Windows allows you to map network drives to skip typing the address each time you want to use them. There are times when you get the error "The local device name is already in use." The problem often occurs if there are problems with File and printer sharing settings Unassigned drive letters. Fortunately, there are several ways to fix this. Here are the top 5 ways to fix the "Local device name is already in use" error on Windows 10.
There are several reasons for the error. The most common are:
- Unassigned or incorrect drive letters.
- Disabled file and printer sharing options.
- Insufficient disk space on the network server.
- Problems during the mapping process.
We have compiled solutions to fix the “Local device name is already in use” error on Windows 10.
1. Assign or change a drive letter
A missing or incorrect drive letter can cause the “Local Device Name is already in use” error on Windows.Assign a drive letter Or change it, follow this process.
Step 1: Right-click the Windows Start button, locate Disk Management, and click it.
Step 2: When the Disk Management window opens, select the partition whose letter you want to change, and right-click on it.
Step 3: Select and change drive letter and paths.
Step 4: In the next window, click Add.
Step 5: Select Assign the following drive letter and choose your preferred drive from the drop-down list. Click OK to update the changes.
Note: It is recommended that you do not select drive A or B as new drive letters. This is because these drives contain floppy versions of older software, and assigning them to existing drives could disable older software.
2. Reset the network drive
Windows assigns specific letters to computer drives. However, while mapping the network, the drive letters may get mixed up or the drive letters may not be appropriate for mapping. In such cases, you need to reassign the drive letters. network drive To fix the problem. Here's how.
Step 1: Type cmd in the Windows search bar and select the Run command option on the left side.
Step 2: On the right side, click Run as administrator.
Step 3: Copy and paste this command and press Enter.
net use Z /delete
Remember to replace “Z” with the partition you want to delete.
Step 4: After deleting the device name, modify it by running this command.
net use Z: \\server\share /user:username password
Remember to use the same drive letter as "Z" for the drive you want to assign it to. Also, enter the relevant username and password for the drive you want to modify.
Step 5: Restart your device and check if the mapping issue is resolved.
3. Enable file and printer sharing
The error can also occur if file and printer sharing options are turned off. To clear the error, enable the settings through a firewall. Windows DefenderHere's how you can do it.
Step 1: Type Control Panel in the Windows search bar, and press Enter.
Step 2: Click System and Security.
Step 3: In the Allowed Apps window, locate Windows Defender Firewall and click the “Allow an app or feature through Windows Firewall” option.
Step 4: Click Change settings, and if administrator permissions are required, allow them.
Step 5: Go to Files and Sharing option and check the boxes.
Complete the process by clicking OK and restarting your computer.
4. Change the protection mode value
Adjusting the protection mode value may also solve the problem. You can: Using Registry Editor To perform this operation.
Step 1: Press Windows + R keys, type regedit in the text box, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
Step 2: Select this path in the next window.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\SessionManager\
Step 3: In the right pane, locate ProtectionMode and double-click it.
Step 4: Change the value to “1” and click “OK” to save.
Restart your device and make sure the error is cleared.
5. Delete the MOUNTPOINTS2 key.
Deleting certain registry keys may resolve mapping issues on your system. Here's how to clear the MountPoints2 key.
Step 1: Press Windows + R keys to launch the Run dialog box, type regedit in it, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
Step 2: Select this path in the next window.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Explorer
Step 3: Right-click MountPoints2 and select Delete. Confirm any dialog boxes that appear and restart your system.
Fix local device name
These solutions should help you fix the "Local device name is already in use" error on Windows 10. Keep in mind that insufficient storage on the server can also cause this error. To resolve storage issues, add additional storage space or free up some space on the server. Keep in mind that updating your system is also an easy way to fix the error.
