In Windows 11 version 24H2, encountering Error Code: 0x800704F8 typically indicates that your system’s security policies are blocking unauthenticated guest access to shared network folders. This security measure is designed to protect your PC from unsafe or malicious devices on the network.
Understanding the Cause:
With the release of Windows 11 24H2, Microsoft implemented stricter security protocols, including:
Mandatory SMB Signing: All connections now require SMB signing to prevent tampering and relay attacks.
Disabled Guest Fallback on Windows 11 Pro: The system no longer allows connections to SMB servers without a username or password, enhancing security against untrusted devices.
These changes can affect access to shared folders, especially when connecting to third-party consumer NAS devices or routers with USB storage.
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Potential Solutions:
Enable Insecure Guest Logons:
Note: This method reduces security and is not recommended unless necessary.
Using Group Policy Editor:
Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Network > Lanman Workstation.
Double-click on Enable insecure guest logons.
Set it to Enabled, then click OK.
Using Registry Editor:
Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanWorkstation\Parameters.
Right-click in the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it AllowInsecureGuestAuth.
Set its value to 1.
Restart your computer.
Caution: Enabling insecure guest logons can expose your system to security risks. Ensure you understand the implications before proceeding.
Map Network Drives with Credentials:
Instead of relying on guest access, map network drives using specific user credentials:
Open File Explorer.
Click on This PC and then on the Computer tab.
Select Map network drive.
Choose a drive letter and enter the folder path (e.g., \ServerName\ShareName).
Check Connect using different credentials.
Click Finish and enter the username and password when prompted.
This approach ensures authenticated access, aligning with the enhanced security measures in Windows 11 24H2.
Conclusion:
The introduction of stricter security policies in Windows 11 24H2 aims to protect users from potential threats associated with unauthenticated network access. While it’s possible to bypass these restrictions by enabling insecure guest logons, it’s advisable to adopt more secure practices, such as mapping network drives with proper authentication, to maintain system security.
