Why SMB1 Auto-Removal Breaks NAS Browsing on Windows 11

When you upgrade to Windows 11 or install a recent security update, you may suddenly find that your network-attached storage device no longer appears in File Explorer. You can still access the NAS by typing its IP address directly, but the device does not show up under Network. This happens because Windows 11 automatically removes the SMB1 protocol to improve security, and many older NAS devices rely on SMB1 for network discovery. This article explains why SMB1 auto-removal breaks NAS browsing on Windows 11 and provides steps to restore network visibility without compromising system safety.

Why Windows 11 Automatically Removes SMB1

Windows 11 removes the SMB1 protocol during installation and through monthly security updates. Microsoft deprecated SMB1 in 2017 after the WannaCry ransomware attack exploited vulnerabilities in the protocol. SMB1 lacks encryption, has weak authentication, and is a common vector for malware propagation. By default, Windows 11 disables the SMB1 client and server components to protect users from these threats.

The auto-removal process is triggered by the Windows Update servicing stack. When the system detects that SMB1 is enabled, it silently uninstalls the feature and blocks re-enabling it through standard group policy or registry edits. This is by design to prevent accidental exposure. The removal affects two main areas: the SMB1 protocol for file sharing and the Computer Browser service, which relies on SMB1 for network discovery and device enumeration in File Explorer.

How SMB1 Affects NAS Browsing

Many consumer NAS devices manufactured before 2018 use SMB1 as the primary protocol for network discovery. These devices broadcast their presence using NetBIOS over TCP/IP, which requires SMB1 to be active on the client. When Windows 11 removes SMB1, the Computer Browser service stops functioning, and the NAS disappears from the Network folder in File Explorer. You can still connect to the NAS by entering its IP address or hostname directly in the address bar because the underlying file transfer protocol may already support SMB2 or SMB3. However, the browse list that populates the Network folder becomes empty.

Steps to Restore NAS Browsing on Windows 11

Before making any changes, identify whether your NAS supports SMB2 or SMB3. Check the manufacturer’s support page or the NAS administration interface. If your NAS can use SMB2 or SMB3, you do not need to re-enable SMB1. Follow the steps below in order.

Step 1: Enable Network Discovery

1. Open Settings
   Press the Windows key and select Settings. Go to Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Advanced sharing settings.
2. Turn on network discovery
   Under Private networks, select Turn on network discovery. Also select Turn on automatic setup of network connected devices. Click Save changes.
3. Verify the change
   Open File Explorer and click Network in the left pane. Wait 30 seconds for the list to refresh. If the NAS appears, the issue was network discovery being off.

Step 2: Enable SMB2 or SMB3 on the NAS

1. Log in to the NAS administration interface
   Open a web browser and enter the NAS IP address. Enter your admin credentials.
2. Locate the SMB protocol settings
   Look for a section named File Services, SMB, or Windows File Sharing. The exact label depends on the manufacturer.
3. Enable SMB2 and disable SMB1
   Select SMB2 or SMB3 as the minimum protocol version. Disable SMB1 if an option exists. Apply the changes and restart the NAS.
4. Test browsing on Windows 11
   On the Windows 11 PC, open File Explorer and navigate to Network. The NAS should now appear. If not, proceed to Step 3.

Step 3: Temporarily Re-enable SMB1 as a Last Resort

Only use this method if your NAS cannot support SMB2 or SMB3 and you accept the security risks. SMB1 re-enabling is a temporary workaround, not a permanent fix.

1. Open Windows Features
   Press the Windows key, type “Windows Features”, and select Turn Windows features on or off.
2. Enable SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support
   Scroll down and check the box for SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support. Expand it and ensure SMB 1.0/CIFS Automatic Removal is unchecked. Click OK.
3. Restart the PC
   Windows will install the feature and prompt a restart. After restarting, open File Explorer and check the Network folder.
4. Disable SMB1 after the NAS is browsable
   Once you have accessed the NAS, go back to Windows Features and uncheck SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support. Restart again. The NAS may still appear if network discovery is working through other protocols.

If NAS Browsing Still Fails After the Main Fix

“Network Discovery Is Turned Off” Error Message

If you see this error when clicking Network in File Explorer, the network profile is set to Public instead of Private. Change the network profile by going to Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Click the active connection and select Private network. Then re-enable network discovery as described in Step 1.

“You Do Not Have Permission to Access” the NAS

This error occurs when the NAS credentials are not stored in Windows Credential Manager. Open Control Panel > User Accounts > Credential Manager > Windows Credentials. Click Add a Windows credential. Enter the NAS hostname or IP address, then the username and password configured on the NAS. Click OK and retry browsing.

NAS Disappears After Every Windows Update

Windows Update may remove SMB1 again if you had re-enabled it. To prevent this, set a group policy to block SMB1 removal, but note that Microsoft may override this in future updates. The better approach is to configure the NAS to use SMB2 or SMB3 permanently. If the NAS does not support these protocols, consider replacing the device with a modern model that supports SMB3.

SMB1 vs SMB2 vs SMB3: NAS Browsing Comparison

Item	SMB1	SMB2 / SMB3
Default in Windows 11	Disabled and removed	Enabled and active
Network discovery support	Uses NetBIOS and Computer Browser service	Uses Function Discovery and WS-Discovery
Security	No encryption, vulnerable to ransomware	Encrypted, signed, and secure
NAS compatibility	Works with devices from 2017 and earlier	Works with devices from 2018 and later
Performance	Slow, chatty protocol	Faster, fewer round trips

Windows 11 removes SMB1 to protect against security threats. NAS browsing breaks because the Computer Browser service depends on SMB1 for device discovery. The permanent solution is to enable SMB2 or SMB3 on your NAS. If your NAS cannot support these protocols, you can temporarily re-enable SMB1 through Windows Features, but this exposes your network to malware risks. Update your NAS firmware or replace the device to maintain both functionality and security on Windows 11.