Network Share \\PCNAME vs \\PCNAME.local

Just an observation and I'm not really sure I understand ...

What's the difference between \\PCNAME and \\PCNAME.local ... when accessing a network share ???

I was trying to access a new PC network share by \\PCNAME and kept getting the 0x80070035 error, when it should be prompting me for credentials (see notes). I then accessed it by \\PCNAME.local and it prompted me for credentials which I entered (did not save) and it connected. The share then showed in File Explorer > Network as PCNAME.local ... which it should and I could access it. I then restarted both PC's and the PCNAME.local was NOT showing in File Explorer > Network ... which I expected. I then tried accessing the share by \\PCNAME and it prompted me for credentials, which I entered (saved) and it connected and has been working fine ever since.

Note:
1. I could see the share and access it by \\IPADDRESS (did not save credentials), so I know that all network share settings were correct (i.e. private,discoverable,share/ntfs permissions,password protected, etc)
2. IPv6 settings default (i.e. did not disable IPv6 or set prefer IPv4 over IPv6)
3. SMBv1 NOT Installed
4. Both PC's running Win10 (1803 - 17134.137)

You can disable ipv6 as it's not used as homegroup has been removed now. If you try and connect to \\pcname your connecting to the PC if you use \\pcname\sharename you are connecting specifically to the share

You can disable ipv6 as it's not used as homegroup has been removed now. If you try and connect to \\pcname your connecting to the PC if you use \\pcname\sharename you are connecting specifically to the share

Thanks, I know about disabling IPv6 and the difference in \\pcname vs \\pcname\share

Sorry, I wasn't clear ... basically I was doing a test and before I saved any credentials ...
If I accessed the PC by \\pcname or the share by \\pcname\share I got the network path not found vs prompt for credentials, but when using \\pcname.local or \\pcname.local\share I would get prompted for credentials. Once I got prompted for credentials, then the \\pcname or \\pcname\share would start working (i.e. prompt me for credentials vs network path not found). That's why I was wondering what the difference is between \\pcname and \\pcname.local

By default it doesnt normally ask for details as it passes your logged in name and password

By default it doesnt normally ask for details as it passes your logged in name and password

Correct .... in this case one PC has Local Account and the other a MS Account, so asking for credentials is expected.

Edit: The question remains, why does \\pcname consistently give network path not found and \\pcname.local prompt for credentials and once it does, then using either will work (i.e. no more network path not found).

I'm just trying to understand the difference and haven't really found much info on it. I'll chalk it up to Win10 networking gremlins for now, thanks :)

So, I just deleted the credentials on each PC for the other. No reboot or anything and immediately when using \\pcname\share I get the network path not found every time, but using \\pcname.local\share prompts for credentials, as it should .... LOL

It seems that MS is showing the wrong error (i.e. 0x80007035 vs 0x80004005)