The specified network name is no longer available Fix in Windows 10 / 11

Sometimes, while trying to access a shared a folder in the network drives, you may see an error “The specified network name is no longer available“. Some users, on the other hand, may be able to access the drive, but they will also see the error while trying to sync the files outside the network.

This error can appear due to many reasons and some of the common reasons include if your system supports SMB version 1 (SMB 1.0) on the latest edition of Windows 10, or due to an antivirus software. Whatever may be the reason, it can be frustrating, especially when you want to access the shared folders urgently, Fortunately, the “The specified network name is no longer available” error can be fixed. Let’s see how.

Note: – Some users reported that disabling temporary third party anti virus or firewall also fixed this issue. You can also try this.

Method 1: By Enabling SMB 1.0 in Windows Features

 

Step 1: Go to Start and type Windows Features in the Windows search box.

 

Start Windows Search Windows Features

 



Step 2: Click on the result (Turn Windows features on or off) to open the Windows Features dialogue box.

 

Result Turn Windows Features On Or Off Windows Features

 

Step 3: In the Windows Features dialogue box, locate the SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support option. Check the box next to it to enable the feature.

Press OK to save the changes and exit.

 

Turn Windows Features On Or Off Smb 1.0 Cifs File Sharing Support Check

 

*Note – As you check the boxes next to all the options under SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support the feature is automatically checked.

Step 4: Now, restart your PC

Now, go back to the shared folder and try opening it. You should be able to access it.

If you are still facing the issue, follow the next method.

 

Method 2: Turn on Network Sharing

 

Step 1: Go to the Windows search field (next to Start) and write Control Panel.

 

Desktop Start Search Control Panel

 

Step 2: Left-click on the result to open the Control Panel window.

 

Start Search Control Panel Result

 

Step 3: In the Control Panel window, go to the View by field and set it to Large icons.

Select Network and Sharing Centre from the list.

 

Control Panel View By Large Icons Network And Sharing Centre

 

Step 4: In the next window, click on Change advanced sharing settings on the left side of the pane.

 

Network And Sharing Centre Left Side Change Advanced Sharing Settings

 

Step 5: Next, under Change sharing options for different network profiles section, expand the All Networks option.

Go to Public folder sharing and click the radio button next to Turn on sharing so that anyone with network access can read and write files in the public folder. This will turn it on.

 

Advanced Sharing Settings All Networks Public Folder Sharing Turn On

 

Step 6: Go to Password-protected sharing section and select the radio button next to Turn off password-protected sharing.

Press Save changes to save the changes and exit.

 

 

Advanced Sharing Settings Password Protected Sharing Turn Off Password Protected Sharing

 

Now, go back and try accessing the shared folders and you should not see any more errors.

Method 3: By Mapping Network drive using IP address

1. Open File explorer.

2. Click on This PC in the left menu.

3. Click on Computer

4. Click on Map Network drive.

 

Map Network Drive Min

 

 

5. Now, Type the address of the shared folder in the format as given below :

\\IP address\share folder.



 

1 Map Network Drive Min

Method 4: Start Workstation and Server Services

1 – Search Services in Windows taskbar search and then click on gear shaped icon of Services  in the search result to open it.

Services Min

 

2 – Now, Locate Workstation service. Double click on it.

Screenshot 2022 06 17 145829 Min

 

3 – Click on start if  is not running. Also, make sure Startup type is set to Automatic.

Screenshot 2022 06 17 145929 Min

 

4 – Click on Apply and OK

Do the same thing as described above for two more services which are Given below.

  • Server
  • Computer Browser

Now, try again.