Easy Steps To Enable SMB File Sharing on Windows 10

In this guide, we want to teach you to Enable SMB File Sharing on Windows 10. SMB share, also known as an SMB file share, is a shared resource on an SMB server. It is often a directory, but it can be any shared resource. For example, network printers are often shared using SMB.

On Windows 10, SMB isn’t enabled by default, you can follow this guide on the Orcacore website to Enable SMB File Sharing on Windows 10.

To complete this guide, you must have access to your Windows Client with administrative privileges. Then, follow the steps below.

You can enable this feature by using the following methods:

Step 1 – Enable SMB on Windows 10 from System Programs

First, you must open your control panel. From your control panel, click on Programs.

Then, click on Programs and Features.

Next, click ‘Turn Windows features on or off’.

A window will open with a list of features that can be enabled or disabled. Scroll to the end and look for ‘SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support. Check the box next to it, and click OK.

When it is finished, you must restart your Windows to apply the changes.

Step 2 – Enable SMB on Windows 10 Via PowerShell

Another way that you can enable the SMB share is to use PowerShell. Open PowerShell as an administrator and run the command below to check whether or not SMB is already enabled:

Get-SmbServerConfiguration | Select EnableSMB2Protocol

**<mark>Output</mark>**
EnableSMB2Protocol
------------------
             False

If the command returns ‘False’, then you need to enable SMB. Run the command below to enable it:

Set-SmbServerConfiguration -EnableSMB2Protocol $true

If you want to disable SMB, you can use the following command:

Set-SmbServerConfiguration -EnableSMB2Protocol $false

Step 3 – What port is SMB File sharing use?

SMB is a network file-sharing protocol that requires an open port on a computer or server to communicate with other systems. SMB ports are generally port numbers 139 and 445.

Conclusion

On Windows 10, SMB isn’t enabled by default. So you have learned to Enable SMB File Sharing on Windows 10 by using system programs and PowerShell.

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Alternative Methods to Enable SMB File Sharing on Windows 10

While the Control Panel and PowerShell methods are effective for Enable SMB File Sharing on Windows 10, some users might prefer alternative approaches, especially in environments where scripting or automated deployment is required. Here are two alternative methods:

Method 1: Using the DISM Command-Line Tool

The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool is a powerful command-line utility that can be used to manage Windows features. DISM can be used to enable SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support, providing another command-line alternative to PowerShell.

Explanation:

DISM interacts directly with the Windows image, allowing you to enable or disable features without navigating through the graphical interface or relying on PowerShell modules. This can be especially useful in automated scripts or when remotely managing systems.

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Search for "Command Prompt," right-click, and select "Run as administrator."
2. Run the DISM Command: Execute the following command to enable SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support:

DISM /Online /Enable-Feature /FeatureName:"SMB1Protocol" /All

• /Online: Specifies that the operation is performed on the running operating system.
• /Enable-Feature: Enables the specified feature.
• /FeatureName:"SMB1Protocol": Specifies the feature to enable (SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support).
• /All: Enables all parent features.

3. Restart Your Computer: After the command completes successfully, restart your computer to apply the changes.

Code Example (Batch Script):

@echo off
echo Enabling SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support...
DISM /Online /Enable-Feature /FeatureName:"SMB1Protocol" /All
echo Operation completed. Restart your computer.
pause

This batch script can be run as administrator to automate the process of enabling SMB 1.0/CIFS.

Method 2: Modifying the Registry (Less Recommended)

Directly modifying the Windows Registry can also enable SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support. However, this method is generally less recommended because incorrect modifications to the registry can cause system instability. Always back up your registry before making changes.

Explanation:

Windows features often have corresponding registry keys that control their state. By modifying these keys, you can directly influence the behavior of the operating system. However, this approach requires caution and a thorough understanding of the registry structure.

Steps:

1. Open Registry Editor: Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to the SMB Feature Key: Navigate to the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesLanmanServerParameters

3. Add or Modify the SMB1 Key:

   • If the SMB1 key does not exist, create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value named SMB1.
   • Set the value of SMB1 to 1 to enable SMB 1.0.

4. Restart Your Computer: Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Code Example (Registry File – Not Recommended):

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesLanmanServerParameters]
"SMB1"=dword:00000001

Important Considerations:

• Security Risks: Enabling SMB 1.0 poses significant security risks, as it is vulnerable to exploits like WannaCry. Consider using SMB 2.0 or later if possible.
• Backup: Always back up your registry before making any changes.
• Alternative SMB Versions: If you need SMB functionality, consider enabling SMB 2.0 or 3.0 instead of SMB 1.0 for better security and performance. PowerShell can manage these versions.
• Testing: After enabling SMB via any method, test file sharing to ensure it is working correctly.

These alternative methods provide flexibility for enabling SMB File Sharing on Windows 10, catering to different preferences and requirements. Always prioritize security and consider the implications before enabling SMB 1.0. Ensure you understand the risks before you Enable SMB File Sharing on Windows 10. Remember to Enable SMB File Sharing on Windows 10 using the most secure method possible.