iOS 18.7.9: The "Files" app on my iPhone XS won't connect to my Windows 11 computer to share files

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Markko2026 Author

Level 1

4 points

iOS 18.7.9: The "Files" app on my iPhone XS won't connect to my Windows 11 computer to share files

When I updated my iPhone XS to iOS 18.7.9 (the latest version), the native "Files" app stopped connecting to my Windows 11 computer, displaying the message "The operation can't be completed because an unexpected error occurred. Try your operation again. If that fails, quit and relaunch the application and try again."

When I try again, the connection now shows ["192.168.xx.xx" has no content]

Okay, to avoid repetitive answers about basic troubleshooting and configuration, let me clarify the following:

1) I have two identical iPhone XS devices. One with iOS 18.7.8 connects perfectly to my Windows 11 computer, and the other with iOS 18.7.9 exhibits the errors mentioned at the beginning.

2) The connection is made using my computer's static IP address, not its host name, to rule out a name resolution issue. That is, connecting to the server [smb://192.168.xx.xx]

3) Although the test with both iPhones makes it perfectly clear that the problem isn't with my computer. I've tried every imaginable adjustment to connect, including creating and configuring the "WebDAV" website on my computer for HTTPS connections with the electronic certificate installed on the iPhone, specifically for this connection, all through the Windows 11 IIS (Internet Information Services). This should allow the connection through a browser, thus avoiding the Samba server (which seems to be the one with problems in the latest version of iOS), but the connection still failed.

4) I want to connect the native "Files" app to my computer. I don't want to use third-party apps, which work perfectly but compromise the security of my data, my iPhone, and my computer.

My specific question is: Any ideas on how to connect "Files" app to my computer while Apple, indefinitely, doesn't fix this bug?

Thank you all for your help.

iPhone XS, iOS 18

Posted on May 21, 2026 5:14 AM

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Answer 1

May 28, 2026 2:16 PM in response to Markko2026

I too have had this exact same problem after a software upgrade to 18.7.9 on a XSMax. My battery is the original Apple battery with 76% life. Just like Markko2026, I too have tried a variety of possible solutions including checking the permissions on my Synology DS216 +II NAS drive. I did not have any issues on 18.7.8 and I woke up to an automatic overnight software update to 18.7.9 after which the problems have started.

I am able to access the same drive using the same credentials from all my other devices both macpro, windows , ipads etc. It is very likely an issue with IOS 18.7.9 on the XSMax.

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Answer 2

Alancito

Level 7

30,676 points

May 21, 2026 4:31 PM in response to Markko2026

Markko ~ Connectivity issues can be caused by a weak, aging battery. So for the iPhone XS with iOS 18.7.9, what's its Maximum Capacity % here?...

Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging

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Answer 3

May 28, 2026 2:27 PM in response to Markko2026

I have also had this exact same problem. I was connecting fine to my Synology DS216 +II NAS drive with IOS18.7.8 running on my iphone XSMax. After an overnight automatic update to IOS 18.7.9 I have not been able to see any files on my NAS drive from the iphone XSMax. I am able to see the drive and access files from all my other devices, both apple (macpro, ipad) as well as windows machines. Like markko2026, I have tried pretty much all the possible solutions suggested on the net without success. Like markko2026, I too am starting to believe it is a bug in 18.7.9 on XSMax. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

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Answer 4

Alancito

Level 7

30,676 points

May 28, 2026 2:33 PM in response to jnarasimhan

jnarasimhan wrote: "I too have had this exact same problem after a software upgrade to 18.7.9 on a XSMax. My battery is the original Apple battery with 76% life...."

jnarasimhan ~ 76% maximum capacity is unhealthy, being below Apple's suggested level of 80% for having the battery replaced.

The long process of applying an iOS update to an iPhone with a weak, aging battery can be the proverbial "straw that broke the camel's back." So have the weak battery replaced and your connectivity issue will then likely be resolved:

iPhone Battery Service

About genuine iPhone batteries

Repair Provider Verification

(Articles found by searching Apple's Knowledge Base.)

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Answer 5

SravanKrA

Level 10

437,098 points

May 21, 2026 5:30 AM in response to Markko2026

This discussion thread may help you, including the answer from the OP --> Connecting to server in the Files app on Bonjour Mac Windows… - Apple Community

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Answer 6

Markko2026 Author

Level 1

4 points

May 21, 2026 3:26 PM in response to SravanKrA

As you can see from my query, I've tried many possible solutions, which I'm listing here so as not to waste anyone else's time.

In the introduction to my query, and also in point 2), I already mention that I'm using my computer's IP address instead of its name.

Of course, although I don't mention it, I'm also logging in as a registered user with a username and password, not as a guest.

Thanks anyway for your time and for trying to help me. Thank you

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Answer 7

Alancito

Level 7

30,676 points

May 22, 2026 1:03 PM in response to Markko2026

Markko2026 wrote: "100%"

Markko ~ Was the battery replaced at an Apple Store or by other qualified technician using a genuine iPhone battery?...

Repair Provider Verification - Official Apple Support

About genuine iPhone batteries

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Answer 8

Markko2026 Author

Level 1

4 points

May 22, 2026 1:23 PM in response to Alancito

I can't answer that question.

In Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging, it says it can't verify it, so I assume it's not an original battery, even though it charges perfectly.

[Edited by Moderator]

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Answer 9

Alancito

Level 7

30,676 points

May 22, 2026 1:46 PM in response to Markko2026

Markko2026 wrote: "I can't answer that question.

In Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging, it says it can't verify it, so I assume it's not an original battery, even though it charges perfectly."

Markko ~ An unverifiable battery means it's nongenuine, i.e. fake.

Apple states: "Using nongenuine batteries might also result in unexpected behavior after installation, device software updates, or while charging. Using nongenuine batteries might also lead to safety issues. Genuine batteries are designed to work with iOS to function properly, including to report charge levels and battery health. If a battery is unverified, the battery health information might not be accurate." Source:

About genuine iPhone batteries - Apple Support

...So have that fake battery replaced and your connection issue will likely be resolved.

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Answer 10

May 28, 2026 3:22 PM in response to Alancito

Thank you Alancito for the suggestion. Will look into the battery issue. In the meantime, my wife's XSMax has a battery health of 83% and is also having the same NAS connectivity issue. There is probably more to this problem than the battery.

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Answer 11

Alancito

Level 7

30,676 points

May 29, 2026 2:45 AM in response to jnarasimhan

jnarasimhan wrote: "...my wife's XSMax has a battery health of 83% and is also having the same NAS connectivity issue. There is probably more to this problem than the battery."

jnarasimhan ~ There could be more to this problem than the battery. But since there's already been one nongenuine battery in this thread, let's check your wife's by going to:

Settings > General > About

...Is there a 'Parts & Service' section there? ...If so, tap it and in the resulting pane, does it say anything about the battery and it being 'Genuine' or 'Unknown'?

iPhone parts and service history - Apple Support

But if all looks normal, then:

Feedback - iPhone - Apple

Contact Apple Support

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Answer 12

Markko2026 Author

Level 1

4 points

May 22, 2026 12:55 PM in response to Alancito

100%

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Answer 13

Markko2026 Author

Level 1

4 points

May 22, 2026 1:38 PM in response to Alancito

Hi, I forgot to mention in my question that the iPhone XS with iOS 18.7.9 connected without any problems when it had iOS 18.7.8, which makes me think it's a bug in iOS 18.7.9.

[Edited by Moderator]

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