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John T Smith
Community Expert
Community Expert
January 10, 2026
Question

Windows 11 home network file sharing problem

  • January 10, 2026
  • 1 reply
  • 86 views

I have two Windows 11 Pro computers that have wired connections to a comcast/xfinity XB8-T modem, which I have checked and there is nothing set inside the modem to block a home network (I have not changed anything inside the modem since the last time file sharing worked)

Both computers have updated Win11 - and I think this is the problem... some setting in Win11 that I am missing is 'most likely' causing the communication problem

Both Windows computers have the following settings (per Microsoft instructions)
Private network (which Microsoft says will 'automatically' configure the Microsoft Firewall)
File and printer sharing is activated
Both computers are using the default work group name
Network discovery is ON
Both computers are using the required Microsoft account, not a local user account
File manager 'sees' the 'other' computer name under Network
Clicking the name gives a result of 'Windows cannot access \\name1'

Does anyone know what else I need to set inside Windows11?

    1 reply

    John T Smith
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    January 10, 2026

    While searching at Microsoft, I found the answer - Bryan-V a Microsoft employee said on 10-6-2025 that the fault is with Microsoft, due to a Windows update… which means that a solution is going to have to come from Microsoft, nothing I can do in settings to make file sharing over a home network function properly