How to Fix the “Network Path Was Not Found” Error on Windows

Introduction:

Having a reliable network connection is crucial for seamless communication and uninterrupted access to shared resources. However, encountering errors can disrupt our productivity and leave us scratching our heads for solutions. One such frustrating error is the “Network Path Was Not Found.” This error message typically pops up when attempting to access files or resources on a network, hindering collaboration and file sharing among connected devices.

In this blog, we have listed a step-by-step instruction guide to help you get your network connection back on track. So, go ahead and discover these solutions that will have you swiftly navigating your network without any hassle.

Why Does the “Network Path Was Not Found” Error Happen?

This error shows up when your system cannot reach another device or shared folder on the network. It usually means something is blocking the connection or the path is incorrect. The issue can come from settings, permissions, or network problems.

• Wrong network path
  The address you entered may have a small mistake. Even one wrong letter can break the connection.
  
• Device is offline
  The target computer or server may be turned off or not connected to the network.
  
• Network discovery is disabled
  If this setting is off, your system cannot find other devices.
  
• Firewall blocking access
  Security settings may stop the connection to protect your system.
  
• File sharing is turned off
  Without this, shared folders cannot be accessed.
  
• Incorrect permissions
  You may not have access rights to open the folder or path.
  
• DNS or IP issues
  The system may not be able to translate the path into an IP address.
  
• Outdated network drivers
  Old or faulty drivers can cause connection failures.

Precautions: Stay Safe While Fixing the Issue

Before you start fixing the error, take a few simple steps. These steps help avoid mistakes and protect your data. Small precautions can save time and prevent bigger problems.

• Check the network connection
  Make sure your internet or local network is working fine.
  
• Confirm the correct path
  Recheck the spelling and format of the network path.
  
• Restart both devices
  This clears temporary glitches and resets connections.
  
• Back up important files
  Keep a copy of your data before making changes.
  
• Turn off VPN if active
  VPNs can sometimes block local network access.
  
• Update Windows and drivers
  Updated systems work more smoothly and avoid bugs.
  
• Temporarily disable firewall (carefully)
  Test if it is blocking the connection, then turn it back on.
  
• Use admin rights if needed
  Some fixes require higher permissions to apply changes.

How to Fix the “Network Path Was Not Found” Error on Windows?

Solution 1: Cross-Check the Path Name

Before you move towards complex troubleshooting, make sure that you double-check the path names that you are entering. Even a minor error in the path name can obstruct the system’s ability to locate the desired network connection.

Solution 2: Make the Network Drive Shareable

To ensure smooth communication and seamless sharing, it’s crucial to double-check if the intended device has the sharing feature enabled. If it’s currently disabled, enabling it will resolve the issue and allow you to proceed with the desired actions.

If you’re wondering how to make a targeted drive on a remote computer shareable, fret not! We’ve got you covered. Follow these simple steps to ensure your drive is ready for sharing:

1. Navigate to the drive or folder you want to share. Right-click on it and select “Properties” from the context menu.
2. In the Properties window, switch to the “Sharing” tab. Tap on the “Advanced Sharing” button.

3. Check the box that says “Share this folder” to enable sharing for the selected drive or folder.

4. Optionally, you can modify the Share name to give it a more descriptive or user-friendly name.
5. Click on the “Permissions” button to manage the permissions for users accessing the shared drive or folder. You can add or remove users and set their level of access (read-only or read-write).
6. Once you have set the desired permissions, click “OK” to save the changes.
7. Hit on “Apply” and then “OK” to close the window.

Solution 3: Connect Using an IP Address

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Tap on the search icon placed on the Taskbar and type “Command Prompt”. Select the “Run as administrator” option to launch the app in admin mode.

2. In the Command Prompt window, enter the following command:

ipconfig/all

3. Scroll down and locate the IPv4 Address. Take note of this address.

4. Open the Run dialog again by pressing the Windows key + R. Paste the previously noted IPv4 Address into the text field of the Run dialog.
5. Press Enter and check if you can establish a successful connection to the remote computer.

By following these steps, you will be able to verify the IP address resolving any connectivity issues you may have encountered.

Solution 4: Restart the TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper Service

You can attempt restarting the TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper service in order to resolve the “Network Path Was Not Found” error on Windows.

How to do it is as follows:

1. Open the Run dialog by pressing the Windows key plus R. To open the Services window, enter “services.msc” and press Enter.

2. TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper can be found by scrolling down in the Services window.

3. Choose “Restart” from the context menu when you right-click on the service. Alternately, select “Start” if the service is not already running.

4. Close the “Services” window.

By restarting the TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper service, you can refresh the network configurations and potentially resolve any underlying issues that were causing the error.

Solution 5: Enable SMB 1.0

Enabling SMB 1.0 can help resolve the “Network Path Was Not Found” error on Windows. Follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog. Type “appwiz.cpl” in the text field and press Enter to open the Programs and Features window.

2. In the Programs and Features window, click on “Turn Windows features on or off” located in the left pane.

3. The Windows Features window will open. Scroll down and locate “SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support” in the list.
4. Expand the SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support option by clicking on the “+” sign next to it.

5. Check the box for “SMB 1.0/CIFS Client” and “SMB 1.0/CIFS Server” to enable them.
6. Click OK to save the changes.
7. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Enabling SMB 1.0 can help establish compatibility with older network devices and resolve any compatibility issues that might be causing the error.

Solution 6: Reset TCP/IP

Resetting the TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) stack can often resolve network-related errors, including the “Network Path Was Not Found” error. To reset TCP/IP on Windows, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” from the menu. This will open an elevated command prompt window.
2. In the command prompt window, type the following command and press Enter

netsh int ip reset

3. Wait for the command to execute and complete the TCP/IP reset process. You may see a message indicating that the reset was successful.
4. Once the reset is complete, restart your computer to apply the changes.

After the restart, your TCP/IP settings will be reset to their default configurations, which can help resolve any underlying issues causing the error.

Solution 7: Temporarily Disable the Third-Party Antivirus

Sometimes, third-party antivirus software can interfere with network connections and lead to the “Network Path Was Not Found” error. To determine if the antivirus software is causing the issue, you can temporarily disable it.

Once the antivirus software is disabled, attempt to perform the action that was previously resulting in the error. If the error no longer occurs while the antivirus software is disabled, it indicates that the software is indeed causing the issue.

Author’s Tip

Troubleshooting starts simple. Before diving into complex fixes, pause and check the basics. A disconnected cable, an incorrect path, or a device that’s gone offline can be the real cause. Confirming these small details often clears the issue faster than any advanced solution.

Build stability into your network. Keep configurations straightforward and avoid piling on unfamiliar tools or experimental settings. A clean, well‑maintained setup reduces the risk of errors and makes diagnosing problems easier. Regular updates and routine maintenance not only improve performance but also stop the same issues from coming back.

Conclusion

The “Network Path Was Not Found” error may look serious, but it is often easy to fix. Most of the time, it comes from small mistakes or simple network issues. Once you identify the cause, the solution becomes clear. A step-by-step approach works best.

Keep your system updated and your network settings correct. Always double-check paths and permissions. These habits reduce the chance of errors. With a little care, you can keep your system running smoothly and avoid such problems in the future.

FAQs

1. Can this error happen without internet issues?
Yes, it can. Even if your internet is working, local network settings may cause this error. For example, file sharing may be off or the path may be wrong. So always check both internet and local network settings.

2. Is it safe to disable the firewall to fix this error?
You can disable it for testing, but only for a short time. If the issue gets fixed, you should adjust the firewall settings instead of keeping it off. This keeps your system secure.

3. How do I know if the other device is reachable?
You can try to ping the device or access it using its IP address. If it does not respond, the device may be offline or blocked. Checking this helps you find the real cause quickly.