Getting Network password prompt in file sharing

Question

Hello,
I have two computers Windows 11 and Windows 10. Both are connected to same Internet connections. From last couple of days, it is asking for username and password on file sharing. I have never setup password

SMB is enabled (client and server)

 Use Sharing Wizard is checked in Folder Options > View tab on each computer you want to share between.
following servers are running and set to automatic
DNS Client

• Function Discovery Provider Host
• Function Discovery Resource Publication
• Server
• SSDP Discovery
• UPnP Device Host

Set the network location on each computer to private (recommended)

1. Turn on network discovery for your private or public network on each computer you want to share between.
   2. Turn on File and Printer Sharing for your private or public network on each computer you want to share between.
   3. Turn on Public folder sharing on each computer you want to share between if you want to share items in the C:\Users\Public folder on a computer.
   4. Turn off password protected sharing on each computer you want to share between.
   5. Select the file sharing connections encryption level you want to use on each computer you want to share between.

no issues with group policy and firewall.
I have performed all the above troubleshooting but still same issue

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

Answer 1

Hello ,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community forum.
Depending on the problem you described, here are some possible solutions:

1. Right-click on the folder you want to share and select "Properties".
   Go to the "Sharing" tab, tap "Advanced Sharing", make sure "Share this folder" is ticked.
   Click on "Permissions" and make sure the "Everyone" group has "Read" or "Full Control" permissions.
2. In addition to Group Policy, check the local security policy again:
   Press Win + R, type secpol.msc, and press Enter.
   In Local Security Policies, navigate to Local Policies > Security Options.
   Locate Network Access: Sharing and Security Model for Local Accounts and make sure it's set to Classic - Local users can access sharing.
3. Make sure that both computers are on the same network segment and that you are not using a VPN or other network isolation tool.
   Make sure the network location is set to "Private Network".
4. Restart the network service:
   Open the command prompt as an administrator and enter the following command to restart the network service:
   net stop server
   net start server
5. Make sure SMB 1.0/CIFS file sharing support is enabled on both computers. You can find it in Control Panel> Programs > Enable or Disable Windows Features.
6. Try accessing the shared folder using an IP address instead of the computer name.
7. Make sure both computers have the latest Windows updates installed, sometimes updates can fix issues with network sharing.

If none of the above methods work, you can consider resetting the network.

I hope the information above is helpful.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to let us know.

Regards,
Jill Zhou