Cannot Connect to NAS after Windows Update

I had not used this laptop for a few months, After a long Windows update, I can no longer access my NAS in File Explorer. I checker Credential Manager, and it was no longer listed. I added it back in, and still can't access it. I get network path not found. User ID and password are correct, it works in Chrome to access. I do have Network Discovery and File and printer sharing turned on. Any ideas?

Is password protected sharing turned OFF.
Last time I got that error was because I forgot to turn that off but it was not NAS related

That was off. Didn't affect access though apparently, it's On on the wife's laptop, and can still access the NAS on that system.

TheJoker said:

That was off. Didn't affect access though apparently, it's On on the wife's laptop, and can still access the NAS on that system.

Click to expand...

Did you read this . . .

Whether it will help in your case or not, I walked through these steps and it fixed mine. I saved this in case I ever encountered it again. Hope it will help.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If folder sharing and access to a shared drive works for both computers except one computer can't access the shared drive and receives a "You do not have permission" message, then the issue is almost certainly related to permissions or credentials on that specific computer.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot: Pay attention to step 3 about accessing the drive by
\\HostComputerName\SharedDrive)

1. Check Share Permissions on the Host Computer

Make sure the shared drive has permissions set properly:

• Right-click the shared drive → Properties → Sharing tab → Advanced Sharing → Permissions
• Ensure that the user or "Everyone" has at least Read (or Full Control if needed).

2. Check NTFS (Security) Permissions

In addition to share permissions:

• Go to the Security tab under the drive’s Properties
• Make sure the user or "Everyone" group is listed and has appropriate access rights

3. Verify the Username and Password on the Problem Computer

If the other computer uses credentials (username/password) that the host recognizes, but the problem computer does not:

• On the computer that can’t accessthe share:
  • Go to Credential Manager in Control Panel
  • Remove any saved credentials for the host computer (if incorrect)
  • Then re-access the share (e.g., \\HostComputerName\SharedDrive) — you’ll be prompted for credentials
  • Enter correct username/password from the host machine

4. Map the Drive with Correct Credentials

Sometimes it helps to map the drive manually:

1. Open File Explorer
2. Click This PC → Map network drive
3. Choose a drive letter
4. Enter the path like \\ComputerName\SharedDrive
5. Click "Connect using different credentials"
6. Enter the correct username/password

5. Check Network Profile (Private/Public)

Make sure the problem computer is on a Private network:

• Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi or Ethernet
• Click on the network and ensure it’s set to Private

This ensures network discovery and file sharing are enabled.

6. Firewall and Antivirus Software

Temporarily disable firewall or antivirus software to rule out blocking behavior.

7. Enable Required Services

Make sure these services are running on both machines:

• Function Discovery Resource Publication
• SSDP Discovery
• UPnP Device Host

Run services.msc to check.

Thanks glasskutter, #3 did it. I had entered the local IP address rather than device name for the NAS in Credential Manager when I tried to fix the problem. Changing the IP address to the NAS name fixed the connection issue.