How to Fix the Windows 10 File Sharing not Working Problem?

The Windows 10 file sharing is a very useful Windows snap-in tool provided by Microsoft. It is designed to make file-sharing among users simpler. In just a few simple steps, you can share the files on your PCs with other LAN users. Using the incredibly useful and safe Windows 10 File Sharing feature, users may instantly share files with machines inside the local network they create. But as more users are unable to use Windows 10 file sharing after update 1809/1803, the more complaints there are regarding this functionality. Consequently, this article will provide you with thorough instructions on How to Fix the Windows 10 File Sharing not Working Problem.

5 Methods to Fix the Windows 10 File Sharing not Working Problem

When an issue occurs, users may not be able to access another computer’s data, see shared folders, or find other machines on the network. Whatever the source, it’s critical that you address the problem right now. The eight methods listed below are effective ways to check out.

Reactivate the file-sharing tool.

This error message typically appears if File Sharing is turned off. Re-enabling the tool is thus a simple solution.

The following instructions will enable the File Sharing tool:

In the Start menu search box, go in for “Control Panel” and click on the best match.
Choose Small icons from the drop-down option under view.
Network and Sharing Center should be chosen.
To change advanced sharing settings, select that option.
Incorporate more private categories.
Select the Turn on network discovery option after scrolling down to the Network discovery section.
Select the Turn on file and printer sharing option after scrolling down to the section with that name. Click the Save changes button at the bottom after that.

Finally, Restart your device, then attempt to launch the File Sharing utility.

Disable the the “Password Protected Sharing” Option

Depending on how you’ve configured various settings, File Sharing might encounter problems. For instance, the fact that you’ve activated the “password-protected sharing” option could be the root of the current problem.

When password-protected sharing is enabled, your shared files can only be accessed by those who have user accounts on your device.

Disabling “password protected sharing” will resolve the problem. Follow these instructions to do so:

Select the Best match after typing Control Panel into the Start menu search bar.
Small icons can be found by selecting View by drop-down menu.
Choose Network and Sharing Center
Select the option to Modify advanced sharing settings.
Boost the All Networks category.
Turn off password-protected sharing is found under the Password-protected Sharing section, which can be found further down the page.

Simply click the Save changes button.

Change the File Sharing Connection

Your File Sharing connection may be the root of the current problem.

Most likely, your device protects File Sharing connections using 128-bit encryption. Some Windows-based devices, however, only support 40- or 56-bit encryption instead of 128-bit encryption.

You would need to modify the encryption level for File Sharing connections in order to fix the issue.

Here’s how to change your Windows computer’s File Sharing connection:

Enter “Control Panel” into the Start menu search box, then click on the best match.
Small icons can be found by selecting View by from the drop-down menu.
Choose Network and Sharing Center.
Select Change advanced sharing settings.
Scroll to the File sharing connections section under the expanded All Networks menu.
Choose the 40- or 56-bit encryption option, and then click the Save changes button at the bottom.

Turn on “SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support”

SMB (Server Message Block) is a network protocol that enables Windows machines connected to the same network to share data.

To put it simply, SMB (Server Message Block) is a network protocol that enables Windows machines connected to the same network to share data.

Enable the “SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support” option by following these steps to fix the issue:

Select the Best match after typing Control Panel into the Start menu search bar.
Small icons can be found by selecting View by drop-down menu.
Programs & Features to Choose From.
From the menu on the left, select Turn Windows features on or off.
SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support should be selected, then click OK.

Lastly, restart the device to save the changes that you just made.

Set the Network Connections Service Preferences

Sometimes, the Windows service settings may be the cause of the File Sharing connection problem. It could, for instance, be due to how you’ve set up the Network Connections service settings.

Here’s how you can remedy the issue in this case:

To see the Run command dialogue box, press Win + R.
To open the Services window, enter services. MSc and click Enter.
Select Properties by performing a right-click on the Network Connections service.
Select Automatic from the Startup type drop-down menu by clicking it.
Select Start from the menu. Press OK after pressing Apply.

Restarting your computer will save these modifications, so do so.

In Conclusion

If the computers are connected to the same LAN, file sharing is a convenient way to make your data accessible to other computers. It is crucial to know How to Fix the Windows 10 File Sharing not Working Problem. You can simply solve it if you use the five methods indicated above. However, if you still face any technical issue and need a professional assistance, email us at support@techsupportexpert.com or call 800-742-9005.