Windows 11 Can't Access Shared Folder? Quick Fixes Here!

Are you facing an issue that Windows 11 can't access shared folder? Then follow this easy guide where you can figure out the issue and resolve it

Creating shared folders in Windows 11 makes it easy to share files with other computers or people and access data from another PC on the same network. To access the shared folder, you typically only need to provide the correct name. However, sometimes, Windows may be unable to access network shares for several reasons.

• Errors in the network configuration, misspelled folder names, and improper drive settings could all be the cause.
• Additionally, the user account that created the folder may have the wrong permissions.

You can turn to a more accessible option, EaseUS Todo PCTrans, when this error occurs. Read the article from EaseUS and learn how to fix when Windows 11 can't access the shared folder.

Access Shared Folders on Windows 11 with EaseUS Todo PCTrans

There are many solutions to fix the "can't access shared folder on Windows 11" issue. EaseUS Todo PCTrans offers a faster way by automatically transferring and syncing data between PCs without complex configuration. This powerful tool ensures a seamless experience with one-click folder sharing, saving time and reducing setup errors.

EaseUS Todo PCTrans is a tool that facilitates safe data and program transfers between computers. It is beneficial if you want to transfer your files, settings, and applications to a new computer without doing a whole manual reinstallation. If two computers are connected to the same Local Area Network (LAN), Todo PCTrans is a useful tool for data transfer from PC to PC.

Step 1. Set Up the Old PC

• First, install and launch EaseUS Todo PCTrans and select Data Transfer on the left panel of the main interface.

• Select "Transfer Directly" and click "Next" to continue. 

Step 2. Set Up the New PC

• Download and launch EaseUS Todo PCTrans on the new computer; select "This is New PC" and click "Next".

• Select "Transfer directly" and click "Next" to continue. 
• Select "Network" and click Next to continue. This will automatically scan the old PC. (Make sure the two PCs are connected to the same LAN.)

• Select the target PC and click Connect. Then, it will take some time to scan and analyze the data in old PC.

Step 3. Select the Files to Transfer

• Finally, on the new PC, select the Files tab, select the files you need to transfer. Then, click "Transfer" to start.

Advantages of EaseUS Todo PCTrans

If you use Shared Folder to transfer files from laptop to laptop or PC to PC, download and install this tool for a better experience.

How to Fix Windows 11 Cannot Access Shared Folder [7 Ways]

Shared Folder can transfer files from PC to PC. However, users are likely to meet errors such as "unable to access shared folder." Given below are seven fixes you can use to solve the issue of Windows 11's inability to access shared folders:

Fix 1. Turn on Network Sharing Permission

To start, you can try to resolve the issue by turning on network sharing permission in Windows 11. Here is how to execute it:

Step 1. Right-click the shared folder and choose Properties from the context menu.

Step 2. In the Properties window, click the Sharing tab and click the Share button.

Step 3. In the Network Access window, click the drop-down box, choose Everyone, and click the Add button.

Step 4. Click the Read drop-down menu next to Everyone under Permission Level and choose the Read/Write option. Next, click Share.

Step 5. Choose a preferred option in the pop-up window that asks if you want to turn on network discovery and file sharing for all public networks.

Once the folder is shared, you can e-mail someone links to these shared items or copy and paste the links into another app. Click Done.

Step 6. On the shared folder's Properties window, switch to the Sharing tab again and click the Advanced Sharing button.

Step 7. Click the checkbox next to share this folder and click the Permissions button under Settings.

Step 8. Click the Allow checkbox next to the Full Control option and click Apply and OK to save the changes.

If you found this helpful method, please share it on social media with those who may find it helpful.

Fix 2. Enable File and Printer Sharing

In this method, you can enable file and printer sharing to resolve the issue. Follow the steps given to solve the 'Cannot Access Shared Folder in Windows 10/11' issue:

Step 1. Type Control Panel in the Search box and navigate to it.

Step 2. Navigate to Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change advanced sharing settings and click Change advanced sharing settings on the left pane.

Private networks

• Toggle on Network discovery and File and printer sharing.
• Click the checkbox next to Set up network-connected devices automatically to enable it.

Public networks

• Toggle on Network discovery and File and printer sharing.

All networks

• Toggle on Public folder sharing and toggle off Password-protected sharing.

Fix 3. Give Security Permission

Windows 11 cannot access shared folder issues, which can also occur if you do not have the necessary security permissions. Let us see how to grant permission:

Step 1. Right-click the shared folder and choose Properties from the context menu.

Step 2. Click the Security tab in the Properties window and click "Edit" to change permissions.

Step 3. Click the Add button in the Permissions window.

Step 4. Click Advanced from the following pop-up window.

Step 5. In the Advanced window, click the Find Now button and select Everyone from the search results. Click OK.

Fix 4. Enable File Share Support

Here, you need to check whether you have enabled file share support. Here is how to fix 'Cannot access shared folder Windows 11':

Step 1. Type Turn Windows features on or off in the search box and open it from the result.

Step 2. Find the SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support option and click the check box next to it to enable it. Click OK to save the changes.

Fix 5. Run Network Troubleshooter

If you can't access shared folders on Windows 11, Network setting is a significant reason. You may find using a network troubleshooter to solve the file-sharing issue helpful. Follow the steps given below:

Step 1. Open Windows Settings and go to System > Troubleshoot.

Step 2. Click on the Run button next to Network and Internet Troubleshooter.

Fix 6. Check File Share Service

If the shared folder remains inaccessible on Windows, ensure your computer's network and sharing services function. Here is how to check:

Step 1. Press the Windows + R keys to open the run command box. Then, type services.msc and hit the Enter key to open the Services window.

Step 2. Find Function Discovery Provider Host, right-click it, and click Start from the context menu if it is not enabled.

If you found shese fixes helpful, please share it on social media with those who may find it helpful.

Fix 7. Use Registry Editor

If none of the above fixes resolve the "Windows 11 can't access shared folders" problem, try using the Registry Editor. Here is how:

Step 1. Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run command box. Type regedit and press OK.

Step 2. In the Registry Editor window, copy and paste the path below into the search bar:

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

Note: If the LanmanWorkstation key does not exist in your Registry, right-click the Windows key, select New > Key, and name the key LanmanWorkstation.

Step 3. Right-click on the right pane, and select New > click DWORD (32-bit) Value. Rename it to AllowInsecureGuestAuth.

Step 4. Double-click the key, change its Value data to 1, and click OK to save the changes.

Conclusion

These are the seven fixes you can use to solve the issue of being unable to access shared folders on Windows 11. You can also use the third-party tool EaseUS Todo PCTrans to solve this error quickly. EaseUS Todo PCTrans offers a faster, automated way to manage shared folder access without manual permission changes.

Unable to Access Shared Folder Windows 11 FAQs

If you have more questions about not being able to access the shared folders on Windows, check out the relevant questions and their answers given below:

1. Why can't I access a shared folder on Windows 11?

You might not be able to access a shared folder on Windows 11 due to several reasons, such as problems with the network connection, incorrect shared folder permissions, being momentarily unable to access shared folders due to firewall or anti-virus software, disabled network discovery, the use of outdated network drivers, or incorrect folder paths. If none of these fixes resolve the issue, contact Microsoft Support or a qualified technician.

2. How do I connect to the SMB share in Windows 11?

Open File Explorer on Windows 11 and select This PC to establish a connection to an SMB share. Click the Computer tab and select Map network drive. Select a drive letter, enter the SMB share path in the format \\Server\Share, and click Finish in the new window. Type in your credentials if prompted. You should be able to access the SMB share from This PC.

3. Why can't I see other computers on my network in Windows 11?

Windows 11 users may be unable to view other computers on their network if they have disabled network discovery, have problems with their firewall, or have problems with their workgroup configuration. Ensure that network discovery is turned on and all computers are connected to the same workgroup. Additionally, make sure your firewall settings are not blocking network discovery.

4. How do I unlock a shared folder?

To unlock a shared folder on Windows 11, ensure you have the correct permissions. Right-click the folder, select Properties, go to the Security tab, and check if your user account has access. If not, click Edit to add your account with full control. Make sure Network Discovery and File Sharing are enabled in network settings.