How to Fix Windows 11 Cannot Access Shared Folder Error?

Modern computing has introduced many valuable features that have created a new standard where people expect things to always work. Because of these standards, it can be irritating when something as simple as a network shared folder stops functioning.

This issue was also experienced by Windows 10 users. Back then, the solution to this issue was to enable network discovery and ensure that network services were operational.

Fortunately, resolving the inability to access a shared folder in Windows 11 is a simple task. It will assist you by displaying a network error message that will instruct you to double-check the spelling of shared folder names.

Read the article to find out how you can fix the Windows 11 cannot access shared folder error. But first, let’s know why the Windows 11 Cannot access shared folder error occurs.

Why Windows 11 Can Not Access shared Folder Error Occur?

There are many reasons why you may have trouble accessing shared folders. It could be a wrongly configured network, incorrect drive settings, or the wrong folder name. And the most common issue is the user account behind the folder having inappropriate permission settings.

It’s recommended that you first talk to the person in control of the shared folder. Nevertheless, if you are the person in control of the shared folder, you will need to re-configure and grant network sharing permissions to facilitate that access.

Fix 1: Grant Network Sharing Access

You might not have permitted the folder to do so. You must have permission to access a shared folder. You can get permission to access a particular file in the drive for the entire drive. Follow the steps given below to give network sharing permission:

1. Open “This PC” on your computer.
2. Navigate to the file or folder you want to access. Right-click on it and select Properties.
3. Click on the Sharing tab and then on Advanced Sharing.
4. Now check the shared folder checkbox and you will be asked to enter the share name. Enter the name and click on Permissions.
5. Here, select “everyone” and then click on “OK.”

You have now been given network sharing permissions to access the shared folder.

Fix 2: Grant Security Permission

Not having the correct security permissions could be another reason you may not be able to access a shared folder in Windows 11. Follow these steps to give security permissions to a shared folder:

1. Open “This PC” on your computer.
2. Navigate to the file or folder you want to access. Right-click on it and select Properties.
3. Select the Security tab in the properties window and click on Edit to modify permissions.
4. Click on “Add” and then on “Advanced.”
5. Click on “Find Now” and select “Everyone.” Then click on OK.
6. Now you will see everyone under the Enter the object names to select section. Click on OK.
7. Click on “Apply” and then click “OK” to save the changes and give security permissions.

Fix 3: Disable the Password-Protected Sharing Option

Follow these steps to disable the password-protected sharing option:

1. Click on the Start button and search for Advanced Sharing Settings.
2. Click on “Open.”
3. Click on “All Networks” to expand the option.
4. Enable Turn-on sharing so anyone with network access can read and write files in the public folders under Public Folder Sharing.
5. Scroll down to Password-Protected Sharing and enable Turn off password-protected sharing.
6. Click on Save Changes at the bottom.
7. Close the advanced sharing settings and restart your computer.

This method could be risky on unsaved networks. If you allow sharing in public, anyone can have access to your data.

Fix 4: Enable file and printer settings

Follow these steps to enable file and printer settings:

1. Click on the Start button and search for Advanced Sharing Settings.
2. Click on “Open.”
3. Click on “Private” to expand the option.
4. Under File and Printer Sharing, enable Turn on File and Printer Sharing.
5. Click on Save Changes at the bottom.
6. Now click on Guest and public if you are on a public network.
7. Under file and printer sharing, enable turn on file and printer sharing.
8. Click on Save Changes.
9. Close the Advanced Sharing Settings and restart your computer.

Wrapping Up

This was all about how you can fix the Windows 11 cannot access shared folder error. By following the steps mentioned above, you will be able to access the shared folder in Windows 11. Still, if you have any trouble, do let us know in the comments section.