Are there extra steps to set up Other User in Win11 Pro vs Home?

TSink 20 Reputation points
2026-03-06T21:30:30.34+00:00

I need to send files to an instrument (Olympus Vanta iX, XRF scanner). I can do so on my Win11 Home laptop but the PC that will actually be used has Win11 Pro. I have tried many times but it will not connect on the PC...Windows Security always asks for the password but rejects the correct one. Yes, I am sure I am entering the correct user name and password, IP addresses are correct, folder where the file goes is shared, etc.

Clues?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Accounts, profiles, and login
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Answer accepted by question author
Hendrix-V 19,035 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
2026-03-07T03:32:57.3+00:00

Hi TSink,

Welcome to the Microsoft Q&A forum.

Windows 11 Pro uses stricter network security rules than Windows 11 Home. Because of this, a connection can be blocked even when the username and password are correct, especially when connecting to devices such as instruments or scanners. This difference explains why the setup works on a Home PC but not on the Pro PC.

You can allow guest‑style access on the Pro PC to relax network restrictions with this method:

  • Open PowerShell as Administrator
  • Run: Set-SmbClientConfiguration -EnableInsecureGuestLog

However, this is the most reliable setup that you can try:

1, Create a dedicated local account on the Windows 11 Pro PC

  • Go to Settings > Accounts > Other users
  • Add a local account (for example: xrfshare)
  • Set a standard password (avoid PIN‑only or passwordless accounts)

2, Share the folder explicitly to that account

  • Right‑click the target folder > Give access to > Specific people
  • Add the local account you created
  • Grant Read/Write access if files are transferred both ways

3, Use the correct username format

  • When entering credentials on the instrument, use one of the following:
    • PCNAME\xrfshare
    • or . \xrfshare

(This ensures the PC recognizes the account correctly.)

4, Confirm access from another Windows PC

  • From a second PC, open: \\<IP_of_Pro_PC>\<SharedFolder>
  • Sign in using the same username and password

If this works, the Windows setup is ready for the instrument. Let me know if you need further assistance, feel free to ask me by clicking "Add Comment" or "Add Answer" if you cannot add comment so your response will be visible. Thanks for your effort.

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  1. AI answer

    2026-03-06T21:31:02.2466667+00:00

    On Windows 11 Pro there are no extra “Other user” setup steps compared to Home, but Pro often has stricter network and authentication settings that can block access even when the username and password are correct.

    For a device that is accessed by IP and shared folder, verify these areas on the Windows 11 Pro PC:

    1. Share the folder with explicit permissions
      Use standard sharing instead of relying on administrative shares:
      1. In File Explorer, right‑click the target folder > Show more options (if needed) > Give access to > Specific people.
      2. Add the account that the instrument uses, or Everyone if appropriate for the environment.
      3. Set permission level (e.g., Reader/Co‑owner as needed).
    2. Confirm the account and password being used
      The instrument must authenticate with a local account that exists on the Pro PC (or a Microsoft account if the device supports that format). Ensure:
      • The username format matches what the device expects (for local accounts this is typically just the account name).
      • The password matches that account on the Pro PC, not the Home laptop.
    3. Check network discovery and file sharing
      On the Pro PC, make sure file sharing is enabled so the device can see and access the share:
      • In File Explorer, go to Network. If a banner says “Network discovery is turned off…”, select it and choose Turn on network discovery and file sharing.
    4. Test access from another Windows PC
      From another Windows machine on the same network:
      1. Open File Explorer and type \\<Pro‑PC‑IP> in the address bar.
      2. When prompted, enter the same username and password that the instrument uses.
      3. If this fails, the issue is with the Pro PC’s account/sharing configuration, not the instrument.
    5. Avoid administrative shares for this scenario
      Administrative shares like \\<IP>\C$ require administrator credentials and can be blocked by security policies. Instead, use a normal shared folder as in step 1.

    If the Home laptop can access the instrument’s share but the Pro PC cannot, align the Pro PC’s sharing and security settings with those on the Home laptop (same account type, same folder sharing method, and network discovery/file sharing turned on).

    References:

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