First, confirm that the problem that the network path cannot be found is usually caused by connectivity, name resolution or sharing settings. 1. Enable network discovery and file and printer sharing and turn off password protection sharing; 2. Verify the target computer name and IP connectivity, and directly access through ping test or using the IP address; 3. Temporarily enable SMB 1.0 if necessary, but it is recommended to use SMBv2/v3 first; 4. Ensure that key services such as Function Discovery, Server, Workstation are running and the firewall allows file and printer sharing; 5. If there is a name resolution problem, you can use FQDN or add entries in the hosts file; 6. Set the network configuration file to "dedicated" to enable discovery; 7. Restart the computer and network devices to refresh the connection; finally confirm that all settings are correct through the checklist to confirm that all settings are correct.

The error 0x80070035 – "The network path was not found" in Windows usually occurs when you're trying to access a shared folder or computer on your network, but Windows can't locate or reach the target device. This is common when using File Explorer to access \\ComputerName or when setting up network file sharing.

Here's how to fix it step by step:

1. Check Network Discovery and File Sharing Settings

Make sure both computers are on the same network and that network discovery is enabled.

Steps:

• Press Win I → Go to Network & Internet → Advanced network settings → Advanced sharing settings .
• Under Private networks , ensure these options are turned on:
  • Turn on network discovery
  • Turn on file and printer sharing
  • Turn on HomeGroup connections (if applicable)
• For all networks , make sure:
  • Turn off password protected sharing (if you're on a trusted network and want easy access)

? Tip: If you're on a domain, some settings may be controlled by group policies.

2. Verify the Target Computer Name and Network Connectivity

The error often means the system can't resolve the computer name.

Do this:

• On the computer you're trying to access, check its name:
  • Win I → System → About → Device name
• From your current PC, try pinging that name:

   ping ComputerName

  Or if you know the IP:

   ping 192.168.1.100

• If the name doesn't resolve, try using the IP address instead:
  • Instead of \\ComputerName , use \\192.168.1.100

? If ping fails, the devices aren't communicating — check Wi-Fi/Ethernet, router, or firewall.

3. Enable SMB 1.0 (Not Recommended, but Sometimes Needed)

Some older systems or devices (like NAS drives) may still rely on SMBv1. However, SMBv1 is outdated and insecure , so only enable it if absolutely necessary.

To enable (temporarily):

• Open Control Panel → Programs → Turn Windows features on or off
• Check:
  • ? SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support
  • ? SMB 1.0/CIFS Client
• Click OK and restart.

?? After testing, disable it again for security.

Better: Ensure both devices support SMBv2 or SMBv3 . Most modern Windows versions (8/10/11) use SMBv3 by default.

4. Check Services and Firewall Settings

Certain Windows services must be running for network sharing to work.

Required services:

• Function Discovery Provider Host
• Function Discovery Resource Publication
• Computer Browser (if applicable)
• Server
• Workstation

To check:

• Press Win R , type services.msc , and hit Enter.
• Look for the above services and ensure their status is Running .

Also, make sure:

• Windows Defender Firewall isn't blocking file and printer sharing.
• In Windows Security → Firewall & network protection → Allow an app through firewall , verify that File and Printer Sharing is allowed for Private (and maybe Public) networks.

5. Use FQDN or Add Hosts Entry (Advanced)

If name resolution is failing, you can:

• Use the full name: \\ComputerName.local (on home networks using mDNS)
• Or edit the hosts file:
  • Open C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts in Notepad (as Admin)
  • Add a line:

     192.168.1.100 ComputerName

  This helps if DNS/netbios resolution is broken.

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  6. Ensure Both Devices Are on the Same Network Profile (Private)

  Windows treatments Public networks as unsafe and disables discovery.

  • Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → [Your Network]
  • Set network profile to Private

  This allows the PC to be discovered.

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  7. Restart Network Devices

  Sometimes a simple reset helps:

  • Restart both computers
  • Restart your router or switch
  • Reconnect to the network

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  Summary Checklist

  • ? Both PCs on same network (and subnet)
  • ? Network discovery and file sharing enabled
  • ? Target computer name or IP is correct
  • ? Can ping the other machine
  • ? Required services are running
  • ? Firewall allows file sharing
  • ? Network set to Private
  • ? SMB version compatible (prefer SMBv2/v3)

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  Fixing 0x80070035 usually comes down to connectivity , name resolution , or sharing settings . Start with ping and using IP addresses — that often reveals the real issue.

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