Forum Discussion
Map Network Drive : Issue(s)
We have 2 small PC based Windows 11 servers used for Business Files, Music, Photos etc. Running Win 11 25H2 managed via a Workgroup with shared folders - ( c drive)
We have 2 Lenovo Thinkpad T490s machines running Windows 11 25H2 with successfully Mapped Network drives on the 2 PC/Servers, again in the same Workgroup and using the User Name & Password credentials of the individual PC/servers. These were Windows 10 builds upgraded to Win 11. The mapped drives would have been activated under Win 10.
We have recently purchased 2 new Lenovo Thinkpad laptops also both running Windows 11 25H2 and these also have been added to the same Workgroup.
These use MS Workgroup accounts with Pin login.
We have attempted to Map Network drives from the new Laptops using the login credentials of the 2 PC/servers ( User Name & Password) and receive the following error:
"The mapped network drive could not be created because the following error occurred:
We can't sign you in with this credential because your domain isn't available. Make sure your device is connected to your organization's network and try again"
Any thoughts on how to resolve. This is becoming a real frustration.
Murray
3 Replies
Hello -- note for those that have/or are experiencing the same issue with Win11 25H2. We kept working on this and finally seem to have a solution.
- LogIn to your Windows 11 Pro machine using your Workgroup User Name & Password (not PIN)
- Attempt to Map a drive in the usual manner - \\server\share
- Tick "Connect using different credentials
- When prompted enter your network credentials -- Select "More Choices"
- Select "Use a different account"
- In the Email address field : Enter the User Name & Password of the PC/Server you wish to map to.
- Tick remember my credentials & Click OK
- The drive will now be mapped as expected
The key issue here is to use your Microsoft Account User Name and Password to open and access the PC/Laptop and NOT use a PIN.
Job done
Zillmann -- appreciate your feedback -- but would you be able to point me in the direction of the "straightforward fix" -- I have attempted everything to no avail. Thanks in advance Murray
This is a frustrating issue, but it has a known cause and a straightforward fix. The error "your domain isn't available" appears because Windows 11 version 25H2 now assumes any credentials you enter are for a domain controller, not for another PC in a simple workgroup.
