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windows 11 pro cannot access workgoup network keeps requesting credentials

Anonymous
2025-02-05T22:19:46+00:00

i have gone around and made sure there are no password protected computers in the office but still cannot access shared files

i have one windows 11 computer on the network the rest are windows 10 all are pro but after turning off all "request credentials" the 11 still can not accesss the net work keeps asking for credentials

***Move from Windows / Windows 11 / Internet and connectivity ***

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

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-02-07T07:08:46+00:00

    Hello,

    Thank you for reaching out.

    It sounds like you're dealing with a persistent credentials prompt issue on your Windows 11 machine when trying to access a workgroup network. This kind of issue can sometimes be a bit tricky, but here are some steps you can follow to troubleshoot and hopefully resolve it:

    1. Check Network Discovery Settings

    Ensure that the network discovery settings on your Windows 11 machine are correctly configured:

    Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change advanced sharing settings.

    Make sure Network discovery and File and printer sharing are turned on.

    Also, enable Allow Windows to manage homegroup connections if applicable.

    2. Disable Password Protected Sharing

    It’s good that you’ve turned off "Request Credentials," but double-check the password protected sharing setting:

    Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change advanced sharing settings.

    Under All Networks, make sure Turn off password protected sharing is selected. This allows computers to access shared files without needing credentials.

    3. Clear Stored Credentials

    There could be old or incorrect credentials stored on your Windows 11 machine that are causing the issue:

    Go to Control Panel > User Accounts > Credential Manager.

    Look for any stored credentials related to the shared network or device, and remove them.

    After clearing, try accessing the network again and see if it prompts for credentials.

    4. Use the IP Address Instead of the Computer Name

    Sometimes, name resolution can be a problem. Try accessing the shared folder using the IP address of the machine you're trying to connect to:

    In File Explorer, type \<IP_ADDRESS> (e.g., \192.168.1.100) and see if that works without asking for credentials.

    5. Check SMB Settings

    Ensure that SMBv1 or SMBv2 is enabled, as it’s often required for file sharing across different Windows versions.

    Press Win + R, type optionalfeatures.exe and hit Enter.

    Scroll down and ensure SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support is checked.

    Also, check if SMB Direct is enabled for better network performance.

    6. Update Windows 11 and Network Drivers

    Ensure that your Windows 11 machine and network adapter drivers are fully updated. Sometimes, a missing update can cause network-related issues.

    Go to Settings > Windows Update to check for any pending updates.

    For network drivers, go to Device Manager > Network Adapters, right-click the adapter, and choose Update Driver.

    7. Create a Local Account for Sharing

    As a last resort, create a local account on the Windows 11 machine with the same username and password as the one on the shared machine. This can sometimes bypass credential issues in workgroup setups.

    Try these steps and see if they help. Let me know if anything changes or if you'd like to go into more detail on any of these steps!

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