How to Enable SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support in Windows 11?
Windows 11 includes several modern networking features that allow users to share files and access resources across devices on the same network. One of the older file-sharing protocols supported by Windows is SMB (Server Message Block). The earliest version of this protocol is known as SMB 1.0, which is also referred to as CIFS (Common Internet File System).
Although newer versions such as SMB 2.0 and SMB 3.0 are more secure and efficient, some older devices and network systems still rely on SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support. Examples include legacy network storage devices, outdated printers, older Windows systems, and certain embedded devices that cannot be upgraded.
Because SMB 1.0 has known security vulnerabilities, Windows 11 disables this feature by default. However, if you must communicate with older devices that only support this protocol, you can manually enable it through the Windows Features settings.
This guide explains how to enable SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support in Windows 11, why it may be needed, and how you can disable it again if required.
How to Enable SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support in Windows 11?
To enable SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support in Windows 11, open the Control Panel, navigate to Programs and Features, select Turn Windows features on or off, locate SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support, check the box next to it, and click OK. Windows will install the feature and require a restart to complete the process.
Below is the complete process to enable the feature safely in Windows 11.
Step 1: Open the Control Panel
First, you need to access the Control Panel on your Windows 11 computer.
Click the Start menu and type Control Panel in the search bar. When the Control Panel appears in the search results, click it to open the main settings interface.
The Control Panel contains many system configuration options, including program settings and Windows features.
Step 2: Navigate to Programs and Features
Inside the Control Panel window, look for the Programs category. Click on Programs, then select Programs and Features.
The Programs and Features section displays all installed applications and also provides access to optional Windows components that can be enabled or disabled.
On the left side of the screen, you will see an option called Turn Windows features on or off.
Step 3: Open Windows Features Settings
Click the option Turn Windows features on or off.
After clicking this option, Windows will open a new dialog box called Windows Features. This window lists many optional system components, such as Hyper-V, Internet Information Services, Virtual Machine Platform, and other networking features.
Scroll through the list until you find SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support.
Step 4: Enable SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support
Once you locate SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support, check the box next to it.
You may notice several sub-options under this feature, including SMB 1.0/CIFS Client and SMB 1.0/CIFS Server. In most cases, enabling the main feature automatically activates the required components.
Checking this option tells Windows to install the legacy file sharing protocol on your system.
Step 5: Install the Feature
After selecting SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support, click the OK button at the bottom of the window.
Windows will begin installing the necessary files and configuring the feature. This process usually takes a few seconds to a few minutes, depending on system performance.
During this stage, Windows may display a progress bar showing that the requested changes are being applied.
Step 6: Restart Your Computer
After the installation process finishes, Windows may prompt you to restart your computer.
Restarting ensures that the SMB 1.0 protocol loads properly and becomes fully active in the system network settings.
Once the system restarts, your Windows 11 device should be able to detect and communicate with older network devices that rely on SMB 1.0/CIFS.
Use of SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support
Even though SMB 1.0 is outdated, it can still be useful in specific scenarios where modern protocols are not supported.
One common use is connecting to older NAS storage devices. Many early network-attached storage systems only support SMB 1.0, which means newer computers cannot access them without enabling the feature.
Another use involves legacy printers and scanners that store scanned files on shared network folders using CIFS file sharing.
Some businesses also operate old enterprise systems or embedded machines that require this protocol for file transfer and communication.
In certain development or testing environments, users may enable SMB 1.0 temporarily to interact with older operating systems.
Despite these uses, it is important to remember that SMB 1.0 is not secure and should only be enabled when necessary.
How to Disable SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support in Windows 11?
If you no longer need the feature, it is strongly recommended to disable SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support. Disabling the protocol helps protect your system from potential security risks.
The process is similar to enabling the feature and can be completed using the Windows Features settings.
Step 1: Open the Control Panel
Start by opening the Control Panel again through the Start menu search.
Type Control Panel and click the result to access the system configuration interface.
Step 2: Go to Programs and Features
Inside the Control Panel, click Programs, then open Programs and Features.
From the left panel, select Turn Windows features on or off to access optional Windows components.
Step 3: Locate SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support
When the Windows Features window appears, scroll through the list of features until you find SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support.
This feature will already be checked if it is currently enabled on your system.
Step 4: Uncheck the SMB Feature
Uncheck the box next to SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support.
Removing the checkmark instructs Windows to uninstall the legacy protocol from the operating system.
Step 5: Apply the Changes
Click OK to confirm your changes.
Windows will start removing the feature from your system and update the configuration settings.
Step 6: Restart the System
Once the process is complete, restart your computer.
After the restart, SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support will be completely disabled, and your system will rely only on the more secure SMB 2.0 or SMB 3.0 protocols.
FAQs
Is SMB 1.0 safe to use in Windows 11?
SMB 1.0 is considered insecure because it contains several known vulnerabilities. Microsoft recommends using SMB 2.0 or SMB 3.0 instead. Enable SMB 1.0 only when it is required for compatibility with older devices.
Why is SMB 1.0 disabled by default?
Microsoft disabled SMB 1.0 by default to protect users from security threats such as ransomware and network attacks that exploit weaknesses in the protocol.
When should I enable SMB 1.0?
You should enable SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support only when connecting to older devices that do not support modern SMB versions.
Can I enable only the SMB client?
Yes. In some situations, you can enable only the SMB 1.0 Client if you only need to connect to other devices and do not want your computer to act as a server.
Does enabling SMB 1.0 slow down Windows 11?
Enabling SMB 1.0 usually does not affect overall system performance. However, it may introduce security risks, which is the main reason it is disabled by default.