Follow these steps in order.
Step 1: Ensure Consistent Network Profile
This is the most critical step. Your “private network” might not be staying “private.”
Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings.
Click on Advanced sharing settings.
Make sure your current network profile is set to Private.
Under “Private” network settings, ensure the following are turned on:
Network discovery
File and printer sharing
Turn on automatic setup of network connected devices (this one is often overlooked).
Step 2: Enable the SMB 1.0/CIFS Client (The Most Common Fix)
Even if your NAS supports newer SMB versions, sometimes the initial handshake fails. Enabling the client for the older protocol can force a successful connection.
Press the Windows Key, type “Turn Windows features on or off”, and open it.
In the window that appears, scroll down and find SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support.
Expand it and check the box for SMB 1.0/CIFS Client.
Security Note: SMBv1 is old and insecure. Only enable the Client, not the Server. This is safe for accessing devices but don’t use it for sharing from your PC.
Click OK. It will install the feature and ask you to restart. Restart your Beelink PC.
Step 3: Use the IP Address for Mapping (Bypasses Name Resolution)
Instead of relying on the device name (\NAME_OF_DEVICE), use its IP address. This eliminates any issues with network name discovery (NetBIOS, mDNS).
Find the static IP address of your network storage device (e.g., 192.168.1.100).
In File Explorer, type \ followed by the IP address into the address bar (e.g., \192.168.1.100) and press Enter.
If this works reliably, when you map the network drive, use the IP address instead of the name (e.g., \192.168.1.100\ShareName).
Step 4: Adjust Credential Manager (If Access is Denied)
If you get a username/password prompt and your credentials don’t work, Windows might be sending the wrong ones.
Press the Windows Key, type “Credential Manager”, and open it.
Go to Windows Credentials.
Look for any existing credentials related to your NAS’s name or IP address.
If you find any, Remove them.
Now, try to access the NAS again (\IP_ADDRESS). It should prompt you for a fresh username and password. Enter them and check “Remember my credentials”.