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Windows 11, can't access usb hdd connected to my router

Anonymous
2025-01-26T15:37:52+00:00

I got a new laptop, and it has windows 11

I am trying to connect to my usb hdd, but I cant manage it at all

When I go into the router's page (it is a linksys), the HDD is still connected, my old laptop (windows 10) can still connect if I type in the address into file explorer

Secure folder access is off so anyone can access it says

I type the address and I just keep getting an error that windows cannot access

EC 0x80004005

Any ideas what is going on? I have sharing on, Im on a private network, is there some tiny option I need to turn on or off that I missed?

Thanks

Edit: Figured it out, despite this being a new post I had been trying for days and asked elsewhere

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/linksys-media-storage-has-disappeared-from-win-10/8ed48d1e-f588-4fe2-9ad6-1788f8a921fa

Enable SMB 1.0/ CIFS File Sharing Support fixed it for me!

***Move from Windows / Windows 11 / Files, folders, and storage ***

Windows for business | Windows Client for IT Pros | Networking | Network connectivity and file sharing

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-01-27T06:46:02+00:00

    Hello,

    Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community forum.

    It sounds like you figured out the issue—enabling SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support resolved it for you. For others encountering similar problems, here’s a step-by-step explanation of why this happens and how to fix it:

    Why the Issue Occurs

    Windows 10 and 11 have SMB 1.0 (Server Message Block) protocol disabled by default for security reasons. Many older routers use SMB 1.0 for file sharing, so if SMB 1.0 is not enabled on your computer, it won't be able to access the network drive connected to the router.

    How to Enable SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support

    Here’s how you can enable it:

    1. Open Control Panel:

    Press Windows + S, type Control Panel, and open it.

    1. Go to Programs and Features:

    Click on Programs → Programs and Features → Turn Windows features on or off (on the left panel).

    1. Enable SMB 1.0:

    Scroll down and locate SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support.

    Check the box next to it.

    Click OK and let Windows apply the changes.

    1. Restart Your Computer:

    Reboot your computer to apply the settings.

    1. Retry Accessing the USB HDD:

    Open File Explorer and type the address of your USB HDD (e.g., \192.168.x.x\sharename).

    Important Notes

    Security Implications: SMB 1.0 is an outdated and less secure protocol. If your router supports newer versions of SMB (like SMB 2.0 or SMB 3.0), consider upgrading your router or updating its firmware instead.

    Alternatives: If enabling SMB 1.0 isn’t ideal, look for firmware updates for your Linksys router or use other methods like FTP or DLNA if your router supports them.

    If you still encounter issues, let me know! I can help troubleshoot further. 😊

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-01-30T20:28:56+00:00

    Hello,

    Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community forum.

    It sounds like you figured out the issue—enabling SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support resolved it for you. For others encountering similar problems, here’s a step-by-step explanation of why this happens and how to fix it:

    Why the Issue Occurs

    Windows 10 and 11 have SMB 1.0 (Server Message Block) protocol disabled by default for security reasons. Many older routers use SMB 1.0 for file sharing, so if SMB 1.0 is not enabled on your computer, it won't be able to access the network drive connected to the router.

    How to Enable SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support

    Here’s how you can enable it:

    1. Open Control Panel:

    Press Windows + S, type Control Panel, and open it.

    1. Go to Programs and Features:

    Click on Programs → Programs and Features → Turn Windows features on or off (on the left panel).

    1. Enable SMB 1.0:

    Scroll down and locate SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support.

    Check the box next to it.

    Click OK and let Windows apply the changes.

    1. Restart Your Computer:

    Reboot your computer to apply the settings.

    1. Retry Accessing the USB HDD:

    Open File Explorer and type the address of your USB HDD (e.g., \192.168.x.x\sharename).

    Important Notes

    Security Implications: SMB 1.0 is an outdated and less secure protocol. If your router supports newer versions of SMB (like SMB 2.0 or SMB 3.0), consider upgrading your router or updating its firmware instead.

    Alternatives: If enabling SMB 1.0 isn’t ideal, look for firmware updates for your Linksys router or use other methods like FTP or DLNA if your router supports them.

    If you still encounter issues, let me know! I can help troubleshoot further. 😊

    I dont want to create another post unless I have to

    Im now also trying to connect my new windows 11 laptop to my desktop windows 11. (I move files between my computers this way) My old windows 10 laptop can still do it, but my new W11 laptop cant see it. It is so frustrating that MS makes it so hard to see other PCs on network. I have device discovery on and the network is private

    Any ideas for fixes?

    Thanks

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-02-21T08:02:02+00:00

    Windows Client for IT Pros and Windows Server forums are moving to Microsoft Q&A

    We’re transitioning to Microsoft Q&A for a more streamlined experience. Starting 21 February, new questions can only be posted on Microsoft Q&A. Existing discussions will remain accessible here. 

    From the 26 February customers looking for support on Answers will be automatically redirected to Microsoft Q&A.

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