Mapping a drive is a Windows 11/10 feature that allows users to connect to remote disks. For organizations and systems connected to a network, this is quite a basic use case. The error The local device name is already in use occurs when someone tries to access that mapped drive on their computer. The main cause of this issue is misconfiguration with drive mapping. The error reads:
An error occurred while reconnecting to Microsoft Windows Network: The local device name is already in use. This connection has not been restored.
The local device name is already in use in Windows 11
The best way to resolve this error is by remapping the drive.
To do that, open the File Explorer. Select Map network drive from the top ribbon.
Choose a drive letter that you want to use. Select Browse to find the location that you want to map.
As per your choice, check out of the following options:
- Reconnect at sign-in.
- Connect using different credentials.
Select Finish once you are done setting the right configuration.
An error occurred while reconnecting to Microsoft Windows Network
In case the mapped network drive does not work, you can try to turn File and Printer Sharing on.
- To do that, open Control Panel.
- Open Network and Sharing Center.
- Choose Change advanced sharing settings.
- Click on Turn on network discovery and Turn on file and printer sharing.
Your issues should be fixed now.
How to map FTP Drive in Windows?
To start mapping a network drive in Windows 11:
- Open File Explorer
- in the left Navigation bar, right-click on This PC
- Select Show more options from the context menu
- Next select Map network drive.
- Alternatively, click on the 3-dotted See more link at the Explorer top menu bar
- Select Map network drive
- The wizard will open.
How do I remove old mapped network drives?
If you want to remove the old mapped network drive, right-click on it and select Disconnect. To remove the drive mapping towards a network folder or FTP site, click on it and press the Delete key.
