Networking

This usually happens because Windows still requires authenticated access for the shared computer, or guest access is being blocked even when password-protected sharing is turned off.

Try this in order:

1. Make sure the network is set up for sharing.
   • Open Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Advanced sharing settings.
   • Turn on Network discovery.
   • Turn on File and printer sharing.
   • Save changes.
2. Verify the shared folder permissions on the computer that hosts the files.
   • Right-click the shared folder > Properties > Sharing tab > Advanced Sharing.
   • Select Permissions.
   • Allow Everyone Full Control.
   • Then open the Security tab > Edit > Add > enter Everyone > allow Full control.
3. If password-protected sharing is meant to stay off, enable insecure guest logons on the computer trying to access the share.
   • Warning: this reduces security and should only be used on a trusted private network.
   • Option A, Group Policy:
     • Open gpedit.msc.
     • Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Network > Lanman Workstation.
     • Open Enable insecure guest logons and set it to Enabled.
   • Option B, Registry:
     • Open Registry Editor.
     • Go to Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\LanmanWorkstation.
     • Create AllowInsecureGuestAuth as a DWORD (32-bit) Value if it does not exist.
     • Set it to 1.
     • Restart the computer.
4. If guest access is not desired, use a local account on the computer that hosts the share.
   • Create a local user account on the host PC.
   • Give that account permission to the shared folder.
   • When prompted, sign in with that local account’s username and password instead of a Microsoft account password.
5. If the device is visible but access still fails, test from Command Prompt.
   • Run:

          net use <DeviceName>: \\<ServerName>\<ShareName>
     

   • This helps confirm whether the issue is File Explorer-specific or authentication-related.
6. If older sharing devices are involved, check SMB and discovery settings.
   • In Windows Features, enable SMB 1.0/CIFS Client if required for the target device.
   • In Services, set these to Automatic and restart:
     • Function Discovery Provider Host
     • Function Discovery Resource Publication
     • SSDP Discovery
     • UPnP Device Host
     • TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper
   • Also verify NetBIOS over TCP/IP is enabled in the adapter IPv4 WINS settings.

If the password prompt keeps rejecting credentials, the most reliable fix is usually either:

• enable insecure guest logons for that private network, or
• create a local sharing account on the host PC and use that account for access.

• Can't access shared folders from File Explorer in Windows 10
• Error when you try to access an administrative share on a Windows-based computer from another Windows-based computer that's a member of a workgroup: Logon unsuccessful: Windows is unable to log you on
• Set up your small business network
• How to fix password protection sharing that wont turn off even though it is turned off - Microsoft Q&A After 12 sep 2025 security update my one computer cannot connect to the main computer via file share ing. A pop up message with credentials that must be entered keeps poping up . No login details have been set up. The file sharing has access to every one that can connect onto my net work\ni have tried everything , nothing seams to work
• Unable to access files across computers that are networked together - Microsoft Q&A I have three windows computers.\nDevice 1 - is a desktop\nDevice 2 is a Dell laptop\nDevice 3 is a HP laptop.\nDevice 1 can see all three devices on the network and can access files on drives in Device 3 but can NOT access files on device 2 drives\nDevice 2 can see all three devices on the network and can access files on both Device 1 and Device 3 drives\nDevice 3 can see all three devices on the network and can access files on Device 2 drives but can NOT access files on Device 1 Drive.\nAll devices have drives/folders shared and have security features turned on so everyone can have full control.\nNot sure why Device 2 can access files on Devices 1 and 3 but Device 1 and 3 can not\nScenario 1: When on Device 1 trying to access Device 2 drives i get the following message "Windows can not access \Device 2. You do not have permission to access \Device 2. Contact your network administrator to request access.\nScenario 2: When on Device 3 and trying to access Device 1 drives i get the following message. Enter network credentials coo connect to: Device 1 and it shows my email and wants me to enter a password. The password i enter is my Microsoft account password. When I enter my password it says the username or password is incorrect.\nMy questions are:\n1 - How do I resolve Scenario 1 so Device 1 can read/write files on Device 2.\n2 - How do i resolve Scenario 2 so Device 3 can read/writ files on Device 1.