Can't access two Windows 11 computers

Question

Can't access two Windows 11 computers

BobinOhio 15

I just added a new desktop computer and I'm trying to connect it to my laptop. Both computers are Win 11. I keep getting the "Enter Network Credentials" box when I try to access each of the computers. I have unchecked Password proteced sharing on both computers but I still get that box. What is going on?

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Answer 1

mabel ricaldis 0

recien voy a instalarlo

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Answer 2

Jeronimo Fuerte 46,745 Independent Advisor

Hi! Even with Password-protected sharing turned off, Windows 11 will still prompt for credentials because it blocks anonymous/guest SMB access by default.

Put both PCs on a Private network, turn on Network discovery and File and printer sharing, and make sure File and Printer Sharing is allowed through the firewall. Then connect using a real account that exists on the target PC, either your Microsoft account (email + password) or a local account you create at Settings > Accounts > Other users. When prompted, enter TARGETPC\username and the password (or save it ahead of time in Control Panel > Credential Manager > Windows Credentials > Add a Windows credential).

If you absolutely want no password at all (not recommended), you’d have to re-enable insecure guest logons: in gpedit.msc go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Network > Lanman Workstation > Enable insecure guest logons = Enabled, then restart.

BobinOhio 15 Reputation points

2025-09-07T16:39:43.2133333+00:00

Ok, let's start with step 1. How do I put both PCs in private network? Please explain this in a way I can understand ( I don't understand most of what you told me above). Thanks
Jeronimo Fuerte 46,745 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-09-07T16:45:19.39+00:00

You can find the steps here, and other settings that could help you:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/essential-network-settings-and-tasks-in-windows-f21a9bbc-c582-55cd-35e0-73431160a1b9

This one can be helpful also:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/share-things-with-nearby-devices-in-windows-0efbfe40-e3e2-581b-13f4-1a0e9936c2d9
BobinOhio 15 Reputation points

2025-09-07T16:56:10.9733333+00:00

Can you or somebody else just please outline the steps for me? I have spent about 8 hours trying to figure this out so far and it's not working. I WAS able to change both computers to private network and guess what? Both computers are STILL asking for network credentials. Why is this so hard to do in 2025??
BobinOhio 15 Reputation points

2025-09-07T22:12:37.09+00:00

Still waiting for a solution to this issue.
Jeronimo Fuerte 46,745 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-09-08T21:48:10.0333333+00:00
Put both PCs on a Private network

Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi/Ethernet > your connected network > Network profile > Private.

Turn on Network Discovery + File & Printer Sharing

Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change advanced sharing settings > under Private, turn on Network discovery (and its automatic setup sub-option) and File and printer sharing.

Allow through the firewall

Windows Defender Firewall > Advanced settings > Inbound Rules > enable all File and Printer Sharing rules for the Private profile (especially SMB-In, TCP-In 445).

Share a folder on the target PC

Right-click the folder > Properties > Sharing tab > Advanced Sharing… > check Share this folder > Permissions… > grant access (preferably to the specific user you’ll connect with; avoid “Everyone” unless read-only).

Confirm NTFS rights: Security tab > ensure that user has matching permissions.

Create or verify a real sign-in account on the target PC

Settings > Accounts > Other users > Add account.

To use a local account: “I don’t have this person’s sign-in info” > “Add a user without a Microsoft account.”

Using a Microsoft account is fine too (email + password).

Save credentials ahead of time

Control Panel > Credential Manager > Windows Credentials > Add a Windows credential.

Internet or network address: TARGETPC (the target’s computer name)

Username: TARGETPC\username (local account) or your Microsoft account email

Password: that account’s password

Connect from the other PC

File Explorer address bar > type \TARGETPC\Sharename and press Enter.
BobinOhio 15 Reputation points

2025-09-08T23:05:29.9733333+00:00

Thanks for those steps. I'm getting there but I'm stuck on this--

Windows Defender Firewall > Advanced settings > Inbound Rules > enable all File and Printer Sharing rules for the Private profile (especially SMB-In, TCP-In 445).

how do I enable all File and Printer Sharing rules...? I don't see that option
BobinOhio 15 Reputation points

2025-09-08T23:14:17.44+00:00

On second thought, you don't have to post any more info. This is getting way over my head. Steps 5 and 6 above are steps I don't want to take. I've always used "everyone" as a sharing option. I wouldn't even know what to put in there if I can't use that option. I'm also not comfortable adding new accounts, including a local account. I've said this MANY times over the last few months...it's 2025, Microsoft has to make this easier for people. I consider myself to be pretty computer-literate but this stuff is just driving me crazy. I'm not directing this at you, just frustrated by this whole mess. This is ridiculous. Thanks again.
Jeronimo Fuerte 46,745 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-09-10T00:53:21.3333333+00:00

I understand, however this is a matter of security, as we are talking about being able to connect to your device remotely, however, if you feel this can be improved, you could try to leave some feedback on this:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/send-feedback-to-microsoft-with-the-feedback-hub-app-f59187f8-8739-22d6-ba93-f66612949332
BobinOhio 15 Reputation points

2025-09-11T23:10:21.8466667+00:00

I tried to go through those steps again and I'm more lost than I was before. Your steps 3-6 above are very confusing. I'll see if I can get this done another way.
Jeronimo Fuerte 46,745 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-09-11T23:25:36.72+00:00

If you have troubles to follow those steps, you could try to follow the ones in the next link:https://support.microsoft.com/windows/uso-compartido-de-archivos-a-trav%C3%A9s-de-una-red-en-windows-b58704b2-f53a-4b82-7bc1-80f9994725bf
Juan Diego olivero f 0 Reputation points

2025-09-16T21:15:23.91+00:00

damn man i really dont have any idea of that
CPADVISORS INC 0 Reputation points

2026-02-26T01:22:53.17+00:00

Jeronimo Fuerte - We followed the steps you outlined and found them to be INCREDIBLY HELPFUL!! We have been trying to accomplish this task for six months or more and your instructions are the ONLY clear step-by-step instructions that we found. IT WORKED!! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!