Windows 11 blocks SMB shares without passwords

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As a “security enhancement,” a computer running Windows 11 24H2 will not be able to access an SMB share that has been configured to not require a password (i.e., guest or public folder with password not required.)

Here’s how to disable the feature:

Using GPEDIT.MSC:

  • >Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates
    > Network > Lanman Workstation
  • Enable the setting for “Enable insecure guest logons
  • Apply and restart the computer

USING REGEDIT:

  • HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanWorkstation\Parameters.
  • If the AllowInsecureGuestAuth entry does not exist, add it as a DWORD (32-bit) Value
  • Set the value of AllowInsecureGuestAuth to 1.
  • Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.