Encountering issues with network discovery or file sharing on a Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to access shared folders or devices like a Synology DiskStation (DS923).
A common error, such as “Error code 0x80070035: The network path was not found,” can disrupt your workflow.
This article provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to resolve these issues.
Understanding the Problem
When you browse your network in Windows File Explorer and see a message like
“Network discovery is turned off,” or you encounter an error when trying to access a shared device (e.g., “Error code 0x80070035”),
it typically indicates misconfigured network settings or security policies.
By default, clean installations of Windows 10 and 11 disable network discovery for security reasons, and certain group policies may further restrict access to shared resources.
In this guide, we’ll walk through enabling network discovery, configuring file and printer sharing, and adjusting group policies to allow access to devices like a Synology DS923 without requiring a username and password.
We’ll also explain why these issues occur and provide tips to prevent them in the future.
Fix Error Code 0x80070035 with Windows 11 Pro 24H2 Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
Step 1: Enable Network Discovery
Network discovery allows your computer to see other devices on the network and be visible to them. If it’s disabled, you won’t see devices like your Synology DS923 in File Explorer.
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Open Network Settings:
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Click the Start menu and type “Network and Internet settings.”
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Select Network and Internet settings from the search results.
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Check Network Profile:
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Ensure your connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) is set to Private network. Public networks have stricter security settings that can block network discovery.
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If it’s set to Public, click on your connection, select Private, and save the changes.
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Turn On Network Discovery:
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In the Network and Internet settings, scroll down and click Advanced network settings.
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Select Advanced sharing settings.
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Under Private networks, ensure Network discovery is set to On.
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Check the box for Set up network connected devices automatically (optional; this allows Windows to configure devices automatically, but it may not always make a difference).
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Verify File and Printer Sharing:
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Still in Advanced sharing settings, under Private networks, ensure File and printer sharing is set to On.
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For Public networks, keep network discovery and file sharing Off for security.
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Disable Password-Protected Sharing:
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Under All networks, find Password protected sharing and set it to Off. This allows access to shared folders without requiring a username and password, which is useful for home networks or when accessing devices like a Synology NAS.
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Check the Network:
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Open File Explorer, navigate to Network, and wait a moment. You should see devices like “Center Stage RGB” (another PC) or “DS923” (Synology NAS). If you still get an error when double-clicking the DS923, proceed to the next steps.
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Step 2: Troubleshoot Persistent Errors
If network discovery is enabled and you still can’t access the shared device (e.g., error 0x80070035), the issue may stem from a group policy that restricts guest access or requires digitally signed communications.
This is common in Windows Pro editions, as they support the Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc).
Note: Windows Home editions do not have this tool, so you may need to use alternative methods (see FAQs).
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Open Group Policy Editor:
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Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter. This opens the Local Group Policy Editor.
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Disable Digitally Signed Communications:
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Navigate to Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Policies > Security Options.
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Scroll to Microsoft network client: Digitally sign communications (always).
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Double-click the policy, set it to Disabled, and click OK. This prevents Windows from requiring digital signatures for network communications, which can block access to some devices.
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Enable Insecure Guest Logins:
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Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Network > Lanman Workstation.
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Find Enable insecure guest logins and double-click it.
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Set it to Enabled and click OK. This allows guest access to shared resources, which is often necessary for devices like a Synology NAS that don’t require authenticated logins.
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Apply Changes and Test:
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Close the Group Policy Editor.
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Return to File Explorer > Network. Give it a moment for the DS923 to appear.
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Double-click the DS923. It may take a few seconds to “wake up” if the NAS is in a low-power state. You should now see the shared folders.
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Step 3: Verify and Maintain
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Test Access: Ensure you can access files and folders on the DS923 without errors.
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Reboot if Necessary: While the above changes often take effect immediately, reboot your PC if the issue persists.
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Check Synology Settings: On the DS923, verify that file sharing (e.g., SMB protocol) is enabled and that the shared folders are configured correctly in the Synology DSM interface.
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Firewall Settings: Ensure Windows Firewall or third-party firewalls allow file and printer sharing. You can check this in Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall > Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
Why Do These Issues Occur?
Windows 10 and 11 prioritize security by default, disabling features like network discovery and guest access to prevent unauthorized access.
However, this can interfere with home or small office networks where devices like NAS units rely on simpler sharing protocols (e.g., SMB).
Group policies, especially in Windows Pro editions, may enforce stricter authentication or encryption, causing errors like 0x80070035.
By adjusting these settings, you balance security and usability for your specific network environment.
Additional Tips for a Stable Network
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Update Windows and Drivers: Ensure your Windows OS and network drivers are up to date to avoid compatibility issues.
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Use Static IP Addresses: Assign a static IP to your Synology NAS to prevent it from changing addresses, which can cause connection issues.
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Enable SMB 1.0 (if necessary): Some older devices require SMB 1.0 for compatibility. In Control Panel > Programs > Turn Windows features on or off, enable SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support.
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Regular Backups: When accessing shared storage like a Synology NAS, regularly back up critical data to prevent loss.
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Monitor Network Performance: Use tools like Synology’s DSM Resource Monitor to check for network bottlenecks or device issues.
FAQ’s
1. What if I’m using Windows Home and don’t have Group Policy Editor?
Windows Home editions lack gpedit.msc, but you can achieve similar results by modifying the registry. Open Regedit
(Win + R, type regedit),
Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanWorkstation\Parameters, and create a DWORD value named AllowInsecureGuestAuth with a value of 1. For digitally signed communications, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanServer\Parameters and set RequireSecuritySignature to 0.
Be cautious when editing the registry, and back it up first.
2. Why does my Synology NAS take time to “wake up”?
Synology NAS devices often enter a low-power or sleep mode to save energy.
When you attempt to access it, the NAS needs a few seconds to spin up its drives.
You can adjust sleep settings in the Synology DSM interface under Control Panel > Hardware & Power.
3. Can I keep password-protected sharing enabled?
Yes, but you’ll need to provide a valid username and password for the Synology NAS or other device when accessing it.
Create a user account in the Synology DSM interface and use those credentials in Windows when prompted.
4. What if I still get the 0x80070035 error after following these steps?
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Verify the NAS’s IP address and try accessing it directly in File Explorer using \\IP_ADDRESS (e.g., \\192.168.1.100).
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Check if the SMB protocol is enabled on the NAS (DSM > Control Panel > File Services > SMB).
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Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus to rule out interference.
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Ensure both the PC and NAS are on the same subnet (e.g., 192.168.1.x).
5. Is it safe to disable password-protected sharing?
Disabling password-protected sharing is safe in a trusted home or small office network. For public or untrusted networks, keep it enabled to prevent unauthorized access.
6. How do I secure my network after enabling file sharing?
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Use strong passwords for your NAS and Windows accounts.
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Regularly update firmware on your Synology NAS and router.
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Enable encryption for sensitive shared folders in DSM.
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Consider setting up a VPN for remote access instead of exposing shares to the internet.
Conclusion
Fixing network discovery and file sharing issues in Windows 10 or 11 is straightforward once you understand the settings involved. By enabling network discovery, configuring file sharing, and adjusting group policies, you can seamlessly access devices like a Synology DS923. With the additional tips and FAQs provided, you’re equipped to maintain a reliable and secure network. If issues persist, double-check your settings or consult your device’s documentation for specific configurations.
Happy networking!
