Complete Guide to Fix System Error 1231 on Windows 11

Last update: 16/02/2025

  • Error 1231 is usually related to network configuration issues.
  • It is essential to review the connection, protocols and firewall settings.
  • Enabling SMB 1.0 and network discovery may fix the problem.
  • Settings on Windows network clients may restore connectivity.

You may have encountered the error message "Windows 10" when trying to access a network location. «System error 1231. The network location cannot be accessed». This is a fairly common problem in different versions of Windows, including Windows 11. The error 1231 It is usually related to the Network Configuration.

In this article we are going to take an in-depth look at what causes this error and how you can fix it step by step. From checking your network connectivity to changing advanced settings within Windows, here you will find all the solutions. solutions possible explained in detail.

What causes Error 1231 in Windows?

System error 1231 (or simply called error 1231) occurs When the computer cannot communicate properly with other devices within the networkThere are several reasons why this can happen, but the most common ones are:

  • Network connection failuresIt may be due to a disconnected cable, an unstable WiFi network, or a problem with the network adapter.
  • Incorrect settings in Windows. Some options within the Network and Sharing Center may be blocking connectivity.
  • SMB 1.0 disabled. In some recent versions of Windows the SMB 1.0 protocol, which can make communication with certain older devices difficult.
  • Firewall or antivirus. An overly restrictive firewall or antivirus could be preventing network access.
  • Clients for Microsoft networks disabled. If this option is disabled, you may not be able to access certain resources on the network.
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How to fix system error 1231 in Windows 11

error 1231 on windows 11

Next, we introduce you Different methods to fix error 1231, ordered from the most basic to the most advanced solutions.

1. Check the network connection

Before making any changes to your system settings, the first thing you should check to fix error 1231 is whether the network connection works correctly.

  • If you use a wired connection, check that the network wire is well connected to your computer and router.
  • If you use WiFi, make sure the device is connected to the correct network and try restarting the router.
  • Try accessing other devices on the network to check if the problem is general or only affects your computer.

2. Enable network discovery and file sharing

To properly enable network sharing options, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Control panel.
  2. Then access "Center network and sharing".
  3. Then click «Change advanced sharing settings».
  4. Make sure the option to network detection and the file sharing are enabled.
  5. Save the changes and try to access the network again.
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3. Enable SMB 1.0 protocol

If the error 1231 problem persists, you may need to activate the SMB 1.0 protocol in Windows 11. Here's how to proceed:

  1. Open the Control panel
  2. then go to "Programs and characteristics".
  3. Click on Enable or disable Windows features.
  4. There look for the option called «SMB 1.0/CIFS file sharing support» and activate it.
  5. Finally, click on "To accept" and restart your computer.

You can also enable this feature from the command prompt with the following command: Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName SMB1Protocol -NoRestart

4. Activate “Clients for Microsoft Networks”

If this option is disabled on your network adapter, it may prevent communication with other devices on the network. To fix this, do the following:

  1. First, right-click on the network icon in the taskbar and select «Open Network and Internet Settings».
  2. Then go to "Center network and sharing" and select your active connection.
  3. Click on "Properties "and make sure that the box "Client for Microsoft Networks" is checked.
  4. Finally, save the changes and test the connection again.
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5. Review and adjust firewall settings

El firewall Windows or an overly restrictive antivirus can block the connection to other devices on the network and lead to error 1231. To check it you can do this:

  • Temporarily disable the firewall and test if the error persists.
  • If the problem goes away, create a rule in the firewall to allow the communication with the Web.
  • Make sure file sharing permissions are enabled on the firewall settings.

6. Reset network settings

If none of the above solutions have worked and error 1231 still appears, you can reset the Network Configuration Windows to its initial state like this:

  1. Open the Symbol of the system with administrator permissions.
  2. Run the following commands one by one:
    • netsh int ip reset
    • netsh advfirewall reset
    • ipconfig / flushdns
    • ipconfig / release
    • ipconfig / renew
  3. After these steps, restart your computer and check that the error has disappeared.

By following these procedures, you will be able to Fix Error 1231 in Windows 11 and restore network connectivity on your computer. Remember to try one solution at a time and check if the problem is resolved before moving on to the next method.