Skip to main content
Contributor I
December 22, 2025

Unable to add Music Library on new Windows 11 PC

  • December 22, 2025
  • 17 replies
  • 1809 views

Hi

I have Sonos since around 2017. Since two weeks I have a new computer with Windows 11 and now I am unable to use the Sonos Music Library on the Windows App (Sonos Controller for PC). Error messages:
Sonos was unable to add the music folder. Please check that the path to the folder, and the username and password if needed, are correct. Reason: Access to the shared folder "\\XY" is denied.

or

"\\XY" is no longer available. The device where the music files are stored may not be powered on, or the path may have changed.

What I would like to achieve is to incorporate two folders in my Sonos Music Library (as was before):
C:\Music\01-Music
C:\Music\02-MusicNew

The folders are 121 GB and 210 GB in size respectively and shared with a dedicated local Windows user account (no microsoft online account).

I am able to access the paths via UNC (e.g. \\MyComputer\01-Music) in Windows Explorer locally as well as from a different computer in the network.

The cable-based network is set to private. The firewall has all the specified ports forwarded:
UDP:
136-139, 1900, 1901, 2869, 10243, 10280-10284, 5353, 6969

TCP:
80, 443, 445, 3445, 1400, 1410, 1443, 1843, 3400, 3401, 3500, 4070, 4444, 7000

Anything else I am missing? I have spent hours on this already and it is quite frustrating to get some simple mp3s running in 2025...

Any help would be appreciated.

This topic has been closed for further comments. You can use the search bar to find a similar topic, or create a new one by clicking Create Topic at the top of the page.

17 replies

Contributor I
February 9, 2026

Hi I have the same issue . Nothing i try seems to work. Of course i originally had the unable to access error but thats fixed. 

 

I have two questions re your reply 

you state ‘When adding the library in Sonos, enter the path using the PC name (for example \\PCNAME\Music) and log in with that local username and password.vAlso confirm that password-protected sharing is enabled”

Log in to what ? I do not login  I just start sonos on my pc  and just boot up my PC.

Where di i find password sharing because i cant find it?

 

PS i have spend over 3 hours on phone with sonos support and your answers sound hopeful

 

Regards Ian

jgatie
February 9, 2026

Hi I have the same issue . Nothing i try seems to work. Of course i originally had the unable to access error but thats fixed. 

 

I have two questions re your reply 

you state ‘When adding the library in Sonos, enter the path using the PC name (for example \\PCNAME\Music) and log in with that local username and password.vAlso confirm that password-protected sharing is enabled”

Log in to what ? I do not login  I just start sonos on my pc  and just boot up my PC.

Where di i find password sharing because i cant find it?

 

PS i have spend over 3 hours on phone with sonos support and your answers sound hopeful

 

Regards Ian

 

If you aren’t getting a prompt to enter the network path or login username/password, then you are choosing the incorrect choice when using the PC app to add your library.  You MUST choose the #3 choice below (Networked device (ex. NAS drive)):  

 

 

The other choices are deprecated because they use the now defunct HTTP sharing.  They are only still there on the menu because the PC app is no longer updated.  Note: Before choosing #3, you must first add your folder as a share and assign it to a user in Windows.  This is all described in the new instructions on how to add a music library in the links below:

https://support.sonos.com/en-us/article/add-your-music-library-to-sonos

https://support.sonos.com/en-us/article/share-your-windows-music-folder-with-sonos

Contributor I
February 10, 2026

 

 

Not sure where  the android app comes in cos i don't use it but to play music (occasionality)

 

my steps:-

 

ensure share is set up correctly 

rip music using express cd ripper (used it successfully for years ). It creates a folder in music folder with the album’s music (the one I have shared)

I play the music I just ripped  using windows player . it works

I run the sonos music library update. It finishes correctly no error message

 

I look for the album in sonos not there, i check the artist not there

 

So what am I doing wrong  (oh I checked  SMB 1 is off)

 

Regards

 

 

Lyricist I
May 1, 2026

For me the thing that worked was this:

Use a local Windows user account with a password, not a Microsoft account, and grant that user full access to the shared folders.When adding the library in Sonos, enter the path using the PC name (for example \\PCNAME\Music) and log in with that local username and password.

 

I struggle for so long but this worked instantly so adding this here in case it helps someone

Lyricist I
May 15, 2026

For me the thing that worked was this:

Use a local Windows user account with a password, not a Microsoft account, and grant that user full access to the shared folders.When adding the library in Sonos, enter the path using the PC name (for example \\PCNAME\Music) and log in with that local username and password.

 

I struggle for so long but this worked instantly so adding this here in case it helps someone

I must be as ignorant as can be, because I have been trying for weeks to get this to work and still cannot. I have added a local Windows user with password, granted permission to the folder, and I even seem to get connected to the library but nothing updates. I have added this folder six ways to Sunday and nothing works. I never get prompted to enter a user name or password, just a dialog box asking if I want to allow Sonos to make changes to my computer. 

 

This worked seamlessly until Windows 11. I seriously don’t understand what I’m doing wrong. I have been all over the articles linked a few replies above. The instructions are not clear, and they don’t work.

Stanley_4
Grand Maestro
May 15, 2026

I can't help you fix Windows, just burned six hours trying to get an update to install, and failing.

My solution was an inexpensive NAS to remove Windows from the process.

Lyricist II
May 19, 2026


​@Obsidiann6 
 

Here is a proven method for sharing your Windows 11 Music folder with Sonos. I tested this today on a fully updated Windows 11 machine, and it works perfectly.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Check the location: Ensure your Music folder is not located inside the OneDrive folder.

  2. Enable Network Sharing: Go to Windows Settings > Advanced network settings > Advanced sharing settings. Turn on Network discovery and File and printer sharing for private networks.

  3. Share the folder: Right-click the Music folder, go to Properties > Sharing > Share. Add the local user account you created for Sonos and click Share.

  4. Configure Advanced Sharing: In that same Sharing tab, click Advanced Sharing > Permissions. Add your Sonos local user and check Allow Full Control.

  5. Broaden permissions (Optional): You can also add Everyone and grant Full Control here to ensure there are no blocks.

  6. Update Security settings: Switch to the Security tab, add the Sonos local user, and grant it Full Control.

  7. Copy the Network Path: From the Sharing tab, copy the Network Path (it should look like \\YourComputerName\Music).

  8. Link to Sonos: Open the Sonos app and navigate to Manage > Music Library Settings > Add > Networked Device. Paste the Network Path here. (Note: You can use your PC's IP address instead, but the computer name is better since IP addresses can change).

Important Note: When adding the folder in the Sonos app, it must prompt you for a username and password. If it doesn't, a setting on your PC is incorrect. If you get stuck, the easiest fix is to contact Sonos Support so they can set up a remote session and adjust your Windows settings for you.

Cheers!