I'm trying to share a drive between two Windows 11 desktop computers on the same local network. I created a separate local account on the computer hosting the files, signed into it once to finish setup, and granted that account full sharing and file-system permissions. At first, the client reported that the credentials were invalid; now, after enabling SMB 1.0 and insecure guest logons, it acts as though the host computer doesn't exist. Both computers have network access and have been restarted several times. I've also tried setting the connections to private, although Windows keeps defaulting them to public. What is the proper way to troubleshoot and configure this share?
1 Answer
You generally shouldn’t need SMB 1.0 or insecure guest access for two current Windows 11 systems. Turn both back off, since they reduce security and can introduce confusing behavior. On both computers, set the network profile to Private, enable Network Discovery and File and Printer Sharing, and make sure the sharing-related services are running. Also check that the Windows firewall allows file and printer sharing on private networks. From the client, try opening the share directly with `\HOSTNAMEShareName`, or use the host’s local IP address instead. When prompted for credentials, enter them as `HOSTNAMELocalUsername` along with the account’s password. Confirm that the account has a nonblank password and that both the share permissions and NTFS Security permissions allow access; the most restrictive of the two wins.
Yes, it’s only two Windows 11 desktops. I made a separate local user on the host specifically for network access, logged into it once, and gave it full control in both the sharing and Security permission panels.