Windows 10: Network credentials error when trying to connect desktop to laptop

I'm running windows 11 pro on both desktop and laptop. I have a new laptop and I have added it to my local network, set up the share and all worked fine with bidirectional read/write between each device. Then one day, probably after an update, I was no longer able to access the share from desktop to laptop. I can see the laptop in my desktop network folder but when I try to access the laptop from the desktop it asks me to sign in and keeps giving me a "The username or password is incorrect" error. I've tried using just the username, I've tried \\devicename\username . I've even renamed bot

:)

 

Network Credentials

Hi Sammy,

To assist you better regarding your concern with network credentials, have you checked the Windows credentials for any information about the username and password for the network credentials? If not yet, follow the steps below to access Windows Credentials
manager.

• Press the Windows icon on the desktop.
• Type in Windows Credentials.

We would appreciate as well if you could provide us a screenshot.

Let us know how it goes.

 

Network credentials work from phone but not laptop

Hello TerryReagan,

Thank you for providing us with this information.

The following are the suggested methods to troubleshoot Network Credential issues:

METHOD 1: Clear Credentials from Windows Credential Manager

Windows Credential Manager is where Windows username and password are stored including network credentials, websites, and apps.

1. In your Windows 11 laptop, go to Windows Search box.
   
2. Type "Credential Manager" and hit Enter.
   
3. Click on "Windows Credentials".
   
4. Look for your desktop name and remove credentials.
   
5. Restart and check if you can now access your desktop.
   

METHOD 2: Add the credentials in Credentials Manager

If the above step did not work or your desktop credential is not listed, you can try adding it manually.

1. Go to Windows Search box.
   
2. Type "Credential Manager" and hit Enter.
   
3. Click on Windows Credentials > Add Windows Credentials.
   
4. Enter the username and password of the computer that you want to access.
   
5. Click OK and restart your computer.
   
6. Check if you can now login.
   

METHOD 3: Disable Credential Manager Service automatic Startup

1. On your keyboard, press Windows key + R.
   
2. In the Run dialog box, type services.msc.
   
3. Scroll and locate the Credential Manager service.
   
4. In the properties window, click the drop-down on the Startup type and select Disabled.
   
5. Click Apply > OK to save changes.
   
6. Restart your computer and check if you can now login.
   

METHOD 4: Set IP address to automatic

1. On your keyboard, press Windows key + R.
   
2. In the Run dialog box, type ncpa.cpl and hit Enter.
   
3. Right-click on the network connection you are using and click on Properties.
   
4. Double-click the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) option to edit properties.
   
5. Click General tab, make sure the radio button is set to Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically.
   

METHOD 5: Change Network Profile to Private

1. Go to Windows Settings > Network & Internet > Click your network adapter.
   
2. Under Network profile, if Public is selected, change it to Private.
   
3. Restart your computer and check if you can now login.
   

Also, make sure both devices are connected to the same network.

Let us know the result and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

Best regards,



Microsoft Community Moderator

 

Windows 10 not accepting Microsoft Account as Network Credentials

Help, please?

I have three computers on my home network, all with Windows 10. They all could access each other's files through the network after entering my Microsoft Account as Network Credentials.

I replaced the hard drive in my laptop and installed Windows 10 again. Now it cannot access the other two computers, nor can they access the laptop. When I enter my Microsoft Account info in Network Credentials, it says "The user name or password is incorrect".

What I have done:

1. Double-checked that I am using the correct password with my Microsoft Account.
   
2. Rebooted router.
   
3. Connected laptop to network with a network cable.
   
4. Tried everything mentioned on Fix Enter network credentials error on Windows 11/10, on the laptop and my main desktop without success.
   
5. Created a local account on the laptop with a username & password, and I am able to access the files on the laptop from the desktop using that username & password as network credentials, but using my Microsoft Account as network credentials still will not work.
   

None of my computers can be updated to Windows 11, so please don't suggest that.