If you’re experiencing an error message that says “The Local Device Name Is Already in Use” when trying to access a mapped network drive, there are a variety of reasons why this problem may occur. Fortunately, there are some solutions you can try to fix this issue. In this article, we’ll show you five methods to fix this error on your Windows 10 PC.
Method 1: Restart the Workstation Service
The workstation service may be causing the local device name error. Here’s how to fix it:
- Search for CMD in Windows Search.
- Right-click and choose “Run as Administrator.”
- Type the following command:
Net stop "workstation" - Type the following command:
Net start "workstation" - Close the command prompt and try again.
Method 2: Restart the Computer’s Browser
Restarting your computer’s browser may help alleviate this issue. Here’s how to do it:
- Right-click on the Windows key and click “Run.”
- Type “cmd” and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter keys together.
- Type the following command:
NET start "Computer Browser" - Exit the terminal and check if this has solved your problem.
Method 3: Remove the Private Key
If you’re facing this problem with a virtual or CD / DVD drive in your system, follow these steps to fix it:
- Press Windows Key + R to start Run.
- Then type
regedit. Click “OK” to open the Registry Editor. - Go to this location:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER Software Microsoft Windows CurrentVersion Explorer - On the left side, right-click the “MountPoints2” key and click “Delete”.
- Consent to any warning messages that appear on your screen.
- After removing the key from your system, close the registry editor window. Restart your computer and check if this works for you.
Method 4: Assign a New Drive Letter
You can assign a new drive letter to get rid of the conflict.
- Press the Windows key + the X keys together.
- Click on “Disk Management” to access it.
- When Disk Management opens, look for the problem drive on your screen.
- Right-click on the conflicting drive and click “Change drive letter and paths …”.
- Click “Change”.
- Assign the drive letter “A” or “B” from the drop-down option.
- Click “OK” to complete the change.
Method 5: Enable File and Printer Sharing Settings
Enabling file and printer sharing settings on your system may help rectify this error.
- Press the Windows key + R keys together.
- Type
control firewall.cpland hit Enter. - When the firewall settings open, click “Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.”
- Check the “File and Printer Sharing” setting box and click “OK”.
- Close any open windows and restart your system.
Final Remarks on How to Fix “The Local Device Name Is Already in Use Error” on Windows 10 PC
We hope these methods help you fix the “The Local Device Name Is Already in Use Error” on your Windows 10 PC. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to contact us. Don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family, so they can fix the local device name error too!
FAQs
What causes the “The Local Device Name Is Already in Use Error” on Windows 10?
The error message can appear due to a variety of reasons, but most of the time, it occurs when accessing a mapped network drive. It is associated with an incorrect mapping of the network drive.
Why does restarting the workstation service fix the error?
The workstation service may be causing the local device name error, and restarting it may help fix it.
Can I fix the error by assigning a new drive letter?
Yes, you can assign a new drive letter to get rid of the conflict causing the error.
What should I do if none of the methods above work?
If none of the methods listed above work, you may need to contact a professional for assistance.
