How to Disable Password-Protected Sharing in Windows 10 and Windows 11

Sharing files and folders on a local network without password protection can be convenient, especially if trusted users are connected. In this guide, we’ll walk through the steps to disable password-protected sharing in Windows 10 and Windows 11, making it easier to share data within your network.

Disabling Password-Protected Sharing in Windows 10

  1. Open Network Settings. Press Win + I to open Settings, then select “Network & Internet.”
  2. Access Advanced Sharing Settings. Scroll down to “Network Status” and click on “Network and Sharing Center.”
  3. Go to Sharing Options. In the left menu, select “Change advanced sharing settings.”
  4. Locate Password-Protected Sharing. In the expanded menu, scroll to the “All Networks” section and find the option for “Password-protected sharing.”
  5. Turn Off Password-Protected Sharing. Choose “Turn off password-protected sharing” and click “Save changes.”

Now, networked devices can access shared files without needing a password. However, use caution: disabling password protection may allow any device on the network access to shared files.

Disabling Password-Protected Sharing in Windows 11

  1. Go to Network Settings. Press Win + I and select “Network & Internet.”
  2. Open “Advanced Network Settings.” In the “Network & Internet” section, click on “Advanced network settings.”
  3. Choose Network and Sharing Center. Scroll down and locate the option “Network and Sharing Center” (sometimes found under “Advanced settings.”)
  4. Disable Password-Protected Sharing. As in Windows 10, go to the “All Networks” section, turn off “Password-protected sharing”, and save changes.

After following these steps, other network users will be able to access shared files without needing to enter a password.