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Can't access shared files

Anonymous
2025-01-09T10:33:32+00:00

I have three Windows 11 machines on a local network. Two are successfully sharing files with one machine acting as host. I just acquired a new laptop running Windows 11.

I am encountering the following problems

  1. The new machine is on the network (can see router and can get out on internet), but can't discover the host.
  2. When I did manage to discover the host (which I later lost access), connecting a network drive on the hosts asks me for login credentials.

The attached screenshot shows is configuration on the host, which shows that discovery is turned on and password protected sharing is turned off.

I have also read this thread suggesting that I create a local user account. But when I create an account, how do I know:

  1. It is local?
  2. How do I login under the new account?
  3. Does it have to be an administrator?

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/windows-11-asks-for-password-to-access-network/2baf23b1-892a-4b1c-b59f-c39d886e4273?from=ContactUsWebBCQR&CorrelationId=2434e64a-c8a5-4b5f-bac3-53e0521e4203

I successfully shared files on my other Windows 11 machine, I just can't reproduce it on the new one.

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

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-01-09T10:37:15+00:00

    Screenshot here. I also re-booted both the host and new machine several times to see if that resolved the problem. It didn't.

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-01-21T14:19:40+00:00

    Hello,

    Microsoft has added a new security mechanism to Windows 11, so the access without a password is considered unsafe by the system.

    You can set an administrator user with a password on the shared computer.

    Or try to modify the registry key of the Windows 10 computer, refer to the following:

    1. Press WIN+R to open the Run window, type regedit and confirm to open the registry editor
    2. Locate the following location:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE—-SYSTEM—- CurrentControlSet—-Services—-LanmanWorkstation—Parameters

    1. Right-click in Parameters and rename the new DWORD (32-bit) value to AllowInsecureGuestAuth with a value of 1 and save

    Note If you modify the registry incorrectly, you can cause serious problems. Therefore, follow these steps carefully. For additional protection, back up the registry before you modify it. For more information about how to back up and restore the registry, see How to back up and restore the registry in Windows.

    Best Regards

    Zunhui

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