How to change File and Printer Sharing Encryption Level in Windows 11

Not all devices support 128-bit encryption to connect over the network. To connect, you must change the encryption level.

In Windows 11, you can share files and printers with other computer users on a network. Shared files allow others to access, read and write. Shared printers allow you to print on remote computers.

Windows uses 128-bit encryption to help protect file-sharing connections by default. Some devices do not support 128-bit encryption and must use 40- or 56-bit encryption.

Windows 11 allows sharing of files and printers only over a private (home) network. File and printer sharing will be disabled when your network type is set to Public.

Change Encryption Level on Windows 11 File Sharing Connection

  1. Open “Settings” Windows 11. You can use the keyboard shortcut (WIN + I).
  2. Then, in Windows Settings, navigate to “Network & internet > Advanced network settings”. Next in the “More settings” section, click on “Advanced sharing settings”.
advanced sharing settings
  1. After that, in the “All networks” section. Click the button to expand to show all the details.
  2. Then on “File sharing connections”. Click the dropdown button next to it to select the encryption level (128-bit or 40/56-bit).
encryption level settings
  1. Close the Settings window.

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