First, thanks much for your reply Manoel Barros.
Second, my equipment:
- Server QNAP NAS T-288 (Software= QTS 4.3.6.2805)
- Windows 11 Professional (version 26H2 installed 2026-09-30)
- Macbook Air Tahoe 26.6.2
- Linux Zorin 18
Third, The problem
Since the installation of version 26H2 on 2026-09-30, my Windows 11 laptop cannot access two mapped- shared folders located on my QNAP NAS) via QNAP Qfinder or other methods like via the Explorer
Howver, I can access these mapped-shared folders with my Macbook Air and Linux Zorin 18 laptops.
**Fourth, the solutions **that I have tried unsuccessfully are:
- Shutdown the Windows 11 laptop, wait 30 sec, and restart.
- Shut the modem down 1 min, and restart.
- I also tried the following procedures:
QNAP NAS not recognized by Windows 11
If your Windows 11 PC cannot find or access your QNAP NAS, it is usually caused by tightened Microsoft security settings (especially prominent in updates like Windows 11 24H2), incorrect network profiles, or stale network credentials. [1, 2]
Follow these steps to get your QNAP NAS recognized again, ordered from the most common fixes to advanced adjustments:
- Clear and Re-Add Windows Credentials
Windows updates frequently break network shares because cached security tokens become mismatched or invalid. [1, 2]
- Press Win + S, type Credential Manager, and open it.
- Click on Windows Credentials.
- Look through the list for any entries matching your NAS IP address or hostname. Click them and select Remove.
- Click Add a Windows credential.
- Enter your NAS IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.100), your NAS username, and password, then click Save. [1, 2, 3]
- Bypass Discovery by Mapping the IP Directly
Windows 11 often fails to show the NAS under the "Network" tab in File Explorer, but you can still access it directly. [1, 2]
- Open File Explorer (Win + E).
- In the top address bar, type \ followed by your NAS IP address (e.g., \192.168.1.100) and press Enter.
- If this successfully opens your folders, right-click on your main folder and select Map network drive... so it stays permanently pinned as a drive letter (like Z:). [1, 2, 3, 4]
- Change Network Profile to "Private"
If Windows thinks your home network is "Public", it intentionally hides all network devices to protect you. [1, 2]
- Go to Settings > Network & internet.
- Click on your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
- Change the Network profile type from Public to Private.
- Go back to Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Advanced sharing settings.
- Ensure Network discovery and File and printer sharing are turned On. [1, 2, 3]
- Adjust SMB Settings (For older QNAP models)
Windows 11 disables legacy, insecure SMB versions by default. If your QNAP is running an older version of QTS (like 4.3.3 or 4.3.4), it may be trying to use SMB 1. [1, 2, 3].
• On your QNAP NAS: Log into the web admin portal. Go to Control Panel > Network & File Services > Win/Mac/NFS/WebDAV > Microsoft Networking > Advanced Options. Ensure the Highest SMB version is set to SMB 3 and the Lowest SMB version is set to SMB 2 (or SMB 1 if it's a very old unit). [1, 2]
• On Windows 11 (Only if using an older NAS): Press Win + R, type optionalfeatures.exe, and hit Enter. Scroll down, check the box for SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support, click OK, and restart your PC. (Note: Only do this if your NAS doesn't support SMB 2/3, as SMB 1 has security vulnerabilities). [1, 2]
Thanks much for your advice. Have a great day.