"Local device name is already in use"

Updated by

Linda 

Last updated on April 22, 2024

What does the "Device Name is already in use" error mean?

The "Local Device Name is Already in Use" error is quite common among those who frequently use network systems. This error relates to network drive mapping and occurs when someone attempts to access a network drive.

This happens when a user tries to access a file in a shared folder or map a specific drive to a network domain.

You immediately get an error message that the local device name is in use.

Here are some solutions to the error "The local device name is already in use": 1. **Restart Devices:** - Turn off both devices that are showing this error message. - Wait for a minute, then turn them back on in the following order: first, the device that is supposed to be the server (like a printer or network drive), and then the device that's trying to connect to it. 2. **Change Device Name:** - Access the settings of the device causing the conflict. - Find the option to change the device's name and give it a unique identifier. - Save the changes and reconnect the devices. 3. **Check Network Settings:** - Ensure that both devices are not configured to have the same hostname or IP address. - Check your router's settings to assign different IP addresses statically or reset the router to auto-assign (DHCP). 4. **Uninstall and Reinstall Drivers:** - For devices like printers or scanners, uninstall the driver from the 'Device Manager' on the computer. - Restart your PC, then reinstall the latest drivers from the manufacturer's website. 5. **Flush DNS Cache:** - Open Command Prompt as an administrator and type `ipconfig /flushdns`. - This command will clear any cached DNS entries that might be causing the issue. 6. **Use Network Troubleshooter:** - On Windows, go to 'Settings' > 'Network & Internet' > 'Status' > 'Troubleshoot problems'. - Follow the prompts to diagnose and fix network-related issues. 7. **Update Operating System:** - Make sure your computer and devices have the latest software updates installed, which may include bug fixes for this issue. 8. **Disconnect from Network and Reconnect:** - Disconnect the problematic device from the network, wait a few moments, and then reconnect it. Remember, each situation may require a different approach, so try these steps in sequence until the problem is resolved. If the issue persists, consider contacting the device manufacturer's support for further assistance.

Check out a few solutions to the "Device name is already in use" error:

Solution 1: Assign a new drive letter

To solve this issue, you can use a disk partition tool. This utility allows you to manage your USB HDD, flash drive, or memory stick. You can easily manage disk space with it. The tool is user-friendly, even if you're not a computer pro or a first-time user.

To optimize the performance of your USB hard drive, you can use the Partition Master Manager. It eliminates the need for a separate hard drive. Here are some useful features:

• User-friendly interface
• Resize, copy, merge, and delete partitions
• Data safety is fully guaranteed
• Easy to use
• Manage disk space effectively
• Divide the space into multiple partitions

Guide to assigning a new drive letter to the target drive:

Step 1: Run Partition Master, right click the target partition and choose “Change Drive Letter”.

Step 2: In the new window, click the drop-down arrow and select a drive letter for the partition from the drop-down menu, then click OK.

Step 3. Click the "Perform 1 Task" button in the upper left corner to check the change, and then click "Apply" to change the drive letter of the selected partition.

Solution 2: Remap the drive using Command Prompt

For users encountering this issue, Microsoft's recommended solution is to remap the drive using the Command Prompt. Many people have tried it and successfully resolved the problem, which is why it has become one of the most popular methods to address this issue.

Please check the steps you need to follow:

On your computer screen, click the Search button and type “Command Prompt.”

Right-click the first result and select “Run as administrator.”

• Copy this command, paste it into your command line, and press Enter.

• After doing this, type and run the following command:

Map the network resource \\server\share to drive Z using user name and password for authentication.

4. Replace "username" and "password" with the correct credentials, and then check if the error "Local device name is already in use" has been resolved.

Solution 3: Reset your computer's browser

In some cases, the browser on your computer might conflict with certain elements of the operating system. Hence, you should quit the browser in such a scenario.

Several things would have to happen for this to occur.

Press the "Windows + R" keys to open the "Run" prompt. The "Run" dialog box should appear.

• Type "cmd", then press "Shift" + "Ctrl" + "Enter" to open it with administrator permissions.

• A prompt will appear; click "Yes" to allow the application to make changes to your computer.
• Type in the command and press "Enter."
• "net stop ComputerBrowser"

Execute the stop command.

Wait for the running command to complete, and then type the following command and press Enter:
net start "Computer Browser"

• Run Start.
• Verify that the issue is resolved.

Solution 4: Delete the problematic registry key

As a last resort, you can try removing specific Registry entries that may be causing the issue. This has solved the problem for some users with specific CD/DVD and virtual drive issues, so it's worth a shot.

Try changing the value of Protected Mode in the Windows Registry.

Microsoft has acknowledged the workaround, which stems from an upgrade from an earlier version of Windows performed by a non-administrative user.

Press the "Windows key + R" at the same time. Type "regedit" in the dialog box, then press "Enter".

2. Navigate to the following path: 3. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager

4. Search for the key: Protection Mode

• Change some content; change the key from 0 to 1.

Save the changes and exit, then restart your computer to see if the issue is resolved. If this solution doesn't work, you can try manually removing the mapping using the following command:

Usage: net use * /del /y (Replace * with the actual drive letter.)

Solution 5: Enable File and Printer Sharing in the firewall

File and printer sharing must be enabled in all firewalls that you use for shared drive connections to work correctly.

If no other firewall is installed, the Windows Defender Firewall will turn on by default when you start up your computer.

Click the Search button in the bottom-right corner of the screen to open the “Control Panel.”

Select "Control Panel"

2. Once in the Control Panel, scroll to the bottom of the page and check for Windows Defender Firewall. Turn it on.

Click “Windows Defender Firewall,” then choose “Allow an app or feature through Windows Firewall.” This will open a full list of installed apps. To make changes, click the “Change settings” button in the upper-right corner of the window, and enter your administrator credentials if prompted.

Next, go to the “File and Printer Sharing” option, check the box next to it, and click “OK” to apply the changes.

Select “File and Printer Sharing”

Click OK, and then restart the computer. Check the status of the error.

Click **OK**. 

Solution 6: Check if the server has enough space

This error can also occur if the disk space on the server computer's hard drive is insufficient. Make sure that the root drive of the server has enough free space by deleting unnecessary files first.

There are no specific free space requirements, but you should have a few gigabytes free before checking if the issue is resolved.

The error "Local Device Name is Already in Use" occurs when two or more devices on the same network are attempting to use the same unique identifier, often referred to as a device name or hostname. This can happen when: 1. **Duplicate Device Names**: You might have two devices with the same name, which is causing confusion on the network. 2. **Network Conflicts**: Sometimes, a device may not be assigned a unique IP address, leading to naming conflicts. 3. **Software Issues**: Certain software or applications could be setting the device name to a default value, which might be the same on multiple devices. 4. **Reset or Factory Defaults**: If a device has been reset to its factory settings, it may revert to a default name that's already in use on your network. To resolve this issue, you can: - **Rename the Device**: Change the name of one of the conflicting devices in its settings. - **Check IP Addresses**: Ensure each device has a unique IP address. You can do this in the network settings of the device. - **Update Firmware/Software**: Update any outdated firmware or software that might be causing the issue. - **Contact Manufacturer Support**: If the problem persists, contact the manufacturer's support for further assistance.

When you first encounter this error, it's important to understand the reasons behind "Device name is already in use," so you can resolve the issue effortlessly.

Let's pinpoint the reason behind the issue you're encountering. This article will save you time and assist you in completing your task once you understand the cause of the error.

Here are some possible reasons:

• Drive mapping failed

The network drive mapping process can sometimes result in such errors.

• File and printer sharing options are disabled.

If File and Printer Sharing is disabled on your computer, you might encounter this issue, which can make network tasks difficult.

Certain drive letters are not assigned.

This error occurs if the drive letter for the drive is incorrect or missing.

• Insufficient server space

The solution to this problem is to have several gigabytes of free space on the root drive of your web server.

Conclusions

We have discussed the “The local device name is already in use” error in detail. Hopefully, with this guide, you can fix the issue. For an easy solution, you can use the Partition Master tool that allocates space, manages files, and offers a user-friendly guide. All set!