How to Fix Error Code 0x800704f8 on Windows

If you’ve encountered error code 0x800704f8 while trying to access a shared network folder, you’re not alone. This error is primarily caused by Windows security policies blocking unauthenticated guest access, particularly after recent Windows updates.

Error code: 0x800704f8

You can’t access this shared folder because your organization’s security policies block unauthenticated guest access. These policies help protect your PC from unsafe or malicious devices on the network.

Microsoft has implemented stricter security measures to prevent unauthorized access and improve data safety, but these changes can cause compatibility issues with older network devices.

What Causes Error Code 0x800704f8?

Recent Windows updates, including Windows 11 version 24H2, enforce stricter security protocols for network communications. These updates:

• Require SMB (Server Message Block) signing for all connections.
• Disable guest access fallback to prevent unauthorized access.
• Enforce authentication policies that block unsecured access to shared folders and NAS (Network-Attached Storage) devices.

These security enhancements are beneficial for protecting your data, but they can break connections with older NAS devices or shared folders that still rely on unauthenticated guest access.

How to Fix Error Code 0x800704f8

To resolve this issue, you can take the following steps:

1. Enable SMB Signing and Disable Guest Access on NAS

If you’re using a NAS or a shared folder, you need to modify its SMB settings:

• Log in to the NAS management interface.
• Enable SMB Signing to ensure secure communication.
• Disable Guest Access and require authentication for access.

This step ensures that all users accessing the network drive must log in with valid credentials.

2. Create User Accounts on NAS or Shared Drive

• Set up new user accounts with passwords on your NAS.
• Assign permissions to these accounts for accessing shared folders.
• Use credentials when mapping the network drive on Windows.

This solution eliminates the need for unauthenticated guest access and aligns with Microsoft’s security policies.

3. Update Your NAS Firmware

• Check for updates on the NAS manufacturer’s website or within the device settings.
• Install the latest firmware to resolve compatibility issues with new Windows security policies.

Newer firmware versions often include security patches and SMB protocol improvements.

Alternative Workaround (Less Secure)

If modifying NAS settings isn’t possible, you can change Windows policies to allow insecure guest logons. However, this reduces system security, so proceed with caution.

Enable Insecure Guest Logons via Group Policy

• Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.

• Navigate to:
  • Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Network > Lanman Workstation
• Double-click Enable insecure guest logons, select Enabled, and click OK.
• Restart your PC to apply changes.

Disable SMB Client Signing Requirement

1. Open Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc).
2. Navigate to:
   • Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Policies > Security Options.
3. Find Microsoft network client: Digitally sign communications (always), set it to Disabled, and save.
4. Restart your computer.

Use PowerShell for Windows Home Edition

If you have Windows Home, which lacks Group Policy Editor, use PowerShell:

• Open Windows Terminal (Admin) by right-clicking the Start button.
• Run these commands:

Set-SmbClientConfiguration -RequireSecuritySignature $false
Set-SmbClientConfiguration -EnableInsecureGuestLogons $true

• Restart your PC.

Final Thoughts

Error 0x800704f8 is a result of Microsoft enhanced security measures. While this protects your data, it may cause connectivity issues with older network devices. The best long-term solution is to update your NAS, configure user authentication, and enable SMB signing. If necessary, temporary workarounds like enabling insecure guest logons can help, but they should only be used cautiously.