Trying to access a network shared location on a Windows 10 PC from an older Windows computer.Attempting to access any network share using SMB (Server Message Blog) file-sharing protocol.Accessing any network device that supports SMB protocol.
The error usually occurs when attempting to access the share from a client. The access attempt usually takes a long time before the error shows up.
Cause of Specified Network Name Is No Longer Available Error
Server Message Block (SMB) is a file transfer protocol used on Windows systems for many years. Its primary use is to allow client computers to access remote files on another computer system. The computer storing the file needs to have SMB protocol enabled, and the client accessing the file needs to support SMB protocol. However, if the system hosting the file uses a newer version of SMB unsupported by the client, it can lead to errors. Antivirus software, firewalls, and other network issues can also interfere with the SMB file transfer process.
How Do I Fix the Specified Network Name Is No Longer Available Error?
This issue applies to Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows Vista, including both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of these operating systems.
Is SMB Enabled by Default in Windows 11?
Windows 11 supports SMB in terms of accessing shared folders on other systems. However, if you want to share folders and files in Windows 11, you’ll need to enable file and printer sharing in the Network and Sharing Center. By default, this setting is on, but it’s possible you disabled it or that the Windows Firewall may be blocking it.If you do decide to enable file and printer sharing in Windows 11, make sure to enable password protection so anyone connecting to your shared folder will still have to authenticate.
