Top 7 Ways to Fix “Shared Folder Cannot Be Accessed” in Windows 11

Windows 11 lets you create shared folders to easily share files with other computers or people. Using a shared folder makes it easier to access files stored on another computer on the same networkSo if you can't access it, there are ways to fix the "shared folder can't be accessed" issue in Windows 11.

If you've encountered a similar eavesdropping problem yourself, this guide contains some troubleshooting tips that may help. So, let's check it out.

1. Use Command Prompt

If you can't open the shared folder in File Explorer, you can also use Command Prompt To get there. Here's how.

Step 1: Click on Windows key + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin) from the resulting list.

Step 2: Write the details like: Computer name, server name, and shared folder name In the next command then press Enter.

net use : \\ \

2. Enable file sharing support

Before moving on to advanced solutions, you need to ensure that the sharing protocol is enabled on your computer. Here's how.

Step 1: Open menu START YOUR , and type run ميزات windows Or turn it off, and press Enter.

Step 2: Locate the folder “SMB 1.0 / CIFS File Sharing Support” and select it.

Restart your computer For the changes to take effect and to see if you can access the shared folder.

3. Enable network discovery

Another reason your computer may not be able to access a shared folder is that network discovery is disabled. Turning it on will allow your computer to view and access shared folders on the same network.

Step 1: Open start menu , And type Control Panel , And press Enter.

Step 2: change Display type to small or large icons. Then go to Network and Sharing Center.

Step 4: Under Private, select Turn on network discovery.

Step 5: Next, expand All Networks and go to the Password Protected Sharing section. Select Turn on password protected sharing And press Saving changes.

4. Check folder permissions

Incorrect settings or incomplete sharing permissions can also be the reason you can't access the shared folder. Follow the steps below to ensure the folder permissions for the shared folder are configured correctly.

Step 1: Click on Windows key + E to turn on File ExplorerRight-click the folder you want to share and select Properties.

Step 2: in Properties window , switch to tab to share. Then click Advanced Sharing.

Step 3: Next, tap Permissions.

Step 4: Under Group or user names, select All Allow full control. Then press Application ثم OK. Note that this will allow others to delete files or folders and even Add new folders To the shared folder.

5. Run the troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes a troubleshooter for every major utility. So, if the solutions above don't help, try running the shared folder troubleshooter and let it fix the problem for you.

Step 1: Click search icon in Taskbar. Write Troubleshoot settings , And press Enter.

Step 2: Go to Other troubleshooters and fixes.

Step 3: Click the button "employment" Next to shared folders.

From there, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.

6. Check sharing services

If you still can't access the shared folder on Windows, you need to check if the network and sharing services on your computer are running.

Step 1: Click on Windows key + R to start Run command. Write services.msc And press Enter.

Step 2: in window Services You will find all services arranged alphabetically. Right-click on Job Discovery Provider Host and select START YOUR from the list.

Repeat the above step. To start Function Discovery Resource Publication, SSDP Discovery, and UPnP Device Host as well.

7. Use the Registry Editor

If nothing works, you can modify the computer's sharing policies in the registry editor. The Windows registry is an integral part of the Windows operating system. We recommend that you do so. Backup registry files Before you try anything to save yourself if things go south.

Step 1: Click on Windows key + R , And type regedit , And press Enter.

Step 2: use address bar At the top to move to the next key.

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\LanmanWorkstation

If you can not find LanmanWorkstation , right click on Windows key , and go to New , and select a key. Name it LanmanWorkstation.

Step 3: Locate LanmanWorkstation key , right-click anywhere on the empty space to your right, and select New Value > DWORD (32-bit)Name it. AllowInsecureGuestAuth.

Step 4: Double click DWORD newly created and change its value data to 1.

Restart computer and try accessing the shared folder again.

Sharing is caring

Availability Share files with computers on the same network A lot of convenience for the table. We hope that one of the solutions above fixed the "Cannot access the shared folder" issue in Windows 11, and you can access the shared folder on your Windows 11 computer.