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How to Fix Network Error 0x8007003B on Windows 11: Complete Working Solutions

Network Error 0x8007003B can be frustrating when you try to transfer files over a network in Windows 11. This error usually appears during file copy or move operations and stops the process abruptly.

It often relates to network connectivity issues or problems with the file system. Understanding how to fix this error can save you time and ensure smooth file transfers.

This guide will walk you through simple to advanced solutions to resolve the 0x8007003B error effectively. Each step is explained in detail so even beginners can follow along easily.

By the end, you’ll know how to troubleshoot the problem and get your network file transfers working again.

Quick Note Before You Begin

  • Make sure your Windows 11 system is up to date with the latest updates installed. Sometimes, Microsoft releases fixes that address network errors.
  • Check your network connection is stable. A weak or intermittent connection can cause file transfer errors.
  • Ensure both your PC and the network device (like a NAS or another PC) are connected to the same network properly.
  • Close any VPN or firewall software temporarily to see if they are interfering with the transfer.

Step 1: Restart Your PC and Network Devices

Sometimes, the simplest fix is to restart your devices. Restarting refreshes network settings and clears temporary glitches.

  1. Save all your work and close open applications.
  2. Restart your Windows 11 PC by clicking on the Start menu, selecting Power, and then Restart.
  3. Turn off your router and modem. Wait for 30 seconds, then turn them back on.
  4. After everything powers back on, try the file transfer again.

This step is important because network devices can sometimes get stuck or confused, causing errors. Restarting resets connections and can resolve minor issues.

Step 2: Disable Antivirus and Firewall Temporarily

Security software can sometimes block network operations mistakenly. To check if this is the issue, disable your antivirus and firewall briefly.

  1. Click the Start menu and open Windows Security.
  2. Go to Virus & Threat Protection and click on Manage Settings.
  3. Turn off Real-time protection temporarily.
  4. Next, go back and open Firewall & Network Protection.
  5. Choose your active network and turn off the firewall temporarily.
  6. Try transferring the files again.

If the transfer works, your security software may be blocking the operation. Remember to turn your antivirus and firewall back on after testing to keep your system protected.

Step 3: Use the Windows Network Troubleshooter

Windows 11 comes with a built-in troubleshooter that can detect and fix common network problems automatically.

  1. Open the Settings app by pressing Win + I.
  2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  3. Find Network Adapter and click Run.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.
  5. Once done, restart your PC and try the file transfer again.

This tool is useful because it can automatically detect network misconfigurations or driver issues that might cause the error.

Step 4: Check and Repair Disk Errors Using CHKDSK

File system errors on your drives can interrupt file transfers and lead to error 0x8007003B. Running CHKDSK helps detect and fix these problems.

  1. Press Win + S, type Command Prompt, right-click it, and select Run as administrator.
  2. In the command window, type the following command and press Enter:
chkdsk C: /f /r /x

Replace C: with the drive letter where your files are located if different.

  1. The system will scan and fix errors on the drive. You might be prompted to schedule the scan after a reboot; type Y and restart your PC.
  2. After the scan completes, try the file transfer again.

This step is important because corrupted files or bad sectors can cause network transfer failures.

Step 5: Reset TCP/IP Stack

The TCP/IP stack manages your system’s network communication. If it becomes corrupted or misconfigured, network errors can appear.

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator again.
  2. Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
netsh int ip reset
netsh winsock reset

These commands reset the TCP/IP settings and Winsock catalog to default.

  1. Restart your PC after running the commands.
  2. Try transferring the files again.

This method often fixes underlying network stack problems that cause connectivity issues.

Step 6: Adjust Large Send Offload (LSO) Settings

Large Send Offload is a network adapter feature designed to improve performance but can sometimes cause issues during file transfers.

  1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Network adapters section.
  3. Right-click your active network adapter and select Properties.
  4. Go to the Advanced tab.
  5. Find Large Send Offload (IPv4) and set its value to Disabled.
  6. Also, disable Large Send Offload (IPv6) if available.
  7. Click OK and restart your PC.
  8. Try transferring files again.

Disabling LSO prevents the network adapter from offloading large packets, which can sometimes cause the 0x8007003B error.

Alternative Method: Use Robocopy for File Transfers

If Windows Explorer keeps giving the error, you can use Robocopy, a command-line tool designed for reliable file copying.

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:
robocopy "C:SourceFolder" "\DestinationPCSharedFolder" /E /Z /R:3 /W:5

Replace C:SourceFolder with the path of your source files, and \DestinationPCSharedFolder with your network destination path.

Options explained:

  • /E: Copies all subfolders including empty ones.
  • /Z: Enables restartable mode in case of interruptions.
  • /R:3: Retries failed copies 3 times.
  • /W:5: Waits 5 seconds between retries.

Robocopy is more robust and can handle network glitches better than standard file copying.

FAQs

What causes Network Error 0x8007003B?

This error is usually caused by network interruptions, corrupted files, unstable connections, or security software blocking file transfers.

Can Windows updates fix this error?

Yes, installing the latest Windows updates can fix bugs and improve network stability, potentially resolving the error.

Is it safe to disable antivirus and firewall during troubleshooting?

Temporarily disabling them is safe for testing, but always re-enable them afterward to keep your system protected.

Why does resetting TCP/IP help?

Resetting TCP/IP fixes network configuration issues and corrupted settings that may disrupt communication between devices.

Can faulty hardware cause this error?

Yes, malfunctioning network adapters, cables, or routers can cause network errors. Check hardware if software fixes don’t help.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and still face the error, consider the following options:

  • Check for firmware updates for your router or network devices from the manufacturer’s website.
  • Try connecting via a different network or use a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi.
  • Contact Microsoft Support or visit the official Windows Support site for advanced help.
  • Consider resetting Windows network settings completely via Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced Network Settings > Network Reset.

Conclusion

Network Error 0x8007003B on Windows 11 is often related to network or file system problems that can interrupt file transfers. Starting from simple steps like restarting your PC and checking your network to advanced actions like resetting TCP/IP and disabling Large Send Offload can effectively solve the issue.

Using reliable tools like Robocopy for large file transfers can also help avoid this error. Always ensure your system and devices are updated and secure but temporarily disable security software if troubleshooting network problems.

By following this detailed guide step-by-step, you should be able to fix the network error and enjoy smooth file sharing on your Windows 11 machine.

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