Windows 10 has a built-in file sharing feature that lets users transfer files from one system to another quickly if both the systems are connected to the same local network. This comes in handy in organizations and institutes with multiple people working on multiple systems simultaneously. However, this convenient and safe of transferring files between system has stopped working in some systems after the Windows update 1803, 1809, or 1903.
Now the users are unable to access the files on another system, and in some cases, they are not even able to find the other computers. The probable reasons behind the Windows 10 file sharing not working are that the password protection might be turned on, there is no permission for access on a computer, IPv6 is blocking the transfer, lack of Windows Credentials, and much more. But mainly, this feature has stopped working for many after the recent updates disabled the SMB 1.0/CIFS File sharing support. So how do you fix this issue of File transfer between computers in the same local network? Let’s find out in this article.
How to fix Windows 10 File Sharing not working after update?
You might be facing a bit of glitch that often happens in Windows systems. Sometimes some features malfunctions in Windows, but a simple restart fixes it right away. So before trying any of the methods mentioned below, try restarting your computer and the target computer first. If that does not work, then move on to the potential fixes mentioned below. Undoubtedly one of these will resolve your issue.
Update to the latest Windows version:
This file-sharing bug has shown up in a recent software update, so if you are getting a notification for a new Windows 10 update, then perform that update right away. That might fix the issue. To check for a new Windows Update,
- Press Windows Key + I, and it will open up the Settings window.
- Then click on “Update & Security.”
- Click on the Windows Update tab in the left pane, and in the right pane, click on “Check for Updates.”
If there is a new update, then install it right away and check if the issue is resolved now or nor. If there is no new update, or if the update does not fix your problem, then move on to the next fix mentioned below.
Uninstall the Antivirus program:
Sometimes an antivirus could be the cause of all your network related issues. So if you are using a third-party antivirus program on your computer, then try uninstalling it completely.
- Press Windows Key + I, and it will open up the Settings window.
- Then click on “Apps.”
- In the next window, you will find a list of all the apps installed on your computer. Find the antivirus program in this list, click on it, and then choose “Uninstall.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to remove the program altogether.
Once you have uninstalled the Antivirus, try sharing the file again. If you are still facing issues with it,
Turn on File Sharing properly:
You will have to enable advanced sharing options in the Control Panel to use the File Sharing feature in Windows 10.
- Click on the Search bar and enter “Control Panel.”
- Then click on “Open” for the result that shows up.
- Click on “Network and Internet.”
- Click on “Network and Sharing Center.
- On the left, you will see “Change Advanced Sharing settings.” Click on it.
- Then in the next window, click on Private and inside that select the options “Turn on network discovery” and “Turn on file and printer sharing.”
- Then click on the “Save Changes” button.
Now check if you can share files using the built-in feature of file sharing in Windows 10 or not. If you are still having issues, then try the next fix.
Change the Encryption for File Sharing Connections:
By default, Windows uses 128-bit encryption for the connection in Windows File Sharing. However, some computers don’t support 128-bit encryption. They support 40-56 bit encryption. So try switching between the encryption types and see if the alternative works for you.
- Click on the Search bar and enter “Control Panel.”
- Then click on “Open” for the result that shows up.
- Click on “Network and Internet.”
- Click on “Network and Sharing Center.
- On the left, you will see “Change Advanced Sharing settings.” Click on it.
- Under “All network,” you will find “File sharing connections.” Here, you will see two options 128 bit and 40-56 bit encryption. Choose both of them alternatively and try using file sharing with both of them. Check which one works for you.
If none of them works for you, then try the next solution.
Turn off Password Protection:
If the password protection feature is turned on in sharing settings, some devices may find it difficult to connect to a target computer. So try disabling this feature entirely in both the source and the target computer.
- Click on the Search bar and enter “Control Panel.”
- Then click on “Open” for the result that shows up.
- Click on “Network and Internet.”
- Click on “Network and Sharing Center.
- On the left, you will see “Change Advanced Sharing settings.” Click on it.
- Under “All network,” you will find “Password protected sharing.” Choose the option “Turn off password protected sharing,” and then click on the “Save Changes” button.
Now try sharing files again between the two computers. If you are still facing issues, then try the next fix.
Enable the SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing:
The most common cause of this issue is that the latest update disables the SMB 1.0 feature, which is necessary for file sharing in Windows 10. So you will have to turn it on to resolve your file-sharing issue manually.
- Click on the Search bar and enter “Control Panel.”
- Then click on “Open” for the result that shows up.
- Click on “Programs.”
- Then click on “Programs and Features.”
- In the next window, click on “Turn Windows features on or off” in the left pane. Then a pop-up window will show up with a list of features. Look for the feature “SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support” and make sure that the checkbox next to it is checked.
- Click on Ok and then restart your computer.
Now check whether or not you can transfer files in Windows 10. If you are still facing issues, then move on to the next solution.
Add Windows Credential:
If you are unable to access the files of a particular computer, then you should try adding a windows credential for that target computer.
- Click on the Search bar and enter “Control Panel.”
- Then click on “Open” for the result that shows up.
- Click on “User Accounts.”
- Then choose “Windows Credentials” and click on the “Add a Windows credential” button.
- Here, enter the IP address, username, and password of the target computer system. Enter the IP address in the “Internet or Network address” field.
Now you should be able to access the files on that target system. If even this fix did not sort out your issue, then try the final fix mentioned below.
Disable IPv6 connection protocol:
In some cases, some users were able to use the file-sharing feature in Windows after disabling IPv6. So it would be best if you gave that a try too.
- Click on the Search bar and enter “Control Panel.”
- Then click on “Open” for the result that shows up.
- Click on “Network and Internet.”
- Click on “Network and Sharing Center.
- On the left, you will see “Change adapter settings.” Click on it.
- Double-click on the network adapter you are using for your connection.
- Click “Properties” in the next window and find the “Internet Protocol Version 6” in the list.
- Uncheck the box next to it and then click on “OK.”
- Finally, restart your computer.
So these are the possible solutions for the file-sharing not working issue after the Windows update. Indeed one of them will work out for and do let us know in the comments section which solution solved the problem on your computer.
If you have any questions or queries about this guide, then comment down below, and we will get back to you. Also, be sure to check out our other articles on iPhone tips and tricks, Android tips and tricks, PC tips and tricks, and much more for more useful information.