Yes, ReadySHARE
can work on Windows 11, but many users have reported issues and it often requires troubleshooting. It's not always a seamless "plug and play" experience as it might have been with older Windows versions.
Here's a summary of what the search results indicate and common solutions:
Common Issues:
- ReadySHARE drive not showing up: This is a frequent complaint, especially after Windows 11 updates (like 24H2).
- Login/Credential problems: Users are often prompted for usernames/passwords even when the share is set for open access.
- Network discovery issues: Windows 11 PCs may not discover other network devices, including the ReadySHARE drive.
Potential Solutions and Troubleshooting Steps:
- Enable Network Discovery and File and Printer Sharing: This is a fundamental step for any network sharing. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > Advanced sharing settings.
- Enable SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support: Windows 11 often has SMB 1.0 disabled by default, which some older ReadySHARE implementations might rely on. You can enable it in Control Panel > Programs > Turn Windows Features On or Off.
- Access by IP Address: Instead of trying to find "\readyshare" directly, try accessing the drive using your router's IP address (e.g., \\192.168.1.1\readyshare) in File Explorer. You can find your router's IP address by logging into its interface.
- Clear Cached Credentials: If you're having login issues, clear any saved credentials related to your ReadySHARE drive in Control Panel > Credential Manager > Windows Credentials.
- Check Network Profile: Ensure your network profile in Windows 11 is set to "Private" rather than "Public," as public profiles have stricter security settings that can block network discovery.
- Temporarily Disable Firewall: As a troubleshooting step, you can temporarily disable Windows Defender Firewall to see if it's blocking the connection. Remember to re-enable it afterward.
- Update Network Drivers: Make sure your laptop's network drivers are up to date via Device Manager.
- Router Firmware: Ensure your Netgear router has the latest firmware installed.
- Insecure Guest Logins: In some cases, enabling the "Enable insecure guest logins" policy in Windows can help, though this is less secure.1
- Reset Network: One user reported success by resetting the network through the Control Panel in Windows 11.
Important Note:
Some users have also pointed out that Netgear's focus on ReadyNAS (their dedicated NAS devices) and the deprecation of services like ReadyCLOUD might indicate less active development or support for the ReadySHARE feature on their routers.
In conclusion, while ReadySHARE can be made to work on Windows 11, it often requires some manual configuration and troubleshooting due to changes in Windows security and networking protocols.
