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How to Fix a Network Drive That Keeps Disconnecting After a Windows Update

Is your network drive disconnecting after a recent Windows update? This guide offers troubleshooting steps to help you identify and resolve the issue quickly.

4 min read
A network drive connected to a computer showing the File Explorer screen.

If your network drive keeps disconnecting after a recent Windows update, it may be due to driver incompatibilities or changes in network settings. Fortunately, there are several troubleshooting steps you can follow to resolve the issue effectively. This guide will help you identify the common causes and provide solutions to restore your connection.

What causes network drives to disconnect after a Windows update?

Network drives can disconnect following a Windows update for various reasons. One common issue is incompatible or outdated network drivers that struggle to function correctly with the new system updates. Additionally, Windows updates may alter network settings related to Network Discovery and file sharing features, disrupting the connection to your network drive. Problems with the network itself, such as router configurations or firewall settings, can also lead to these disconnections.

How to troubleshoot your network drive disconnection issue

To troubleshoot the disconnection issue, follow these steps:

  1. Check the Network Connection: Ensure your computer is properly connected to the network. If using Wi-Fi, confirm that the signal is strong.
  1. Restart Your Computer and Network Equipment: This simple step can often resolve minor connectivity issues. Restart your PC, router, and any switches.
  1. Update Network Drivers: Outdated drivers can lead to disconnects. To update your drivers: - Open Device Manager by right-clicking the Start button and selecting it from the list. - Expand the 'Network adapters' section. - Right-click your network adapter and choose 'Update driver'. - Select 'Search automatically for updated driver software'.
  1. Disable Power Saving Features: Sometimes, power-saving modes can interfere with network connectivity: - In Device Manager, right-click your network adapter and select 'Properties'. - Go to the 'Power Management' tab and uncheck 'Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power'.
  1. Re-map the Network Drive: If the drive is still disconnecting, try disconnecting and re-mapping it. Right-click on the drive in File Explorer, select 'Disconnect', then re-map it using the 'Map network drive' option.

Verifying the connection and settings

To verify that your network drive is correctly mapped and that all necessary services are running:

  1. Check Mapping: Open File Explorer and under 'This PC', look for your network drive. If it appears disconnected, right-click and select 'Reconnect'.
  1. Verify Services: Ensure that the required services are running: - Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter. - Look for 'Server', 'Computer Browser', and 'Function Discovery Resource Publication'. Make sure these services are set to 'Running'. If not, right-click each service and select 'Start'.

What to do if the issue persists

If your network drive continues to disconnect despite following the previous steps, consider these advanced troubleshooting options:

  1. Check Event Viewer for Errors: Open Event Viewer by searching it in the Start menu. Look under 'Windows Logs' -> 'System' for any error messages that coincide with the disconnect times.
  1. Reset Network Settings: This can resolve deeper configuration issues: - Open Settings by pressing Windows + I. - Go to 'Network & Internet', then scroll down and click on 'Network reset'. - Follow the prompts and restart your computer.
  1. Temporarily Disable Security Software: Sometimes, third-party antivirus or firewall software may block network connections. Temporarily disable them to see if they are causing the disconnections. If this resolves the issue, consider configuring the software to allow your network drive.

Preventing future disconnections

To minimize the risk of future disconnections after Windows updates, consider these preventative measures:

  • Regularly Check for Driver Updates: Make it a habit to periodically check for network driver updates, especially after a Windows update.
  • Manage Windows Update Settings: Adjust your Windows Update settings to defer updates or set active hours to minimize disruptions during critical work times.
  • Create a System Restore Point: Before applying major updates, create a restore point. This allows you to roll back to a previous state if issues arise after an update.

Conclusion

Following these steps should help resolve the issue of your network drive disconnecting after a Windows update. If problems persist, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support or your network administrator for further assistance.