Windows 10: Windows 11 computer name keeps changing, affecting home network file sharing

We have several PCs at home on a home network, and copy files to them from my 'main' PC to back them up. We just replaced one of these PCs that was running Win 10 with a Win 11 PC. I changed to factory name of the PC to let's say COMPUTER05. Let's say it's IP address was 192.168.1.213.After makin the PC discoverable, at first I was able to map a network drive, and it finds COMPUTER05. After a couple of days I can no longer do that, I get a message that the "\\COMPUTER01\ is not accessible. However if map the network drive using the numeric 192.168.1.213, I can still get to it a

:)

 

How do I change the network adapter name? (Windows 10)

Press Windows Key + R, type secpol.msc and press Enter to run it. In Local Security Policy window, go to the Network List Manager Policies in the left pane. Now in the right pane double click on the network name that you want to change. In the Properties windows under the Name section make sure that Name is selected. Now in the input field enter the name that you wish to use for your connection. Click Apply then OK to save the changes. And you might have to log in again or to restart your computer before the changes are applied.

 

Unable to share network computers

Blake,

I disagree with Clint.

Here is my full list of network setting up steps. It is what I do to set up my own networks.

1 Set the same WorkGroup name on each computer - Change Workgroup - TenForumsTutorials

2 Create a local Admin account on each computer with both the same username and the same password.
- This will be used to authorise mutual network access upon the first connection to it but does not restrict which user accounts can subsequently be used when accessing the network.Add Local Account - TenForumsTutorials
Change Account Type - TenForumsTutorials- This can actually be an MSAccount but a local one is normally less prone to errors.
- Anyway, it's always a good idea to have a spare, password-protected local Admin account as a hedge against possible user profile corruption in the future.

3 Set up all Control Panel, Network and Sharing Center, Advanced sharing settings - includingTurn On Network Discovery - TenForumsTutorials
Turn On File and Printer Sharing - TenForumsTutorials
Turn On Password Protected Sharing - TenForumsTutorials - this step is what deals with the issue that Clint raised.
4 Share the desired folders - Share Files and Folders Over a Network - TenForumsTutorials In brief,- In File explorer, right-click on the folder, Properties, Sharing tab, Advanced sharing
- Set the checkbox for Share this folder
- Give it a Share name
- Click on Permissions,
- Everyone - Set Full control, Change or Read as desired
5 If a network includes earlier Windows versions, non-Windows computers or a network drive connected to the router then I understand SMB1 needs to be set up but this is not a topic I know about - Enable SMB1 File Sharing Protocol - TenForumsTutorials

6 Connect each computer to the router's network and set it up as a Private network - Set Network Location to Private - TenForumsTutorials- This connection step assumes use of Windows defender. If you use different security software then you should check if it requires any additional steps, such as manually approving use of specific network adapters, but I imagine they are all pretty decently automated these days and would at least tell you if they were rejecting a network / network adapter.
7 Access the shared drives both ways between each pair of computers & provide network credentials- The first time you do this you will need to enter the common local Admin account username and common password {the one set up on each computer at step 2 above}
- Set the Remember my credentials checkbox so that you are never required to do this again


- You will be able to access the shared drives using all other user accounts not just the Admin account used to set it all up.

Denis

 

?? How do I PW protect Folders in windows

hmmm?
Sharing files and folders overview You can share the files and folders stored on your computer, on a network, and on the Web. The method you choose depends on whom you want to share files with, and what computer they will use to access the files.

When you share files or folders, they are not as protected as they are when you do not share them. People with access to your computer or your network might be able to read, copy, or change files that are in a shared folder. You should always be aware that the files and folders that you share are available to other people and be sure to monitor your shared files and folders on a regular basis.

Important

If your computer is not joined to a domain, you can use the Network Setup Wizard to automatically turn file and printer sharing on or off. To start the Network Setup Wizard, click Start, click Control Panel, click Network and Internet Connections, and then click Network Setup Wizard.
If you both use the same computer

You can put the files you want to share in the Shared Documents folder. Files stored in the Shared Documents folder or its subfolders are always available to other users on your computer.

Step-by-step procedure
Note

If you are connected to a network domain, the Shared Documents, Shared Pictures, and Shared Music folders are not available.
If both computers are on the same network

You can share a folder or drive on your computer with others on the network. You can also control whether the files in the shared folder can be modified by other users.

If your computer is connected to a network domain, use this procedure:

Step-by-step procedure
If your computer is connected to a workgroup, use this procedure:

Step-by-step procedure
Note

If you are connected to a network domain, you will need to set the Access control for the folder or drive after sharing it. For more information, go to To set, view, change, or remove file and folder permissions.
If you want to share your files online

You can publish pictures and documents on the Web using the Web Publishing Wizard. The files will be stored in a private, online folder that you manage.

Step-by-step procedure

If you don't want others to access your files

You can prevent other users from accessing your folders and the files they contain. When your computer is connected to a domain, this is called setting permissions for your file or folder. When your computer is connected to a workgroup, this is called making your folders private.

If your computer is connected to a network domain, use this procedure:

Step-by-step procedure
If your computer is connected to a workgroup, use this procedure:

Step-by-step procedure

'HELP' it can be your friend *Smile