How to Enable SMB1 on Windows 10

When setting up a small office or home office (SOHO) network, enabling the SMB1 protocol is often necessary. SMB1, which stands for Server Message Block 1.0, is a file-sharing protocol that allows users to access shared folders, printers, and other network resources.

Unfortunately, the SMB1 protocol is no longer enabled by default on Windows 10, which can cause problems when connecting to older devices and operating systems. However, it is possible to enable SMB1 on Windows 10 with just a few steps.

Step 1: Open the Programs and Features Window

The first step is to open the Programs and Features window. This can be done by going to the Start menu, typing “Programs and Features” in the search bar, and selecting the appropriate option from the list of results.

Step 2: Select the “Turn Windows Features On or Off” Option

Once the Programs and Features window is open, select the “Turn Windows Features On or Off” option from the left hand side of the window. This will open a new window with a list of features that can be enabled or disabled.

Step 3: Enable the SMB1 Protocol

Scroll down the list of features until you find the “SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support” option. Select the checkbox next to this option and click the “OK” button to save the changes.

Step 4: Restart the Computer

The final step is to restart the computer in order for the changes to take effect. After the computer has restarted, the SMB1 protocol should be enabled and ready for use.

Enabling the SMB1 protocol on Windows 10 can be a bit of a hassle, but it is necessary for some users in order to connect to older devices and operating systems. With just a few steps, SMB1 can be enabled and users can access the necessary resources for their SOHO network.