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How to Turn Off Password Protected Sharing in Windows 11
Learn to share a folder without password
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Whenever you share files, folders, or other resources over a network, not everyone can access it unless they have the right credentials, since these are password protected by default.
So, if you want to share resources with everyone, we have listed all the ways you can turn off password-protected sharing in Windows 11.
With password protection enabled, only people with a user account and password on the same system will be able to access shared resources. But as soon as you turn off the setting, anyone on the network can access these.
There are basically three ways to turn off password protected sharing in Windows 11, and we have listed them all. Choose the one that best suits you to quickly make the change.
Should I turn off password protected sharing in Windows 11?
There is no one answer to this question, and it all comes down to the resources being shared and the users it’s being shared with. If you are sharing certain folders or devices on a home network, it wouldn’t be a big deal to turn off password protected sharing.
So, weigh the pros and cons of disabling password protection, to help make an informed decision.
How can I turn off password protected sharing in Windows 11?
1. Via Control Panel
1. PressWindows+Sto launch theSearchmenu.
2.EnterControl Panelin the text field at the top, and click on the relevant search result that appears.
3.SelectNetwork and Internetfrom the options that appear.
4.Click onNetwork and Sharing Center.
5.Next, click onChange advanced sharing settingsfrom the list of options on the left.
- Press onAll Networksat the bottom to view the password protected sharing settings.
7.Finally, select theTurn off password protected sharingoption and click onSave changesat the bottom.
- Once done modifying the settings, restart the computer, and the password protected sharing will be turned off in Windows 11.
If you’re looking to share a folder without password in Windows 11, you can turn off password protected sharing via Control Panel.
Control Panel is a built-in tool on your device that is perfectly safe and easy to use, and allows you to make system modifications in no time.
2. Via Registry
If the Registry appears corrupt or the system’s performance appears downgraded in the recent past, do not hesitate tolearn how to fix broken Registry items in Windows 11.
3. Via Local Users and Groups
What to do if I am unable to turn off password protected sharing in Windows 11?
While the methods listed above work smoothly for most users, some have reported that they are unable to turn off password-protected sharing. This could be due to a bunch of reasons, including misconfigured settings.
We recommend following the methods listed here as is, and if things still don’t work out, check our dedicated guide onfixing issues preventing you from disabling password protected sharing in Windows.
Though the guide is for Windows 10, the methods listed should work just as well on the latest iteration.
These are all the ways you can disable password protected sharing in Windows 11. But before you do, consider the privacy and security of shared resources as well. Also,check our curated list of the 10 best file-sharing tools in Windows.
Tell us which method you choose to turn off password protected sharing in Windows 11, in the comments section below.
More about the topics:file sharing,Windows 11
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
