After last windows 11 update I've lost connection to my NAS.

Question

The message I'm getting is "You can't acccess this shared folder because your organizations's security policies block unauthenticated guess access." As far as I can tell nothing has changed, I can still access the NAS from another PC on my local network and using the web app on this PC and phone. I can also access the devices webpage.

***Move from Windows / Windows 11 / Security and privacy***

Answer 1

Thank you for reaching out.It sounds like your Windows 11 update may have triggered a security policy change that is preventing you from accessing the NAS. The error message you're seeing typically relates to Windows blocking access to shared folders due to a security policy that is preventing unauthenticated guest access.

Here are a few steps you can try to fix the issue:

1. Check Local Security Policy

You might need to adjust the local security policy to allow guest access. Here's how you can do that:

1. Press Win + R and type secpol.msc, then press Enter.
2. In the Local Security Policy window, navigate to Local Policies > Security Options.
3. Find the policy "Network security: LAN Manager authentication level" and ensure it is set to "Send LM & NTLM responses".
4. Also, check the policy "Accounts: Guest account status" and ensure it is set to Enabled.

2. Enable SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support

Windows 11 disables SMB 1.0 by default for security reasons, but some older NAS devices may still rely on this. If your NAS does, you'll need to enable it:

1. Go to Control Panel > Programs > Turn Windows features on or off.
2. Look for SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support and check the box.
3. Click OK, then restart your PC.

3. Enable Guest Access in Windows 11

Windows 11 might block unauthenticated guest access to network shares. You can enable this by:

1. Open the Local Group Policy Editor by typing gpedit.msc in the Run dialog (Win + R).
2. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Network > Lanman Workstation.
3. Double-click on Enable insecure guest logons, and set it to Enabled.
4. Restart your PC.

4. Check the Network Sharing Settings

Make sure the folder on your NAS is still shared properly and that the security settings haven’t changed. You can try reconnecting by accessing the shared folder with the full network path (e.g., \NAS_IP\share_name) in File Explorer.

5. Reset the Network Adapter Settings

Sometimes after an update, network settings can be misconfigured. Resetting them can help:

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status.
2. Scroll down and click on Network reset.
3. Follow the prompts and restart your PC.

6. Check Antivirus / Firewall Settings

If you have antivirus software or a firewall enabled, it might be blocking the connection. Try temporarily disabling your firewall or security software and see if the connection works.

If none of these work, I can help you look into more advanced troubleshooting steps like checking your NAS settings or reviewing event logs for specific errors. Let me know how it goes!

Answer 2

Hello Molly

Just a report on my experience with your suggested fixes.

I had two desktops and one laptop happily working with my NAS box, the desktops were refused access to the NAS after they each upgraded to Ver 24H2 Build 26100.3194. The laptop is on Ver 24H2 Build: 26100.2605 and still has access.

I applied fix 1, 2 and success after fix 3 on the first desktop.

I went straight to fix 3 on the second desktop with success.

After hours of searching for solutions and playing with settings I'm really pleased I came across your reply of the Feb 3, 2025.

Thank you

Mirridong