If you've recently upgraded to Windows 11 and experienced the frustrating "File Not Found" error when trying to access mapped network drives, you're not alone. This issue, while not widely covered, has been affecting users across both personal and professional environments. In this article, we’ll dive into why this happens and the steps to resolve it.
The error typically occurs when:
Credential Manager Misconfiguration: Windows fails to remember the correct credentials for your network drive.
SMB Protocol Mismatch: Windows 11 defaults to SMB 3.0, which may not be compatible with older network storage devices.
Timeout Issues: Delays in reconnecting to network drives after system startup can cause this error.
Path Format Problems: Windows sometimes struggles with UNC paths (e.g., \\ServerName\Share) if not mapped correctly.
1. Reconfigure Credentials in Windows Credential Manager
Sometimes, Windows saves outdated credentials for your network drive. Fix this by removing and re-adding them:
Open Credential Manager:
Search for "Credential Manager" in the Start menu.
Select Windows Credentials.
Locate your network drive entry (e.g., \\ServerName\Share).
Remove the entry and restart your PC.
Reconnect to the drive:
Press Win + E to open File Explorer.
Right-click on This PC → Map Network Drive.
Enter the UNC path and your username/password.
2. Force SMB Protocol Compatibility
If your network storage device uses an older SMB version, you may need to enable support manually:
Open Control Panel → Programs → Turn Windows features on or off.
Locate SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support and check the box.
Click OK and restart your PC.
Note: Enabling SMB 1.0 is not recommended unless absolutely necessary, as it may expose your system to security risks. Consider updating your storage device firmware to support newer SMB versions if possible.
3. Increase Network Drive Reconnection Timeout
To ensure Windows reconnects your network drive properly after startup:
Open Registry Editor:
Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanWorkstation\Parameters
Right-click, select New → DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it KeepConn.
Double-click the entry and set its value to 1200 (this equals 20 minutes in seconds).
Restart your PC.
4. Use Explicit IP-Based Mapping
If the server name in your UNC path is causing issues, switch to using its IP address:
Determine the IP address of your network storage device (e.g., 192.168.1.100).
Map the drive using:
Copy code
\\192.168.1.100\ShareName
5. Update Windows and Network Storage Firmware
Outdated software can lead to compatibility issues. Ensure:
Your Windows 11 installation is up to date:
Open Settings → Windows Update → Check for Updates.
The firmware for your NAS or network device is the latest version.
To minimize the risk of recurrence:
Save Credentials Properly: Always use the "Remember my credentials" option when mapping drives.
Test Connections Regularly: Check your mapped drives after major Windows updates.
Enable Automatic Startup Scripts: Use a batch file to remap network drives at startup:
Open Notepad and type:
bash
Copy code
net use Z: \\ServerName\Share /persistent:yes
Save it as ReconnectDrives.bat.
Place the file in C:\Users\[YourUser]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup.
The "File Not Found" error when accessing network drives in Windows 11 is a niche but irritating issue. With these steps, you can identify the root cause and restore seamless access to your network drives. For further troubleshooting or updates, check relevant forums or the Microsoft support website.
By addressing this issue, you’ll not only improve your workflow but also help others searching for solutions online. If you found this guide useful, share it to help spread awareness! 😊