Intermittent file sharing problem on Windows 11 network

Don Hoskins 0 Reputation points
2026-10-03T19:10:50.08+00:00

Computer A is a wired desktop, Computer B is a wireless desktop, & Computer 3 is a wireless laptop all windows 11 & up to date on all drivers & updates. My access to the hard drives on these computers from one another is intermittent. Anywhere from 5 minutes to 15 minutes I will suddenly get access to all the hard drives again, then it goes away again if I close windows explorer. Does not interfere with the internet connections on any of the computer for accessing the hard drives.

Please help as this is very frustrating when I am trying to get or send a file from one computer to another.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Files, folders, and storage
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  1. Ivan B 125.1K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-04T01:06:42.15+00:00

    Hii,

    When you access the computer via Windows Explorer over the network, are you able to access it, or do you lose your credentials or get an error?

    Thanks.

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  2. Don Hoskins 0 Reputation points
    2026-10-05T13:19:26.57+00:00

    I can see the other computers but most of the time I cannot access their hard drives. It is intermittent. When I can get access to the hard drives so long as I do not close the windows file explore window, I will have access to the drives the entire time. If I close that window, then I lose access to it again?

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  3. Don Hoskins 0 Reputation points
    2026-10-05T13:20:36.7566667+00:00

    I can see the other computers but most of the time I cannot access their hard drives. It is intermittent. When I can get access to the hard drives so long as I do not close the windows file explore window, I will have access to the drives the entire time. If I close that window, then I lose access to it again?

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  4. Ivan B 125.1K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-06T00:28:32.12+00:00

    Hi,

    In this case, map the drive in Windows Explorer: go to "My Computer," click the three dots, select "Map network drive," and—once the computers appear—click the arrow and select the network folder/drive.

    Check if it saves and maintains the connection.

    The issue isn't about disconnection, but rather about it appearing (or not) when trying to access it via the Network section in Windows Explorer.

    Thanks.

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