Software⏱️ 4 min read📅 2026-06-15

How to Fix: Multiple connections error

Multiple connections error on accessing admin$ share on remote machine.

Quick Answer: Try disconnecting all previous connections to the server or shared resource and try again.

The 'Multiple connections to a server or shared resource' error occurs when an attempt is made to access a shared resource, such as the admin$ share on a remote machine, using multiple usernames. This issue affects users who are trying to access the shared resource from different machines or accounts. The error message is frustrating because it prevents users from accessing their files and resources without knowing why they can't connect.

This error can be resolved by identifying and resolving the root cause of the issue. In this case, we will explore two possible reasons for this error: the remote machine not having an admin$ share or multiple connections being made to the same resource using different usernames.

🛑 Root Causes of the Error

  • The first main reason why this error happens is that the remote machine does not have an admin$ share. The admin$ share is a special share on Windows machines that allows administrators to access and manage the system. If this share does not exist, users will receive the 'Multiple connections' error message.
  • Another alternative reason for this error could be that multiple connections are being made to the same resource using different usernames. This can happen when users are trying to access the shared resource from different machines or accounts.

🛠️ Step-by-Step Verified Fixes

Check if admin$ share exists on remote machine

  1. Step 1: Open a command prompt on your local machine and type `net use` to check if there are any existing connections to the remote machine. If you see an entry, it means that the remote machine has already been connected to.
  2. Step 2: Next, try to connect to the remote machine using the net use command with the `/add` option. For example: `net use admin$ \remote-machine-name /add`. This will attempt to add a new connection to the remote machine's admin$ share.
  3. Step 3: If you are unable to connect, check if the remote machine has an admin$ share by looking for it in the Network and Sharing Center or using the command `icacls \remote-machine-name\admin$` in the command prompt. If the share does not exist, you will need to create it manually.

Disconnect all previous connections

  1. Step 1: Open a command prompt on your local machine and type `net use` to list all existing connections to the remote machine. Look for any entries that match the admin$ share.
  2. Step 2: Once you have identified the existing connection, right-click on it in the command prompt and select 'Disconnect'. This will disconnect the previous connection to the remote machine's admin$ share.

🎯 Final Words

To resolve the 'Multiple connections to a server or shared resource' error, first check if the remote machine has an admin$ share. If it does not exist, you can create it manually or contact your network administrator for assistance. Alternatively, if multiple connections are being made to the same resource using different usernames, try disconnecting all previous connections and then attempt to connect again.

Did this fix your problem?

If not, try searching for specific error codes.

🔍 Search Error Database

❓ Frequently Asked Questions