How to Fix Windows 11 Network Share Problems

• The article explains how to fix Windows 11 network share problems that are caused by a mismatch between the SMB protocol versions used by Windows 11 and Windows 10 PCs on a LAN.
• The article provides two possible solutions for network share problems: enabling SMB version 1.0 on the Windows 11 PC or enabling SMB version 3.1.1 on the Windows 10 PC.

If you have upgraded to Windows 11 and are experiencing problems accessing network shares from other Windows 10 PCs on your local area network (LAN), you are not alone. Many users have reported this issue on various forums and online communities. In this article, we will explain what causes this problem and how to fix it in a few simple steps.

What Causes Windows 11 Network Share Problems?

The most likely cause of Windows 11 network share problems is a mismatch between the SMB (Server Message Block) protocol versions used by Windows 11 and Windows 10. SMB is a network file sharing protocol that allows computers to access files, printers, and other resources on a network.

Windows 11 uses SMB version 3.1.1 by default, which is the latest and most secure version of the protocol. However, Windows 10 uses SMB version 1.0 by default, which is an older and less secure version of the protocol. SMB version 1.0 has been deprecated by Microsoft since 2016 due to its vulnerability to ransomware attacks and other security issues.

When a Windows 11 PC tries to access a network share from a Windows 10 PC that uses SMB version 1.0, it may fail to connect or display an error message such as:

• Error code: 0x80070035 The network path was not found.
• System error 53 has occurred. The network path was not found.
• System error 67 has occurred. The network name cannot be found.

These errors indicate that the Windows 11 PC cannot communicate with the Windows 10 PC using the SMB protocol.

How to Fix Windows 11 Network Share Problems?

There are two possible solutions to fix Windows 11 network share problems:

• Enable SMB version 1.0 on the Windows 11 PC
• Enable SMB version 3.1.1 on the Windows 10 PC

We recommend the second option, as it is more secure and future-proof than the first option. However, if you have some legacy devices or applications that require SMB version 1.0, you may need to use the first option instead.

Option 1: Enable SMB Version 1.0 on the Windows 11 PC

To enable SMB version 1.0 on the Windows 11 PC, follow these steps:

1. Open the Start menu and type Turn Windows features on or off. Click on the result to open the Windows Features window.
2. Scroll down and find the SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support option. Check the box next to it and click OK.
3. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

After enabling SMB version 1.0 on the Windows 11 PC, you should be able to access network shares from Windows 10 PCs without any problems.

Option 2: Enable SMB Version 3.1.1 on the Windows 10 PC

To enable SMB version 3.1.1 on the Windows 10 PC, follow these steps:

1. Open the Start menu and type cmd. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
2. In the command prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:Set-SmbServerConfiguration -EnableSMB3Protocol $true
3. You may be prompted to confirm your choice. Type Y and press Enter.
4. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

After enabling SMB version 3.1.1 on the Windows 10 PC, you should be able to access network shares from Windows 11 PCs without any problems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about Windows 11 network share problems:

Question: How do I check which SMB version I am using?

Answer: To check which SMB version you are using, you can use the PowerShell command Get-SmbConnection. This will show you the SMB dialect (version) of each active connection on your computer.

Question: How do I disable SMB version 1.0 if I don’t need it?

Answer: To disable SMB version 1.0 if you don’t need it, you can use the PowerShell command Disable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName smb1protocol. This will remove the SMB version 1.0 feature from your computer.

Question: How do I troubleshoot other network share issues?

Answer: If you still have problems accessing network shares after enabling the appropriate SMB versions, you can try some of these troubleshooting steps:

• Make sure both computers are connected to the same network and have valid IP addresses.
• Make sure both computers have file and printer sharing enabled in their network settings.
• Make sure both computers have firewall exceptions for file and printer sharing.
• Make sure both computers have the same workgroup name and network discovery turned on.
• Make sure the network share has the correct permissions and security settings for the user account you are using.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice. The information provided here is based on our own research and experience and may not be applicable to your specific situation. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of this information. You should always consult a qualified professional before making any decisions or taking any actions based on this information. We are not liable for any damages or losses that may result from your use of this information.