Errors after updating Windows to a new version appear sometimes. We may notice a loss of performance, a program that has stopped working or that does not even correctly recognize the drivers of a device. In this article we are going to focus on how to solve the problem when we cannot connect to a network drive and we have recently updated the equipment.
What If Windows Doesn’t Detect a Network Drive
Microsoft‘s operating system allows us to connect to a network drive through Explorer. For example, we can have a NAS server connected and access the memory to exchange files or create backup copies periodically on the device.
We can also have shared network printers or any device connected to a network drive. The problem comes when we suddenly see that we cannot access it. Before it worked correctly, but at some point a failure occurs and we do not have access.
The truth is that on many occasions this happens after updating Windows , although it must be mentioned that it is not the only cause. It may be due to other reasons, such as a bad system configuration, some program that is interfering, etc. Whatever the cause, what is going to happen is that we will not be able to connect properly.
Check the connection, share path and credentials first
A failed connection does not identify a single Windows-update bug. Note the exact error message, then check the following in order.
- Confirm that the NAS or sharing computer is switched on and that your PC can reach its network. A guest Wi-Fi network may isolate devices.
- Enter the confirmed share path in File Explorer, for example
\\NAS-NAME\SharedFolder. Replace both names with your server and share. If the direct path works, the problem may be the saved drive mapping rather than the file server. - Use an account that exists on the NAS or sharing computer and has permission to the folder. A working Windows sign-in does not automatically grant access to a NAS share.
- For a new mapping, open File Explorer > This PC > the three-dot menu > Map network drive in Windows 11. Select an unused letter and the correct folder path. Use Reconnect at sign-in if needed. In Windows 10, Map network drive is on the Computer tab.
Microsoft’s file-sharing instructions explain the mapping options and permission checks. Our wireless drive and NAS guide explains the different storage device types. If the share is reached through powerline adapters, also check our powerline connection troubleshooting guide.
If the connection stopped after an update
Check the NAS firmware and supported SMB versions. Current Windows releases restrict guest access, and some editions require SMB signing. Use an authenticated account and update the file server to support the required settings. See Microsoft’s SMB security guidance for the requirements that apply to your Windows version.
Do not enable SMB1 or disable signing as a general fix. Changing unrelated peer-networking and UPnP services to Automatic is also not a general solution for an SMB share.
Other solutions to the network drive problem
We have focused on a first solution in case there was a problem after updating Windows. However, there are other causes that can also prevent us from starting the network drive correctly. We will also explain other possible solutions so that it works correctly.
Check that the antivirus or firewall is not the cause
It could also happen that we could not access the network drive because we have some security program installed and it does not work correctly. Sometimes the antivirus or even the firewall can affect the operation of certain services, block an update or be able to access a device on the network.
Review the security product’s blocked-connection log and the file server’s sharing configuration. On a trusted home or work network, allow only the sharing traffic required by your setup. Ask the network administrator about managed rules. Keep antivirus protection enabled while diagnosing the connection.
Something similar could happen with the firewall, in case we have one installed. It could be blocking certain services from the connection and even preventing us from accessing the network drive.
Verify that the VPN is working well
Do you have a VPN installed ? It could also be the reason why you cannot access the network drive. These types of programs serve to encrypt connections and allow us to connect securely through public Wi-Fi networks. But of course, sometimes they have problems.
It is important that we use a good service of this type, that it is updated and that we periodically check that it works correctly. Only then can we be sure that it is not a problem related to it and, if we suspect that it is, we can always stop the VPN momentarily.
Update Windows successfully
We must also verify that we have the latest version of Windows and that it has also been updated correctly. Sometimes these problems appear when a file has been hung or there has been a failure during the installation process.
In Windows 11, open Settings > Windows Update and check for updates. In Windows 10, use Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Restart if an installed update requires it, then retest the same share path.
Have the devices updated
On the other hand, it is equally important to have all connected devices correctly updated to the latest version . This also applies to network adapters, be it Ethernet or Wi-Fi. This will help us reduce the risk of problems of this type.
In this case we have to go to Start, we go to Device Manager, Network adapters and there we select the one that interests us. We have to click with the second mouse button and we click Update driver. Later we restart the computer for the changes to take effect.
In short, if you have problems accessing the network drive, you can follow these steps that we have mentioned. Perhaps it is due to a recent Windows update, but it could also be the cause of having incorrectly configured antivirus or a VPN, as well as outdated network adapter drivers.