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Anikaa's avatar
Anikaa
Brass Contributor
Aug 02, 2025
Solved

SMB file share not accessible unless I disable password protected sharing?

I have two Windows 11 PCs on the same network. I shared a folder and enabled network discovery and file sharing. However, when I try to access the shared folder from the other PC, I get a login promp...
  • WolfGangg's avatar
    Aug 05, 2025

    Yes, you can keep Password Protected Sharing enabled and still access the shared folder — it just requires matching user credentials.

    Here’s what you need to do:
    1. On the PC that’s sharing the folder, make sure there's a local user account with a password.

    2. From the second PC, when prompted for credentials, enter that username and password. If it doesn't work, try entering it as PCName\Username.

    3. If you want to avoid repeated prompts, add the credentials manually via Credential Manager:
      - Go to Control Panel > User Accounts > Credential Manager.
      - Choose Windows Credentials > Add a Windows credential.
      - For the network address, enter \\PCName, then the username and password you created on the host machine.

    This way, you don’t have to disable password protection, and access remains secure.

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