Fix Network and Printer Login Issues in Windows 11 25H2
Some Windows 11 users are experiencing frustrating network and printer connection issues, especially when trying to access shared printers or files from other computers on the same network.
This problem often shows up after upgrading to Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2, when Microsoft tightened security and changed how Windows handles network authentication.
Let’s break down the issue, explain why it happens, and show how to fix it step-by-step.
🖨️ The Problem: Windows 11 Keeps Asking for a Username and Password
A user managing a small home or office network reported this issue:
- Most PCs in the network run Windows 10.
- One system uses Windows 11 (25H2).
- A shared printer is hosted on one of the networked PCs.
- The Windows 11 PC can see the network and shared printer—but when connecting, it always asks for a username and password.
- Even after setting one, the login keeps failing.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. It’s a known issue caused by updated security rules in the newer versions of Windows 11.
🔑 Why It Happens
Starting with Windows 11 24H2, Microsoft improved network security by:
- Disabling NTLM (NT LAN Manager) authentication in favor of Kerberos.
- Making password-based network sharing more restrictive.
- Turning off SMB1.0/CIFS File Sharing by default, which older devices or printers still rely on.
These changes improve security but can break compatibility with older Windows systems and networked devices that use legacy authentication.
🧰 Fix 1: Add Network Credentials Manually (Credential Manager)
The simplest way to solve the problem is by adding the printer or shared computer’s credentials manually.
Steps:
- Open Control Panel.
- Go to User Accounts → Credential Manager → Windows Credentials.
- Click Add a Windows credential.
- Under Internet or network address, enter the computer name or IP address of the device sharing the printer.
- Enter that computer’s username and password (use the real password, not your PIN).
- Repeat this for each device on your network that needs access to the shared printer.
- Restart the computer and sign in again using the same password.
💡 Tip:
If your systems use Microsoft accounts, make sure you enter the email address and full password for that account—not the PIN used for local logins.
This method stores the credentials securely so Windows 11 doesn’t keep asking every time you try to print or connect.
🧩 Fix 2: Re-enable NTLM or Legacy Authentication
If adding credentials doesn’t help, it’s likely because your printer or Windows 10 PCs rely on the older NTLM authentication method, which Windows 11 now restricts.
You can re-enable NTLM temporarily to restore compatibility.
Using Group Policy Editor (Pro or Enterprise):
- Press Windows + R, type
gpedit.msc, and press Enter. - Navigate to:
Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Policies > Security Options - Find Network security: LAN Manager authentication level.
- Set it to: “Send LM & NTLM responses.”
- Restart the computer.
For Windows Home Users:
Windows Home doesn’t include the Group Policy Editor, but you can change the same setting using the Registry Editor.
There are several guides and threads (including from Lenovo support) explaining how to safely adjust the registry to re-enable NTLM.
🧱 Optional: Enable SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing
If your shared printer or network storage device is older, it may still depend on SMB1.0/CIFS for file and printer sharing.
To enable SMB1:
- Press Windows + R, type
optionalfeatures, and press Enter. - Scroll down and check SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support.
- Click OK and restart your PC.
⚠️ Warning: SMB1 is outdated and less secure. Only use it for local, trusted networks—never on public or unprotected networks.
🧠 Key Takeaways
- Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 use stronger authentication by default, which can break legacy printer or network sharing setups.
- The most reliable fix is to add the correct network credentials manually through Credential Manager.
- In some cases, re-enabling NTLM or SMB1 may be necessary for older systems or printers to work correctly.
- Always re-enable these settings temporarily and keep your network secured.
🧭 Final Thoughts
Microsoft’s move toward tighter security in Windows 11 is great for protection but can be frustrating for users managing mixed-version networks.
If you’re running both Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems, plan to modernize your network authentication or printer-sharing setup.
If you must re-enable legacy features, document the changes and consider upgrading older hardware or systems that depend on outdated protocols.
