Hey! Do you want to fix the “Windows cannot access Network Drive” error on Windows 11/10? To fix this error follow this article in detail.
When this error message appears, it typically indicates that your computer cannot establish a connection with the network drive, preventing you from accessing the files and folders stored on it.
Root causes of the issue- Windows cannot access Network Drive
Table of Contents
You may encounter the “Windows Cannot Access Network Drive” error for several reasons. Some of the most prevalent causes include:
- Network connectivity issues.
- Incorrect network drive path.
- Firewall and antivirus software conflicts.
- Outdated network drivers.
- Incorrect user permissions.
How to Fix “Windows cannot access Network Drive” on Windows 11/Windows 10?
Now that we’ve identified the common causes of the “Windows Cannot Access Network Drive” error, let’s dive into the troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the problem.
1. Checking Network Connectivity and Permissions
The first step in troubleshooting this issue is to ensure that your computer is properly connected to the network and that you have the necessary permissions to access the network drive.
Check your Network Connection:
First, you verify that your computer is connected to the network and that the network connection is stable. You can do this by checking by PING command. or do this follow these easy steps-
Click Here to know how to run PING Command- Click Here
Verify user permissions: Ensure that you have the appropriate permissions to access the network drive. This may involve checking with your IT administrator or the owner of the network drive to confirm that your user account has the necessary access rights.
2. Verifying the network drive path
If the network connectivity and permissions checks do not resolve the issue, the next step is to verify the network drive path.
Confirm the network drive path: Double-check the network drive path to ensure that it is correct and has not been changed. This information can typically be found in the network drive mapping or the network drive shortcut.
Click Here- How to Map a Network Drive in Windows 10?
3. Troubleshooting firewall and antivirus settings
Conflicts with your firewall or antivirus software can also contribute to the “Windows Cannot Access Network Drive” error. Here’s how you can troubleshoot these settings:
Temporarily disable firewall and antivirus: Turn off your firewall and antivirus software temporarily to see if this resolves the issue. If it does, you may need to adjust the settings to allow access to the network drive. To do follow these easy steps-
- Click On Start.
- Click on Settings.
- Search for Windows Defender Setting and click Enter.
- Click on Windows Security.
- Now Select Virus and Threat Protections.
- Under the Virus & threat protection settings, click on the Manage settings option.
- In the Real-Time Protection Turn Off (Real Time Protection).
Click Here to Know – How to Disable Windows Defender in Windows 10.
4. Updating network drivers
Outdated or corrupt network drivers can also cause the “Windows Cannot Access Network Drive” error. Follow these steps to update your network drivers:
STEP#1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select “Device Manager” from the menu.
STEP#2. In the Device Manager window, expand the “Network adapters” category.
STEP#3. Right-click on the network adapter you are using and select “Update driver.”
STEP#4. Choose the option to automatically search for updated driver software.
STEP#5. Wait for the system to search and install any available updates.
STEP#6. Restart your computer after the driver update is complete.
5. Restart Server and Workstation Services
To restart Windows Workstation Services follow these easy steps-
STEP#1. Navigate to run type – services.msc and hit Enter.
STEP#2. Scroll Down and find Workstation and server services.
STEP#3. Right-click on Workstation services and select Restart.
Click Here to Fix – Multiple Connections to a Server or Shared Resource
Conclusion
The “Windows Cannot Access Network Drive” error can be a frustrating problem, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can often resolve it quickly and get back to accessing your important files and documents.
By understanding the common causes of this issue, verifying your network connectivity and permissions, troubleshooting firewall and antivirus settings, updating network drivers, and resetting your network settings, you’ll be well on your way to resolving the problem
If you’re still struggling with the “Windows Cannot Access Network Drive” issue, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of IT experts. We’re here to help you troubleshoot the problem and get you back up and running as quickly as possible. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let us put our expertise to work for you.