How to Fix the “You Can’t Access This Shared Folder” Error on Windows 10 and 11

When attempting to access a network file share on Windows 10 or 11, an error message may appear: You can’t access this shared folder because your organization’s security policies block unauthenticated guest access. These policies help protect your PC from unsafe or malicious devices on the network. This message arises because Windows’ default security settings are designed to prevent unauthenticated guest access to safeguard devices from potential network risks. However, there is a solution to resolve this issue without compromising network functionality.

Steps to Resolve the Network File Share Error on Windows

1. Open Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc)
   Press Windows + R on the keyboard to open the "Run" dialog box, and type gpedit.msc then press Enter. This will open the Local Group Policy Editor window..
2. Navigate to the Relevant Settings
   In the Local Group Policy Editor window, follow this path:
   Computer Configuration - Administrative Templates - Network - Lanman Workstation

3. Enable Enable Insecure Guest Logons
   On the right side of the window, find the setting named Enable insecure guest logons. By default, this setting is Disabled. Double-click the setting to open it, change the status from Disabled to Enabled
4. Restart the Computer
   After making changes to the group policy settings, it is recommended to restart the computer to fully apply the new configuration.

Why Change This Setting?

This setting allows devices to accept connections from unauthenticated guest logons, which are required by some older network devices or simple file servers that do not support modern authentication. However, it is crucial to ensure that the network being used is secure, especially in public environments.

Additional Security Tips

Although this solution resolves the shared folder access issue, security should remain a priority. Here are some additional tips:

• Use a trusted network, such as a home or office network.
• Avoid enabling this setting on public networks.
• Consider upgrading network devices or file servers to support modern authentication.

By following these steps, the shared folder access issue on Windows can be resolved quickly and safely. Always prioritize device security when making changes to system settings.