Windows Server Cannot See other Computers in a Workgroup

[Clive48]

I have setup Windows Server 2022 on a workgroup (we don't need a domain). I have initiated all the correct Services for Network Discovery, ebaled the Firewall apps and activated Network Discovery. The problem is though the Server can see itself and the Network Printer, it cannot see or connect to any of the shared folders on other computers in the Workgroup. However, the three desktop computers can se and connect to the Seerver.

Could it be something to do with Windows Server. I have 2 hard drives for the Server Computer. One with Windows 11 on it and one with Windows Server on it. If I use the Windows 11 as the operating system I can see and connect to all three of my workgroup computers. If I use Windows server as the operating system, then I cannot see or connect to anything but the printer and itself.
I tried to map a network drive but this failed stating "You cannot access this shared folder because your organisation's security policies unauthenticated guest access"
If that is the problem does anyone know where I can change this so it does not block the connection?
OR
could it be the security policies on the workgroup computer not recognising the Server as bona fide in the Workgroup?

Are there any network or Server experts out there that can help me?

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems like the issue you are facing with Windows Server 2022 not being able to access shared folders on other computers in the workgroup might be related to network sharing and authentication settings. Here are some steps and considerations to help you troubleshoot and potentially resolve the problem:

### Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Workgroup Configuration:
- Ensure that all computers, including the Windows Server 2022 machine, are a part of the same workgroup.
- Verify the workgroup name on all computers under System Properties -> Computer Name settings.

2. Network Profile Settings:
- Check if the network profile on Windows Server 2022 is set to Private (a Private network profile allows network discovery and file sharing).
- You can change this setting under Settings -> Network & Internet -> Status -> Change connection properties.

3. Network Discovery and Sharing:
- Enable Network Discovery and ensure that the Function Discovery Resource Publication and SSDP Discovery services are running on Windows Server.
- Check the network sharing settings under Settings -> Network & Internet -> Sharing options.

4. Shared Folder Permissions:
- Verify the share permissions on the folders you are trying to access. Make sure that the Everyone group or specific user accounts have appropriate read/write permissions on the shared folders.
- Consider using specific users for access rather than unauthenticated guest access for better security.

5. Firewall and Anti-Virus Considerations:
- Temporary disable the firewall or create firewall rules to allow File and Printer Sharing.
- Check if the anti-virus software is blocking network file sharing. Temporarily disable it for testing purposes.

6. Network Location Awareness:
- Ensure that the Windows Server has correctly identified the network profile as Private. Public networks have stricter security settings that can block sharing functionality.

7. Mapping Network Drive:
- Try mapping a network drive manually using the IP address of the target computer rather than hostname (e.g., \\IP_ADDRESS\SHARE_NAME).
- When prompted for credentials, provide the appropriate username and password of a user account with access to the shared folder.

8. Authentication and Security Policies:
- If you encounter the "unauthenticated guest access" error, you may need to modify the Local Group Policy Editor settings on the Windows Server:
- Go to Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Network -> Lanman Workstation.
- Enable the Enable insecure guest logons policy.

By reviewing and adjusting these settings, you should be able to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the shared folder access issue from Windows Server 2022 to other computers in the workgroup.