FIX: You can't connect to the file share because it's not secure.
If you cannot connect to a file share or mapped network folder due to error "You can't connect to the file share because it's not secure. Your system requires SMB2 or higher", continue reading below to fix the problem.
Error: "You can't connect to the file share because it's not secure. This share requires the obsolete SMB1 protocol, which is unsafe and could expose your system to attack.
Your system requires SMB2 or higher".
Cause: As the error message says, you are trying to connect to a file share that uses the SMB1 protocol, while your system requires SMB2 or later. This is happens, because in latest Windows versions the SMB1 protocol is not installed by default because is obsoleted and insecure.
How to FIX: You can't connect to the file share because it's not secure. Your system requires SMB2 or higher" on Windows 11/10.
Method 1. Enable SMB2 on SMB File Server (Recommended)
The recommended method to fix the mentioned error, is to enable the SMB2 protocol on the SMB file server* (with the file shares).
* Affected Products: Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2022, Windows 2012 Server, Windows 2012 Server R2.
1. Open PowerShell as Administrator.
2. Give the following command to enable the SMB2 protocol and press "y" when asked:
- Set-SmbServerConfiguration -EnableSMB2Protocol $true
Method 2. Enable SMB1 (Not Recommended).
The second method to fix the mentioned problem, is to enable the SMB1 protocol on client or server computer.
Windows 11/10/8.1
To enable SMB1 on Windows 11, Windows 10 & Windows 8.1:
1. Navigate to Control Panel and select Programs and Features.
2. In Programs and features, select Turn Windows features on or off on the left.
3. Check the SMB 1.0.CIFS File Sharing Support and click OK.
4. Once the installation is complete, restart your computer, restart the computer.
That's it! Which method worked for you?
Let me know if this guide has helped you by leaving your comment about your experience. Please like and share this guide to help others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the error 'You can't connect to the file share because it's not secure' mean?
This error indicates that you're attempting to connect to a file share using the outdated SMB1 protocol, while your system requires the more secure SMB2 or higher.
Why is the SMB1 protocol not installed by default on newer Windows versions?
SMB1 is considered obsolete and insecure because it can expose your system to attacks. Therefore, it is not installed by default on recent Windows versions.
How can I resolve the 'Your system requires SMB2 or higher' error on Windows?
You can fix this by enabling the SMB2 protocol on the SMB file server. Run PowerShell as Administrator and use the command: Set-SmbServerConfiguration -EnableSMB2Protocol $true.
Is enabling SMB1 a recommended solution to fix the file share connection error?
No, enabling SMB1 is not recommended due to security risks. It is better to enable SMB2 on the server instead.
- How to Effectively Remove or Disable Microsoft Copilot on Windows 11. - May 11, 2026
- FIX: Device encryption is temporarily suspended and does not resume after the computer restarts (Windows 11). - May 5, 2026
- How to Install Chrome or any 'Line of Business' app on Intune Enrolled Windows Devices. - April 29, 2026
