Can't see downloads folder on Core since upgrading to Windows 11

Calling out all Core experts please !

I appear to be having a common problem discussed on the forum, whereby, I am unable to trace my Core downloads folder, ever since upgrading to a Windows 11 laptop.

On Windows Explorer under the This PC layout, I can clearly see my Core and all the folders within (all music/browse by devices/my favourites etc).

However, when I look under network drives, the Core itself is recognised, but upon clicking the Core icon, all I get is a blank screen with not secure showing next to the IP address.

I’ve read through various articles relating to this issue here and tried out all of the suggestions below without any success.

· Making sure to paste the Core IP address correctly [\\192.1\etc](file://192.1/etc) into the explorer search field.

· Switching router/core/laptop off etc and re-booting

· Turning on network discovery, public and private networks blah blah blah etc

· Enabling SMB1 – which appears to have worked for some people.

It’s been a while since the last Core posting on this issue and my last download purchase and I was just wondering if anyone else has any alternative suggestions that have worked for them, especially as many people like me are having to upgrade to a W11 laptop recently due to W10 support ending, so this could affect a fair few people here.

I am not an IT geek by any stretch of the imagination and any knowledge I do have you could fit on the end of a pin, with plenty of room to spare, so please be gentle with the IT tech geekspeak.

The main thing is the music, right and I can still load downloads onto the Core using a USB HDD with full metadata, but it would be great to be able to do some editing on the downloads folder in future.

I would be grateful if anyone can share any fixes other than those expressed earlier. Otherwise, I guess I’ll have to drop a line to Naim support FWIW?

It’s nothing to do with SMB1. That’s needed for Unitiserve and HDX but not UnitiCore.

I found that what you describe is an issue if you use WiFi but it’s not if you use Ethernet, so that’s something you could try.

But ultimately you may have to change the security policy of your PC to allow it to connect as a guest to remote devices. I forget how to do this now, but the fix was described in a relevant stream previously. However, I haven’t tried that with windows 11 2025/H2 yet.

Thanks David as always.

Unfortunately I don’t have an ethernet connection on my new laptop.

I’ll try the security option. Fingers crossed someone here knows how to do it.

Sadly another example from the ‘Nanny knows best book of IT Security’ commonly used as a reference text by both Microsoft and Apple :unamused_face::face_with_symbols_on_mouth:.

ATB, J

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May be able to help you here as I had the same issue after going from the 2023 version of Win 11 to the 24 version. Recently went to the 25 version with no problem at all.

Afraid the notes I kept at the time are a bit sketchy but if you get stuck i am sure there are some on here that can fill in the gaps.

If you have Win 11 home edition you will have to create a batch file to activate the GPEDIT.MSG command & I can’t help with this as I have Win 11 professional edition where it is already active. Google create batch file to open GPEDIT.MSC to get instructions & cut & paste the command lines.

If you have the professional edition there is less work to do:-

First step - enter GPEDIT.MSG in the run box from right clicking on the start menu search button, then follow this sequence of headings in the GPEDIT box that opens:-

-Computer Configuration

-Administrative Template

-Network

-Lanman Workstation

-Enable insecure Guest Login

That should do it for you. It’s probably a bit easier than I have made it sound & you will probably find easier to follow instructions using Google.

Thank you so much for the info. I’ll give that a try tomorrow.

I was reading your comments previously in another thread.

It worked easily for me once I got into GPEDIT.

Easy with professional but a bit more time consuming with home I suspect.

Good luck, I’m sure you will get there like I did.

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A USB to Ethernet adapter would be an option - cheap ones available on eBay etc. if you wanted to try.

Thanks Chris good to know

Yes that is how I get Ethernet into my Windows 11 Pro Lenovo PC and it works.

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Me with MacBook also

I have Windows 11 Home and it works.

But if one puts the Core in deep sleep, the IP can change when you awake him, and it is no longer available until you know the “new” IP. It happened just now :slight_smile:

The way it works for me, don’t know if it is the right one.

I have wifi (router where the Core is connected) and an access point, when the Laptop is connect to the access point i am not sure i can see the Core folders.

  1. I go to Network (Rede) and double click Uniti Core (you may need to accept a message to Ativate seeing devices or whatever)

  1. I can’t access but i take note of the IP

  1. I go to Network (Rede) and type \\yourIP and Enter

You can get the current IP address for the UnitiCore from the Naim app too.

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Perhaps the lease time given by your DHCP server is short, in which case perhaps it could be increased, especially for wired devices like your Core. (UPnP servers are typically left on, so putting yours into deep sleep may not be helping.)

Alternatively, reserve an IP address for the Core on your DHCP server and it should remain available at that address indefinitely.

I normally have the Core on network sleep, but because i was trying a few days ago ethernet cables between the Core and the router, i used the deep sleep to change cables.

Better to reserve an IP like you say.

btw, i can see the folders, with laptop wifi connected to the router or to the access point.