Network file sharing and discovery

RickK · Jul 28, 2023

Windows 11 Version 22H2 (OS BUILD 22621.2070)

2 Laptops connected to my network, 1 can see and control the other (access hard drives etc) This laptop gets Network Credentials request when trying to access the other laptop. Network discovery is on for both, filesharing as well. Pretty sure I went down the settings trying to match them both, obviously I am missing something. Any help would be appreciated, most likely missing a setting somewhere, just not sure what.

Winuser · Jul 29, 2023

I used this guide to fix my sharing problem. How do Share Files Between Two Win 11 Computers -Same Network?

DzigiBau · Jul 29, 2023

RickK said:
Windows 11 Version 22H2 (OS BUILD 22621.2070)

2 Laptops connected to my network, 1 can see and control the other (access hard drives etc) This laptop gets Network Credentials request when trying to access the other laptop. Network discovery is on for both, filesharing as well. Pretty sure I went down the settings trying to match them both, obviously I am missing something. Any help would be appreciated, most likely missing a setting somewhere, just not sure what.

Try to use local accounts on both PCs, with username and password. That is the first step. It could be done with Microsoft Accounts too, but for the time being, use (or create) local accounts on both computers. Remember username and passwords, use different for each computer. Then open Settings, Settings/Network & Internet/Advance Network Settings/Advanced Sharing Settings, find Private Networks and enable Network Discovery, Set up Network Connected Devices Automatically and File and Printer Sharing on both computers.

I would recommend using Static IP on both PCs for your local network (not DHCP), it is not mandatory, but it could make process little bit more convenient.

Restart or better shut down computes and turn them on, one by one. You will have them in your local network with possibility to use file sharing as you want.

Open File Explorer, go to Network, you should see other PC there with its name. Double click and use credentials, username and password of that computer of its local account. Some people try to use username and password of PC No. 1, where they double click network access to PC No. 2 which is wrong and ridiculous. Authentication means using credentials of PC No. 2 (its local account username and account) when you double click its network icon on PC No 1 in File Explorer.