Windows keeps asking for Network Credentials even though I turned off password requirements

that still assumes you can get permission to access those other PCs, which I can't.

Hi Andy,

The password protected sharing is enabled by default on the latest Windows 10 versions. To edit your passwords and how you share on your Homegroup by going to the Change advanced sharing settings. To know more regarding Homegroup, you can check this link. Ensure the following to stop receiving a password prompt:

• Turn off password protected sharing. Type Network and Sharing Center in the Cortana search bar > select Advanced Sharing Setting > select Turn off password protected sharing for all networks. This must be disabled on the target/server device.
• Let Windows manage the HomeGroup. Type Network and Sharing Center in the Cortana search bar > Advanced Sharing Setting > HomeGroup Connections > select "Allow Windows to manage homegroup connections (recommended)." It will ask you to sign out, then sign back in to be able to access network shares/devices without being asked for credentials.

If the issue persists, leave the Homegroup and join again. Additionally, we recommend posting this to our TechNet Forum that is responsible for a work environment that has multiple computers.

Let us know how it went or if you need further help.

hi, I already had those settings applied on all machines except the older laptop (as mentioned in the original post).

However, the one exception, the old laptop, didn't have the passwords turned off, so I did that and the new laptop can now access the shared folders at least, but, can only access some of them.

It's kind of strange because my PC CAN access the old laptop's files just fine.

Other than that, the new laptop refuses to access the PC and vice versa. 

I'll make another post in the forum you suggested as well.

We appreciate the update, Andy. We are glad to hear that the new laptop can now access some of the shared folders and the IT experts in the TechNet Forum can help us resolve this issue.

In the meantime, have you tried mapping the old laptop in the new laptop as a network drive? Mapping a drive lets you have permanent access to a folder that is currently residing on another computer, server, or network storage device. Windows will assign a new drive letter to the folder and it can be accessed just like any other drive connected to your computer. For more information, you may refer to the following link: Map a network drive.

When mapping a network drive and to identify the cause of this issue, we suggest that you assign static IP addresses to your local network. For more information, you can refer to the following support article: Change TCP/IP settings.

Keep us updated on the status of the issue, and we will be glad to assist you further.