SMB Authentication Issue on Windows with New Microsoft Account Password

Question

Hello,

I’m facing an issue with SMB sharing on Windows that doesn’t recognize the new password for my Microsoft account. I’d like your help to resolve this. Below, I’ll describe the problem, the environment, and the troubleshooting steps I’ve already attempted.

Problem Description:

I have a folder shared via SMB on my Windows 11 computer, which I use to access files from my iPhone (iOS 18.3.2, via the Files app). Recently, I changed the password for my Microsoft account, which is the same one used to log into Windows and for SMB sharing. However, when trying to connect from my iPhone, the SMB server only accepts the old Microsoft account password, and the new password doesn’t work. Additionally, I’ve noticed odd behavior: even after disabling “File and Printer Sharing” in Windows’ Advanced Sharing Settings, I can still access the folder from my iPhone and another Windows computer, which shouldn’t be possible.

Environment:

• Server Operating System: Windows 11
• SMB Protocol: SMB 2.0 is active (verified with Get-SmbServerConfiguration in PowerShell, where EnableSMB2Protocol is True).
• Network: Both devices are on the same network.
• Network Adapter: Configured as a private network.

Steps Already Attempted (Without Success):

1. Cleared SMB Sessions in Windows: Ran net use * /delete and net session /delete to terminate all active SMB sessions.
2. Cleared Kerberos Tickets: Used the klist purge command to clear the Kerberos authentication cache.
3. Updated Credentials: Checked and updated credentials in Windows Credential Manager, ensuring the new password was associated with my Microsoft account.
4. Reconfigured Sharing: Disabled and re-enabled file sharing, reconfigured the shared folder, and confirmed my Microsoft account is listed in the permissions with the new password.
5. Adjusted SMB Protocol: Disabled and re-enabled SMB 2.0 using Set-SmbServerConfiguration -EnableSMB2Protocol $false/$true.
6. Authentication Settings: Enabled EnableSecuritySignature and RequireSecuritySignature on the SMB server to enforce stricter authentication.
7. Cleared iOS Settings: Removed all saved SMB connections in the Files app and credentials from Credential Manager on the other Windows computer.
8. Used NetBIOS Name: Tried connecting using the PC’s NetBIOS name (e.g., smb://PC-NAME) instead of the IP, but the issue persists.
9. Updates: Both Windows and iOS are updated to the latest versions.

I’d like to understand why the SMB server on Windows isn’t recognizing the new password for my Microsoft account and how I can fix this without creating a local user. I’d also like to know why the sharing remains accessible even after being disabled in Windows settings (this is my biggest concern right now). If needed, I can provide more details or system logs.