be used on a network, which necessitates that every computer be linked to the same local area network (LAN), such as Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable, in order for them to function. Shared folders won’t function if you’re connected to a different network.
Restart the Networking Services
There are a variety of causes for shared folder access issues. It might be a network that is improperly set up, bad drive configuration, or an incorrect folder name. The most frequent problem is that the user account that is responsible for the folder has incorrect permissions set. It is advised that you first speak with the individual in charge of the shared folder. To enable that access, you will need to re-configure and grant network sharing permissions if you are the person in charge of the shared folder.
Final Words
When attempting to access a shared file in Windows 11, many users have reported running into the “Windows cannot access shared folder” error. This is a network error that most likely results from incorrect network configuration. This most likely happens as a result of a bad network connection between the PC and the folder. This problem could also arise if your account’s username and password are incorrect or if your sharing permissions are set incorrectly. We hope our article on “How to Fix Windows 11 Cannot Access Shared Folder” will surely help you to do so. you can visit Microsoft support center for further help.