When you continue to get the error “the local device name is already in use”, then you are certainly not alone when opening network drives or folders. It is an exasperating hiccup by Windows which happens when it believes there is a conflict between two objects who are interested in the same drive letter. However, do not worry, here is the simple manual to do it right now, forever.
Follow me and I would make you get things going again with no pop up errors.
Table of Contents
What Is the local device name is already in use?
Just in case you happen to see this error it is telling you:
Hey that drive letter you are using is already occupied.
This usually happens when:
- You have a network drive that is mapped and windows does not completely forget about the last one.
- You are linked to a VPN or a distance session which maps the drives.
- Your computer is attempting to reconnect drives automatically and something will not work.
Imagine a couple of individuals attempting to park their car at the same space, it simply does not happen.
Why Does This Keep Happening?
This fallacy continues to befall you on a few familiar grounds:
- There are network drives that remain ghosted in windows even after they are disconnected.
- Company environment or login scripts automatically reconnect drives when they are started, which is not necessarily done correctly.
- You may be stroking out of free drive letters at the tail end of the alphabet.
- Alterations to your network connection (such as waking up out of sleep or changing your Wi-Fi connection) leave drives half-connected.
Being aware of what is causing the local device name is already in use issue makes you repair it once the first time.
Fast Checklist to Prevent “the local device name is already in use” Error
The following are fast solutions that would address the issue immediately:
- You can also open Command Prompt and type
net use * /deleteto empty all the network drives. - Choose letters of the pick drive which are not already in use.
- Do not set the option of reconnecting the drive automatically unless necessary.
- Reboot your computer and begin all over again.
These tricks tend to prevent the occurrence of the local device name is already in use error in future.
Method 1: Cleanse old network drives and Re-connect directly
The simple method to start a clean set up would be:
Run this in Command Prompt (just be sure you are a member of the administration!):
net use * /delete /y
This erases all the old mapped drives including the hidden drives that are problematic.
You can then open File Explorer, right-click This PC and then select Map Network drive.
Choose an unused drive letter, such as F: or G:
Type the appropriate network path, such as the one that passes by \\server\share.
Unless you want windows to remap this drive each time you sign in, remove the check on reconnect at sign-in.
Hack tip: It can also be done at the Command Prompt using:
net use Z: \\server\share /persistent:no
This error should be a part of the past after reboot.
Method 2: Delete Registry Keys (In the Case of the persistent ones)
In case it is an obdurate issue, attempt to clean the registry:
Click on the Win + R key, and then type regedit and press Enter.
Head to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MountPoints2
Find the entries that are related to the faulty network drives and delete them.
This will eliminate memories of old maps in Windows. After that, open Task Manager and restart Windows Explorer to refresh it.
Bonus: Need more registry details? Check Microsoft’s official troubleshooting
Method 3: Customize Group Policy When You are on a Work Network
When a PC is company owned, then some of the settings will automatically map drives in the opposite direction.
Run gpedit.msc.
Go to User Configuration → Preferences → Windows Settings → Drive Maps.
Identify and remove any conflicting drive mappings.
Ensure that the option Reconnect is off when the drive is not to be mapped every time.
Then, open Command Prompt and set changes with gpupdate /force.
Method 4: PowerShellify the Fix
When you are sick of doing this by hand, then automate it:
Make a file with the name fix-drives.ps1 containing:
powershellnet use * /delete /y
New-PSDrive -Name "Z" -PSProvider FileSystem -Root "\\server\share" -Persist
This is a script that should be run as an administrator every time you wish to or scheduled to run on a regular basis by using the Task Scheduler.
This annihilates the mistake before it has an opportunity to reoccur. Then all you need to do is replace the paths and letters to suit your situation.
When You May Need Additional Assistance
In case none of these are working to you, check:
- Firewall does not stop file sharing ports (such as 445) being blocked.
- Your personal computer is resolving the name of the server correctly.
- Antivirus is not tampering with network drives.
Occasionally, it is curious to use ipconfig /flushdns to fix network problems as well.
Also Read : How to Fix Codec Libvlcjni.so CPU Arm64-v8a Error in KMPlayer
FAQs
Why does the local device name is already in use mistake happen following a new windows installation?
In some cases, network drive letters are interfered with by default profiles or one drive syncing.
Will these work on Windows 11?
Yes, it is applicable to Windows 10, 11 and even versions of Windows server.
Can VPNs cause this issue?
Yep, VPNs can use the drives as remapped when you connect or disconnect which causes the error.
What is the problem drive letter?
Open Command Prompt, and enter net use to display all the mapped drives.
Are there convenient ways of getting free drive letters?
Get-PSDrive command of PowerShell can assist you in noticing the letters at your disposal.
