Windows can't access shared folder on network
Jun 30, 2025 pm 04:56 PMWhen encountering the "Windows can't access shared folder on network", you can usually solve the following steps: 1. Turn on the network discovery and file sharing function and turn off password protection; 2. Make sure that the target computer is enabled to share and set the correct permissions; 3. Check the firewall rules and service status to ensure that it allows shared access; 4. Use the credential manager to add network credentials for long-term stable connection.
The problem of "Windows can't access shared folder on network" is usually caused by abnormal network settings, permission configuration, or service status. Don't worry, this situation is actually quite common, and most of the time it can be solved with a few small adjustments.

Below are some common reasons and corresponding troubleshooting methods to help you solve this problem step by step.

1. Check whether network discovery and file sharing are enabled
Windows may turn off network discovery and file sharing by default, which will prevent you from accessing shared folders on your LAN.
Operation steps:

- Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center
- Click "Change Advanced Sharing Settings" on the left
- Under the currently used network configuration file (usually "dedicated" or "public"):
- Enable Network Discovery
- Enable File and Printer Sharing
- Turn off "Password Protection Sharing" (if the other device does not set a user password)
Note: If you are connected to a company or public network, the system may use the "public" configuration file by default. Remember to check the settings in that section.
2. Make sure the target computer allows remote access
The computer you want to access also needs to be configured correctly, otherwise it will not be able to connect even if the unit is set up without any problem.
The following points need to be confirmed:
- The target computer has enabled file sharing and has set a shared folder
- The permissions to share folders include your username or Everyone user group
- If password protection sharing is enabled, make sure you know a valid username and password for the target computer
Tips: Try to run
ipconfig
on the target computer to view the IP address, and then access it from the machine using the\\IP地址
, such as\\192.168.1.100
, which can bypass the problem of host name resolution.
3. Check whether the firewall and service block access
Sometimes firewall rules or some system services are not started, it can also cause shared folders to be inaccessible.
Recommended operations:
- Confirm that the firewall rules related to "File and Printer Sharing" are enabled
- Check if the following services are running:
- Function Discovery Resource Publication
- SSDP Discovery
- UPnP Device Host
- Computer Browser
- Server (this is especially important)
You can press Win R, enter services.msc
to enter, find these services and set to "automatic" startup type, and start them manually if necessary.
4. Use Credential Manager to add network credentials (suitable for long-term use)
If you frequently access a shared directory and it enables password protection, you can avoid entering your account password every time by adding network credentials.
The steps are as follows:
- Open Control Panel → User Account → Credential Manager
- Click "Add Windows Credentials"
- Fill in the network address
\\目標(biāo)IP地址
or target computer name - Enter the valid username and password of the target computer to save it
This way, the next time you access the shared folder, there will be no error prompt popup.
Basically these common treatments. Some settings seem simple but are easy to ignore, especially the default policies vary slightly between different Windows versions, such as the Home and Professional versions, which are somewhat different in network sharing. Don’t panic when encountering problems. Follow these steps to check them one by one, and most of the situations can be solved.
The above is the detailed content of Windows can't access shared folder on network. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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When encountering the "Windowscan'taccesssharedfolderonnetwork", you can usually solve the problem through the following steps: 1. Turn on the network discovery and file sharing function and turn off password protection; 2. Make sure that the target computer is enabled to share and set the correct permissions; 3. Check the firewall rules and service status to ensure that it allows shared access; 4. Use the credential manager to add network credentials for long-term and stable connection.

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