How to Fix Shared Folder Access Asking for Network Credentials

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If you're still facing problems with shared folders asking for network credentials, here are a few extra steps that can help resolve the issue:

Check Saved Network Credentials:

On the computer prompting for the network credentials:

  1. Open the **Control Panel** and navigate to **Credential Manager**.
  2. Look under **Windows Credentials** for any saved entries related to the shared computer.
  3. If you find any, remove them and try accessing the shared folder again.

Manually Add Network Credentials:

If removing credentials doesnā€™t work, manually add them:

  1. Open **Credential Manager** in the **Control Panel**.
  2. In the "Windows Credentials" section, click on the "Add a Windows credential"
  3. Input the shared computerā€™s IP address or name (e.g., `\\ComputerName` or `\\192.168.x.x`).
  4. Enter the username and password for the shared computer, save, and retry the folder access.

Modify LAN Manager Authentication Settings:

To adjust LAN Manager settings for smoother sharing:

  1. Press **Windows + R**, type `secpol.msc`, and hit **Enter** to open the Local Security Policy.
  2. Ā Navigate to **Local Policies** > **Security Options**.
  3. Find the **Network security: LAN Manager authentication level** and set it to **Send LM & NTLM responses**.
  4. Confirm your changes and restart the computer.

Enable Guest Account Access (Optional)

- To skip network credentials (less secure):

  1. Press **Windows + R**, type `gpedit.msc`, and hit **Enter**.
  2. Navigate to the **Computer Configuration** > **Windows Settings** > **Security Settings** > **Local Policies** > **Security Options**.
  3. Set the **Network access: Sharing and security model for local accounts** to **Guest only**.
  4. Apply your changes and restart both computers.

Recheck Folder Permissions:

- Insure the folder is properly shared:

  1. Right-click the shared folder, go to **Properties** > **Sharing** > **Advanced Sharing**.
  2. Click **Permissions** and ensure **Everyone** has full control.
  3. Check the **Security** tab as well to confirm the correct permissions.

Access via IP Address:

- Use IP address instead of the computer name to access the folder:

Open **File Explorer** and enter `\\<IP_Address_of_Shared_Computer>` in the address bar (e.g., `\\192.168.1.10\SharedFolder`).

Ensure SMB 1.0/CIFS Support is Enabled:

- Verify that SMB file sharing is turned on:

  1. Press **Windows + R**, type `optionalfeatures.exe`, and press **Enter**.
  2. Make sure **SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support** is checked.
    3. Restart computer after enabling it.

Check for Windows Updates:

- Keep both computers updated:
1. Open **Settings** > **Update & Security** > **Windows Update** and check for any pending updates.

Following these instructions should help resolve the network credentials issue. If the problem continues, it may be related to network settings or user permissions on one of the computers.

"Manually Add Network Credentials" works for me.

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