Windows 11 includes many advanced networking technologies that allow computers to share files, printers, and other resources over a network. One of the oldest technologies used for this purpose is the SMB protocol, which stands for Server Message Block. SMB has been part of Windows for decades and allows devices on the same network to communicate and share resources easily.
Among the different versions of this protocol, SMB1 (SMB version 1) is the earliest and most outdated version. While it helped power file sharing for many years, it is now considered insecure and inefficient compared to newer versions such as SMB2 and SMB3. Because of this, Microsoft has disabled SMB1 by default in modern versions of Windows, including Windows 11.
However, there are still situations where users may need to enable SMB1. For example, some older devices, such as legacy NAS drives, old printers, or outdated operating systems, only support SMB1 for network communication. In such cases, enabling SMB1 temporarily can allow Windows 11 to communicate with these older devices.
This detailed tutorial will explain everything you need to know about SMB1 in Windows 11. You will learn what SMB1 is, why it is disabled by default, and how to enable or disable it using different methods including Windows Features, PowerShell, and Command Prompt. The guide also explains when it is safe to use SMB1 and when you should avoid it.
What Is SMB1 Protocol in Windows 11
The Server Message Block (SMB) protocol is a network communication protocol used primarily in Windows environments for sharing files, folders, printers, and other resources between computers on a network. It allows a client device to request access to resources hosted on another computer or server.
When SMB is enabled, users can perform several tasks, such as:
• Access shared folders from another computer
• Transfer files between devices on the same network
• Use shared printers
• Connect to network storage devices (NAS)
• Share applications or data across systems
SMB works through a client-server model. The client device sends a request to the server to access a specific resource, such as a shared folder. The server then verifies permissions and grants or denies access.
Over time, Microsoft introduced improved versions of SMB:
• SMB1 – Original version (very old)
• SMB2 – Improved performance and security
• SMB3 – Modern version with encryption and advanced features
SMB1 was introduced many years ago and lacks modern security features. Because of this, it is now considered obsolete and vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Why SMB1 Is Disabled in Windows 11
Microsoft disabled SMB1 by default in Windows 11 because the protocol has several security weaknesses. Many major cyberattacks in the past exploited SMB1 vulnerabilities.
Here are the main reasons SMB1 is disabled:
1. Poor Security
SMB1 was designed decades ago when cybersecurity threats were much less advanced. It does not include modern encryption or authentication mechanisms.
2. Vulnerable to Malware
Malware such as WannaCry ransomware used SMB1 vulnerabilities to spread across networks quickly. Because of this, Microsoft strongly recommends disabling SMB1 whenever possible.
3. Outdated Technology
SMB1 lacks many improvements available in SMB2 and SMB3 such as faster performance, encryption, and improved network efficiency.
4. Reduced System Performance
SMB1 can create unnecessary network traffic and slower file transfers compared to newer SMB versions.
Because of these issues, Windows 11 disables SMB1 automatically unless a user manually enables it.
When You Might Need to Enable SMB1
Although SMB1 is outdated, there are still some situations where it may be required.
Examples include:
• Connecting to very old network-attached storage (NAS) devices
• Accessing shared folders on Windows XP or older systems
• Using legacy printers or scanners
• Running older enterprise software that relies on SMB1
In such cases, enabling SMB1 temporarily can help establish communication between devices.
However, it is recommended to disable SMB1 again once you finish using the legacy device.
Method 1: Enable or Disable SMB1 Using Windows Features
This is the easiest method for enabling or disabling SMB1 in Windows 11.
Step 1: Open Control Panel
Click the Start menu and search for Control Panel, then open it.
Step 2: Go to Programs
Inside Control Panel, click:
Programs → Programs and Features
Step 3: Open Windows Features
On the left side, click:
Turn Windows features on or off
This will open the Windows Features dialog box.
Step 4: Locate SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support
Scroll down the list until you find:
SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support
This feature controls the SMB1 protocol.
Step 5: Enable SMB1
To enable SMB1:
• Check the box next to SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support
• Click OK
Windows will install the required components.
Step 6: Restart Your Computer
Once the installation finishes, restart your computer to apply the changes.
After restarting, SMB1 will be enabled, and your PC can communicate with older devices that use SMB1.
How to Disable SMB1
To disable SMB1 again:
- Open Turn Windows features on or off
- Uncheck SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support
- Click OK
- Restart your PC
Windows will remove SMB1 from the system.
Method 2: Enable SMB1 Using PowerShell
PowerShell provides a quick way to enable SMB1 using a single command.
Step 1: Open PowerShell as Administrator
Click Start and search for PowerShell.
Right-click Windows PowerShell and select Run as administrator.
Step 2: Run the Enable Command
Type the following command and press Enter:
Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName SMB1Protocol -All -NoRestart
This command installs the SMB1 protocol feature.
Step 3: Restart the Computer
Restart your computer to activate SMB1.
PowerShell will now enable SMB1 successfully.
Method 3: Disable SMB1 Using PowerShell
If SMB1 is already enabled and you want to remove it, PowerShell can disable it quickly.
Run the following command in PowerShell (Administrator):
Disable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName SMB1Protocol
This command disables the SMB1 feature and removes it from the system.
Restart the computer after executing the command.
Method 4: Enable SMB1 Using Command Prompt (DISM)
Another method to enable SMB1 is by using the DISM command in Command Prompt.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator
Press Windows + S and search for Command Prompt.
Right-click it and select Run as administrator.
Step 2: Run the DISM Command
Type the following command:
dism /online /enable-feature /featurename:SMB1Protocol /all /norestart
This command enables SMB1 using the Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool.
Step 3: Restart the PC
Restart the computer to complete the process.
How to Check if SMB1 Is Enabled
If you want to confirm whether SMB1 is enabled, you can check it using PowerShell.
Open PowerShell as Administrator and run:
Get-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName SMB1Protocol
If the result shows State: Enabled, SMB1 is active.
If it shows Disabled, the protocol is turned off.
SMB1 Components Explained
Inside Windows Features, the SMB1 option contains several components:
SMB 1.0/CIFS Client
Allows your computer to connect to other SMB1 servers.
SMB 1.0/CIFS Server
Allows other SMB1 devices to connect to your computer.
SMB 1.0 Automatic Removal
Automatically removes SMB1 if it is not used for a specific period.
Most users only need the SMB1 client, not the server.
Security Risks of Using SMB1
Enabling SMB1 introduces several security risks.
Vulnerability to Ransomware
Many ransomware attacks use SMB1 vulnerabilities to spread across networks.
No Encryption
SMB1 does not encrypt data transfers, making it easier for attackers to intercept data.
Network Exploits
Hackers can exploit SMB1 flaws to gain unauthorized access to systems.
Because of these risks, Microsoft strongly recommends disabling SMB1 unless absolutely necessary.
Safer Alternatives to SMB1
Instead of enabling SMB1, it is better to upgrade to modern technologies.
SMB2 or SMB3
Newer versions of SMB provide:
• Better performance
• Strong encryption
• Improved authentication
• Higher reliability
FTP or SFTP
File transfer protocols such as FTP or SFTP can also be used for network file sharing.
Cloud Storage
Services such as cloud drives allow secure file sharing without relying on local network protocols.
Troubleshooting SMB1 Issues
If SMB1 does not work even after enabling it, try the following solutions.
Restart the Computer
Restarting ensures the protocol loads correctly.
Enable Network Discovery
Go to:
Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Advanced sharing settings
Turn on:
• Network discovery
• File and printer sharing
Check Firewall Settings
Make sure Windows Firewall is not blocking file sharing.
Update Windows
Install the latest Windows updates to ensure compatibility with older protocols.
Should You Enable SMB1 in Windows 11?
In most cases, the answer is no.
SMB1 should only be enabled if you must connect to legacy hardware or software that cannot use SMB2 or SMB3.
Best practice:
• Enable SMB1 temporarily
• Complete the required task
• Disable SMB1 again
This reduces security risks while maintaining compatibility with older devices.
Final Thoughts
The SMB protocol has been an important part of Windows networking for many years. It allows computers to share files, printers, and other resources across a network. However, the earliest version of this protocol, SMB1, is now outdated and vulnerable to security threats.
For this reason, Windows 11 disables SMB1 by default and encourages users to use modern alternatives such as SMB2 and SMB3. Despite this, SMB1 can still be enabled if you need to connect to older devices or legacy systems that depend on it.
In this tutorial, you learned multiple ways to enable or disable SMB1 in Windows 11. The simplest method is using the Windows Features panel, but you can also use PowerShell or Command Prompt for faster configuration.
While enabling SMB1 can help maintain compatibility with older hardware, it is important to understand the associated security risks. Whenever possible, upgrade your devices or network infrastructure to support newer SMB versions. This will ensure better performance, stronger security, and improved reliability.
If you must enable SMB1, do so only temporarily and disable it once you finish using the legacy device.
With the knowledge from this guide, you can safely manage SMB1 protocol settings in Windows 11 and ensure your system remains secure while maintaining compatibility with older network devices.
