The digital landscape of today demands not only efficient functionality but also robust security, especially when it comes to sharing resources across networks. The Windows file-sharing feature stands as a testament to this, permitting users to effortlessly share files and even printers across a local network. Envision the convenience of accessing a document from another computer or printing a document from a device located in another room, all thanks to the integrated printer sharing capability. By default, Windows employs 128-bit encryption for such local sharing, ensuring that data transmissions are secure. However, not all devices align with this standard. While it may sound surprising, certain older devices might necessitate a 56-bit or even a 40-bit encryption level. Despite the rarity of these devices, being armed with the knowledge to tweak the encryption level becomes imperative for uninterrupted sharing. This risewindows article aims to be your guiding beacon, illuminating the process of altering the encryption level for file-sharing connections, whether you’re on Windows 11 or 10.
How to Change File Sharing Encryption Level in Windows 11 Settings?
To change File Sharing encryption level in Windows 11 Settings, follow these steps:-
Step 1. Firstly, open Windows 11 Settings.
For that, you can use the Windows + I keyboard shortcut. Alternatively, right-click on the Start button and select Settings in the menu.
Step 2. Select Network & internet in the left sidebar.
Step 3. Then, click on the Advanced network settings option on the right.
Step 4. After that, on the following screen, under the “More settings” section, click the Advanced sharing settings option.
Step 5. Next, click on the All networks tile to expand.
Step 6. Here, click the File sharing connections drop-down menu and choose the 128-bit encryption (Recommended) or 40- or 56-bit encryption option according to your requirements.
How to Change File Sharing Encryption Level via Registry Editor?
To configure the File Sharing encryption level in Windows 11 or 10 through Registry Editor, perform these steps:-
Step 1. Firstly, open Registry Editor.
Step 2. Now, navigate to the following path in the left sidebar of Registry Editor:-
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa\MSV1_0
Step 3. Then, on the opposite pane, locate the REG_DWORD entries named NtlmMinClientSec and NtlmMinServerSec that “Value data” to be changed.
So, double-click on the NtlmMinClientSec REG_DWORD and set its “Value data” to the following:-
- 0 = To use 40- or 56-bit encryption.
- 20000000 = To use 128-bit encryption.
Step 4. Next, click the OK button.
Step 5. Similarly, double-click on the NtlmMinServerSec REG_DWORD and set its “Value data” to the following:-
- 0 = To use 40- or 56-bit encryption.
- 20000000 = To use 128-bit encryption.
Step 6. Then, click the OK button.
Step 7. Lastly, reboot your PC to apply the changes.
How to Change File Sharing Encryption Level through Control Panel?
To configure File Sharing encryption level in Windows 11 or 10, if you prefer to use the classic Control Panel, follow these steps:-
Step 1. As usual, open Control Panel.
Step 2. Now, set “View by” to Category and click on the Network and Internet category.
Step 3. Next, click on Network and Sharing Center.
Step 4. Then, click on the Change advanced sharing settings link in the left side pane.
Step 5. The Advanced sharing settings page will open when you’re done.
Step 6. After that, click on the All networks option to expand it.
Step 7. Finally, click the File sharing connections drop-down menu and select the 128-bit encryption (Recommended) or 40- or 56-bit encryption option according to your needs.
Conclusion
In the age of digitalization, ensuring that data transfers are secure is paramount, especially when dealing with shared resources across networks. Windows provides a robust file-sharing system that uses 128-bit encryption by default. However, older devices may require a shift to 56-bit or 40-bit encryption, which can be changed using the methods provided above. Whether you choose to navigate through Windows 11 Settings, employ the Registry Editor, or revert to the classic Control Panel, the steps have been outlined comprehensively to make the process seamless. By following this risewindows guide, you can confidently adapt your file sharing encryption levels according to your device’s needs on both Windows 11 and 10.
