As much as technology has advanced, it still isn’t perfect. One common issue that Windows users face when accessing shared folders on a network is the “network path not found” error. This can be frustrating as it prevents users from accessing files from other computers within the same network. In this article, we will go over some solutions to fix this error and allow you to access files on your network.

1. Check if network discovery is enabled

The first thing to check is whether network discovery is enabled on your computer. This feature allows your computer to identify and communicate with other devices on the network. If it’s disabled, you won’t be able to see any shared folders on the network.

To enable network discovery, go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change advanced sharing settings. Under the “Network discovery” section, select the “Turn on network discovery” option and click “Save changes.”

2. Make sure the computer is part of the same workgroup

Another common reason for the network path not found error is that the computer isn’t part of the same workgroup as the other computers on the network. To check this, go to Control Panel > System and Security > System. Under the “Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings” section, select “Change settings” to see if your computer is part of the same workgroup as the other computers on your network. If not, click “Change” and enter the same workgroup name as the other computers.

3. Restart your computer

Sometimes the easiest solution can be the most effective one. Restarting your computer can fix any temporary issues that may be preventing you from accessing shared folders on the network.

4. Check if the firewall is blocking access

The Windows firewall can prevent access to shared folders on the network. To check this, go to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall > Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall. Look for “File and Printer Sharing” and make sure it’s checked for both private and public networks.

5. Enable file and printer sharing

Another option is to enable the file and printer sharing feature on your computer. This allows other computers on the network to access shared files and printers on your computer. To enable this feature, go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change advanced sharing settings. Under the “File and printer sharing” section, select “Turn on file and printer sharing.”

6. Reset TCP/IP stack

If none of the above solutions work, you can reset TCP/IP stack which removes any corrupt files and resets the network settings. To do this, open Command Prompt as an administrator and type “netsh int ip reset” and press Enter. Restart your computer after this command is executed.

In conclusion, the “network path not found” error can be a frustrating issue but it can be fixed with these solutions. Make sure you have enabled network discovery, checked your workgroup settings, restarted your computer, checked the firewall settings, enabled file and printer sharing, and reset the TCP/IP stack to make sure you’re able to access shared folders on your network.