Windows 10: A random section titled "network location" has appeared in my file explorer

I have all windows sharing settings disabled but it's still there and everything I save is going there and I don't know how to remove the network location

:)

 

Network computers stopped appearing on file explorer network tab

I have checked the updates section. There is a string of updates listed from 7 Dec 15 to date and all have been successful. Nothing is showing as failed.

The firewall in use is the Windows 10 firewall. I accepted the default settings.

Following my update yesterday there have been further strange happenings. The WDMycloud entry disappeared from the network area, even though this NAS device is still on-line and can be accessed both by this Windows PC and my Macbook.

The Macbook briefly appeared for the first time in weeks in the network section and I was able to access files by clicking on it. After less than an hour the entry disappeared. I was still able to access files through the mapped network drive connection
and the Macbook continues to be able to access files on the Windows PC.

There is something mighty strange going on. While all these entries in the network section appeared and disappeared at random I was doing nothing more than using the systems normally. There appears to be a weird inconsistent error in Windows allowing me
to access the network devices through one route yet not showing these same devices in file explorer.

 

Network drive attached to TPlink 2300 router appears as a media device

I've tried everything you suggest but no joy I'm afraid. Thank you for trying to help but I think I have to give this up although I hate being beaten.

 

Network drive attached to TPlink 2300 router appears as a media device

@DevonDave,

Thanks for posting your screenshots. What happens if you do this:

• Open Explorer, tick on Network to select it, in Explorer Network address bar type \\C2300-Share\?

The result from above should be that you see a Windows Credentials Prompt appear asking for the logon information for your router, then this share opens to show content of the share and the location name as above shows up under Network in Explorer.

One thing I see that looks odd to me is that there are no folders listed as shared under Sharing Contents in your screenshot even though the check box is ticked there. What I see instead is a drive letter. So if the above suggestion does not work for you try this next:

• In the Explorer Network address bar type \\CS2300-Share\G

Does that now result in a credentials prompt showing up? If it does then enter the credential for your router and the share should open. You can then use the above to Add a Network Location as described earlier on any LAN attached PC.