Permission & Access Issues

Fix: Cannot Map Network Drive Because Credentials Are Rejected

Maira Mehtab Sep 20, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to map a network drive to a home desktop or server because the system continuously rejects the entered username and password.

Product: Windows File Explorer
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Setting up a new laptop and attempting to connect to a shared folder hosted on a different local computer or server.
Observed behavior: The network drive mapping fails because the network credentials (username and password) are rejected as incorrect, even if the user believes they are right.

Before you start

Ensure both your new laptop and the host computer (the desktop or server sharing the folder) are turned on, connected to the same trusted local network, and configured with a 'Private' network profile.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Host Computer's Local Credentials

Network drives require the username and password of the computer hosting the shared folder, which may differ from the Microsoft account used to log into your new laptop.

When connecting to a network share, Windows attempts to pass your current laptop's login credentials by default. If the host machine uses a different local account, those credentials will be rejected. You must manually specify the host machine's identity.

Determine the Hostname or IP Address

On the computer hosting the shared folder, find its Device Name (Hostname) in Settings > System > About, or find its local IP address via Command Prompt using the 'ipconfig' command.

Format the Username Correctly

On your new laptop, when prompted for the network credentials, type the username in the format 'HOSTNAME\username' or 'IP_Address\username' (e.g., 'SERVER-PC\John' or '192.168.1.5\John').

Enter the Password

Type the password associated with that specific user account on the host computer and click 'OK' to connect.

Microsoft Accounts: If the host computer uses a Microsoft account for login, you may need to use the full email address as the username and the actual account password, rather than a Windows Hello PIN.

Solution 2

Verify Network Discovery and Folder Permissions

The host computer must be configured to allow file sharing and must grant explicit permission to the account trying to access the folder.

Solution 3

Clear Incorrect Passwords from Credential Manager

If you previously checked 'Remember my credentials' with an incorrect password, Windows will silently use the wrong password and reject the connection.

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1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office on your new laptop.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What format should I use for my network username?

You should use the format 'HOSTNAME\username' or 'IP_ADDRESS\username' (for example, 'DESKTOP-PC\John' or '192.168.1.5\John'). This specifies that Windows should authenticate against the local accounts on the host computer rather than the domain or local accounts on your current laptop.

Why does Windows keep asking for network credentials even when they are correct?

This often occurs if the host computer has 'Password protected sharing' turned on, but the local user account you are trying to use does not have a password set. Windows requires a non-empty password for network sharing by default. You must either assign a password to that user account on the host PC or turn off password-protected sharing in the Advanced Sharing Settings.

How do I map a network drive without a password?

To map a network drive without a password, you must configure the host computer to disable password requirements. Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Advanced sharing settings, expand 'All Networks', and select 'Turn off password protected sharing'. Note that this makes the shared folder accessible to anyone on your local network.

Document & File Issues