Settings for SMB 1

gini · 10 Jul 2023

After reading the earlier thread (Network reset required frequently . . .) I am confused about the proper setting I should have on my computers. I don't recall ever altering this, but this is what I see currently on this desktop via Control Panel:

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There are four computers on my network (another desktop running Win 10 and two laptops, one on Win 10 and the other other running Win 11). All Win 10 computers are on version 22H2, Build 19045.3086. The two Win 10 desktops have the above same settings. The two desktops and the Win 11 laptop can see each other on the network, while the older laptop doesn't play well others, but I won't address that issue here.

Should I make any changes in the setting shown above? I am reluctant to fix something that doesn't seem to be broken, but is there a reason to do so?

Thank you for your attention!
Gini

garlin · 10 Jul 2023

SMB 1.0 is the oldest version of SMB, and now deprecated from having severe security holes which cannot be fixed.

Modern W10 and later systems support newer SMB 2.0 or later protocols. But 1.0 is provided to allow much older PC's and some media servers to work together. If you have neither, and all PC's are W10 or higher -- SMB 1.0 should be removed by unchecking those boxes.

Other networking issues are probably unrelated to 1.0, since your PC's will run 2.0 anyway. Re-checking the same boxes will restore functionality, so no permanent damage is done.

Bree · 10 Jul 2023

gini said:

After reading the earlier thread (Network reset required frequently . . .) I am confused about the proper setting I should have on my computers. I don't recall ever altering this.....
There are four computers on my network (another desktop running Win 10 and two laptops, one on Win 10 and the other other running Win 11). All Win 10 computers are on version 22H2, Build 19045.3086. The two Win 10 desktops have the above same settings. The two desktops and the Win 11 laptop can see each other on the network, while the older laptop doesn't play well others, but I won't address that issue here.
Should I make any changes in the setting shown above? I am reluctant to fix something that doesn't seem to be broken, but is there a reason to do so?

You do not need SMB 1 if all the devices on your network are running Windows Vista or later.

Microsoft introduced a new version of the protocol (SMB 2.0 or SMB2) in 2006 with Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008.

Server Message Block - Wikipedia

The SMB 1.0/CIFS Client is required if a W10/W11 PC needs to connect to shares on a device that only supports SMB 1.0. Examples are shares on a Windows XP machine, or those on some older NAS devices. I have a USB HDD plugged into my router and shared on the network, my router only supports SMB1 so I need the SMB 1.0/CIFS Client on those of my PCs that I want to be able to connect to it.

The SMB 1.0/CIFS Server is only ever needed on a W10/W11 PC if you want a Windows XP or earlier PC to be able to connect to a share on that PC.

SMB 1.0 has security issues, particularly the Server. If not needed you should remove them. I only have the Client enabled because without it I cannot connect to my router's shares.

gini · 10 Jul 2023

Thank you both for the helpful and informative replies!. I will uncheck the SMB 1.0/CIFS setting, comfortable knowing the action is reversible in the unlikely event it is necessary