Is there an issue with networking on a brand new Windows 11 system?
Is there an issue with networking on a brand new Windows 11 system?
I recently reorganized an SSD on a
Asus F510U laptop
to perform a fresh Windows 11 installation. It was a borrowed machine from my wife's desk to my workshop, and I rely on it to run my laser engraver so I needed to reach files from my home desktop. The drive started slowing down, so I decided to begin anew and install only the essentials for my shop area.
Before the SSD reorganization, I maintained strong network connectivity with my home desktop for both file transfers and Chrome Remote access, which allowed me to run programs on it. Other devices on the network could also connect and view the Asus.
The Asus F510U was upgraded from Windows 10, while my house desk laptop is a newer Lenovo I7 running Windows 11.
The issue I've been struggling with for half a day is that other computers can access the Asus for file transfers and Chrome Remote, but the Asus cannot connect to them. I encountered this error:
Error code: 0x80070035
THE NETWORK PATH WAS NOT FOUND
I searched extensively online and tried all recommended fixes without success.
All my network settings—such as PRIVATE NETWORK, SHARING, and NETWORK DISCOVERY—remain unchanged. I even turned on PUBLIC networks for sharing until the problem persisted.
In the SSD settings, the drives are configured for SHARING and accessible by anyone in the security window.
I've both disabled and reinstalled Norton 360 on the Asus without changing the outcome. On the house desk Lenovo, I also temporarily turned it off without altering results. All other PCs can communicate normally; only the Asus is failing to connect.
I attempted adjustments in SERVICES.MSC that I found online, like enabling SMB1.0 (it was disabled until I changed it), but nothing worked.
I can successfully ping between the laptops, so they recognize each other. However, beyond that, network restrictions appear to be blocking the Asus from being seen by others.
I've rebooted numerous times, including entering safe mode, but even then Windows didn't detect the network adapter—displaying a virtual network card message for the first time.
Any advice would be appreciated. Hopefully, I won’t end up saying…"ugh, I tried that too!"
I just explored further. Could it be that Windows 11 version 25H2, which is the current release, enforces password protection for file sharing even though it’s not enabled? I’m not using that setting myself. Maybe I should download the older 23H2 from an archive and reinstall it. Thoughts?
Thanks,
BH
I gave up for now and removed the 24H5 SSD from the laptop, swapping it with the clone I created before the reformat. However, I still want to reinstall it and fix the network issue. Thanks for any assistance you can provide.
BH
Update your post to include full system hardware specs and OS information.
Include PSU: make, model, wattage, age, condition (original to build, new, refurbished, used)?
Disk drive(s): make, model, capacity, how full?
List of all connected peripherals.
Wired or wireless network?
Make and model information: modem, router, or modem/router if combined. (Orbi noted - confirm all.)
On the laptop:
Run "ipconfig /all" (without quotes) via the Command Prompt and post the full results.
You should be able to copy and paste the results without needing to retype everything.
Thank you for providing all the necessary information. At this stage, I believe I should leave the cloned SSD in and try to run Windows 11 version 23H2 more smoothly. I'll let you know if I decide to reinstall the 25H2 SSD later.
BH
Sorry if this was already asked, but when you installed it did you perform the Wi-Fi/network bypass step and then proceed to set up and manually adjust all configurations afterward? And after that, did you connect to the network only for security and OS patches and updates?
I just linked my wife's Surface to my PC and needed to set up a local user account (under "other users") for her using her credentials on her device. After she could see my computer on her Surface and log in, I had her map it out. Of course, make sure the shared settings are configured properly.
Just to clarify, during the installation I was limited to logging in with my Microsoft account. I've faced this issue before and only once before I managed to set up a local account from the start. After the installation finished, I switched to a local account. All devices on my network use local accounts.
You might be onto something here though. As long as the cleanup work I did on the old 23H2 SSD prevented the system from slowing down, I'm satisfied with this approach. If I try it again, I'll begin fresh and take two different steps: 1) I'll use a downloaded archive version of 23H2 and follow your advice to install without internet access.
24H2 is disabled for guest access without a share username and password, and it also needs SMB signing. Microsoft has shared guidance on how to restore the previous settings, though clearer instructions may exist elsewhere. 23H2 reached its end of life in November, meaning no further security updates will be released. The current 25H2 should remain stable until October 2027, so after that time there should be no new unexpected features until the network on it is fixed.
You found many resources that seemed similar but weren't as detailed. Thank you.
BH