network credentials

Hello Michael Parkin,

When Windows 11 Pro keeps prompting for credentials when accessing a network drive, the direct cause is that the client is not sending valid authentication to the SMB server. The fastest way to fix it is to clear any incorrect cached credentials and force Windows to use the correct username format.

The immediate action is to open Control Panel, go to Credential Manager, then Windows Credentials, and remove any entries associated with the target server such as \SERVERNAME or \192.168.x.x. Once those entries are removed, reconnect to the share and enter the credentials in the exact format the server expects. If the server is a workgroup machine, you must use SERVERNAME\username. If it is domain‑joined, use DOMAIN\username. Entering only the username causes Windows 11 to send the local Microsoft account token, which the remote SMB host will reject, resulting in repeated prompts.

If the share is hosted on a non‑domain Windows machine, ensure the local username and password on the server match exactly with what you are entering from the Windows 11 client. Windows 11 will not automatically pass credentials to a workgroup host unless the credentials match. If they differ, the prompt will appear every time regardless of how many times you enter them.

If the server is older or running a non‑Windows SMB implementation, verify that it supports SMB2 or SMB3. Windows 11 has SMB1 fully disabled by default, and if the server only supports SMB1, authentication will fail. In that case, the correct fix is to enable SMB2/3 on the server side. Do not enable SMB1 on Windows 11, as Microsoft has deprecated it for security reasons.

If you are logging into Windows 11 with a Microsoft account, remember that those credentials cannot authenticate to a workgroup SMB share. You must explicitly enter the server’s local account credentials when connecting. This is expected behavior and not a bug.

I hope you've found something useful here. If it helps you get more insight into the issue, it's appreciated to accept the answer. Should you have more questions, feel free to leave a message. Have a nice day!

Domic Vo.

Use these checks and steps on Windows 11 Pro to resolve repeated credential prompts when accessing a network drive:

1. Verify the share and permissions on the host PC
   • On the host PC, go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners (for printers) or use File Explorer for folders.
   • For folders: in File Explorer, right‑click the shared folder, select Show more options > Give access to > Specific people, and ensure the intended user or Everyone is listed with the correct permission.
   • For printers: open Printer properties > Sharing and confirm Share this printer is enabled and the Share name is correct.
2. Confirm network connectivity and profile
   • Ensure both PCs are on the same LAN and can see each other.
   • On the client PC, open File Explorer and type \\ComputerName of the host in the address bar. If this fails, fix basic network or name‑resolution issues first.
3. Turn on Network Discovery and File and Printer Sharing
   • On both PCs, go to Start > Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Advanced sharing settings.
   • Turn on:
     • Network discovery
     • File and printer sharing
   • Save changes.
4. Use correct credentials for the host
   • When prompted, enter a valid account from the host PC: HostPCUserName and its password.
   • For most home/workgroup setups, using the same local or Microsoft account (same username and password) on both PCs avoids repeated prompts.
   • If password‑protected sharing is enabled, anonymous access will not work; valid credentials are required.
5. Remap the network drive cleanly
   • In File Explorer, right‑click the existing mapped drive and select Disconnect.
   • Select This PC, then More > Map network drive.
   • Choose a drive letter and enter the share path (for example, \\HostPC\ShareName).
   • Check Reconnect at sign‑in.
   • When prompted, supply the correct host credentials and select the option to remember them.

If the drive still keeps asking for credentials, focus on:

• Ensuring the host account password is correct and not blank.
• Ensuring the user has both share permissions and NTFS permissions on the shared folder.

References:

• Fix shared printer connection problems in Windows
• File sharing over a network in Windows