LAN Share not accessible (unknown error) after last win11 update

[AngioC]

After last update a LAN share connected to my home internet router cannot be found any more. The router is a TPLink that allows up-to-date management of USB devices. Before this problem, the drive was accessible with Samba under the device name \\Archer_VR1200v, or else with its TCP address, 192.168.1.254. Now the diagnostic is that the address 192.168.1.254  is not found. I tried to assign a specific UserID and password through the Routerr configurator, with no success. Same problem arose with another PC connected on the local Wireless Internet Network, a Vivobook Asus Laptop. Thrying to execute an error analysis with the system, contributes only an "unknown error". Both Win 11 are Home Version. I found the issue on Win 11, but the proposed "workaround" solutions resetting the new protections are both ineffecetive and dangerous. Has anybody any notion on how the Win11 and the Router should be configured?

[zoey7886 · Accepted solution]

@AngioC, Welcome to the HP Support Community!  

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding LAN issue! 

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.  

Windows 11 updates can sometimes feel like they slam the door on things that used to just work. Let’s try a couple of steps to get your TP-Link share talking to your PCs again:

Check SMB settings:

Windows 11 sometimes disables SMB 1.0 after updates.

Go to Control Panel > Programs > Turn Windows features on or off → make sure SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support is ticked. Restart after enabling.

Use the IP address directly:

In File Explorer, type \\192.168.1.254 in the address bar.

If it still doesn’t show, try \\Archer_VR1200v again after a restart.

Credential Manager reset:

Open Windows Credential Manager → remove any old entries for the router.

Add a new Windows credential with your router’s IP, username, and password.

Network discovery:

Make sure Network Discovery and File & Printer Sharing are turned on (Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced sharing settings).  

Hope this helps! 

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, Please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!  

Regards, 

[AngioC]

ZOEY, Thank you for your help.

I had already the same problem a few months ago, in that case one specific recomendation (about SMB 1.0) had solved my problem. This time, however, as I found out after posting my help request, the only workable solution was

offered by a blog about win 11 update KB5065426. This update may make impossible to access samba shares (even by using the correct Userid and password), and also shared printers. Uninstalling it, both my PCs could access again the share. I also loked further updates for the time being. This is not a final solution, I hope Microsoft shall fix quickly that problem, that is causing severe difficultie to many users.

Thank you again and regards,

[zoey7886]

@AngioC, Thank you for the update, and I really appreciate you sharing what worked on your end. I know how frustrating it can feel when something as simple as a shared drive suddenly vanishes after a Windows update—it’s like a door that was always open now being slammed shut.

You’re absolutely right—recent cumulative updates (like KB5065426) have been reported to break Samba share and even shared printer connections. Uninstalling that update is a good temporary workaround, but since updates eventually roll back in, here are a couple of safer steps you can also try:

Check for fixes in newer patches: Microsoft often releases quick follow-up updates to address issues like this. Keep an eye on Windows Update after pausing for a bit.

Re-enable SMB components: In Control Panel > Programs > Turn Windows features on or off, confirm SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support is enabled.

Credential cleanup: Go to Credential Manager and clear any old router entries, then re-add with the correct IP, username, and password.

Network discovery: Double-check that Network Discovery and File & Printer Sharing are still enabled under Advanced sharing settings.

Hope this helps! 

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, Please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!  

Regards, 

[AngioC]

Dear ZOEY,

Thanks again. Upon your suggestion, I checked and saw that Microsoft has published a set of possible remedies, but I am afraid these are too technical for me. As far as your other recommendations, I had already tried them out. I would however ask you, if possible, to tell me, in case you shall learn that Microsoft has issued a new (corrective) patch.

I am sure other people too would appreciate that.

Regards, 

[Garp_senchau]

Hey @AngioC, 

Thanks for reaching out! Since the issue remains unresolved, I suggest contacting our phone/chat support team for personalized assistance. They can provide one-on-one help and may even be able to work their remote assistance magic to fix the problem.

Note: There might be a nominal charge for the service they provide.

Regards,

[AngioC]

I found a working solution. The problem was a missing, wrong or unacceptable Windows Credential for the Local Hub. When the internet home router is configured, its address -in my case \\192.168.1.1- is typed in the browser's  search field. An userid and password have to be compiled to obtain access to it.

These are the userid and password to be used as Windows Credentials. The "router" object itself has its own name. That name can be found in the list of network units. In order to see external unit on the LAN, and to be visible by other LAN users, the Network Discovery, and the sharing Parameters have to be  "ON" for the current network. Locate your modem and use its name.

The Windows Credentials are displayed and manageable by:

-typing "Credentials" in the search field of "Settings", and then

-selecting the Windows Credentials.

Be careful though, valid Windows Credentials have to fulfill specific requirements. If this is not the case (ie userid excedes the maximum allowed length), the current Userid and Password of the Hub have to be changed. 

If the Hub Resource is not present yet in the list of Windows Credentials when you try to access it, Windows will ask you to fill them in, and you need just to type them in their slots.

If the Hub Resource is alrady present among the other Credentials, the current Userid and Password are most probably wrong or invalid. You just need to change them to their proper value.

When you have done this, the LAN shared printers should be accessible again. And if you type the address of the Hub in the search field of the network (\\192.168.1.1, in my case), then the shared  units of the Lan will be shown, and accessible. This happens for both my PCs.