Server Message Block (SMB) is a communication protocol that Microsoft created for providing shared access to files and printers across nodes on a network. Furthermore, it also provides an authenticated inter-process communication (IPC) mechanism. Now that we completely caught up, we’ll share the big news. Trying to completely phase out SMB1, Microsoft announced that it no longer installs SMB1 by default in any Windows variant, now including Windows 11 Home preview builds from the Dev channel.

SMB1 will still be accessible to Windows users

That being said, know that SBM1 client will still be accessible in Windows 11 for systems that need to connect to legacy machinery with no support other than SMB1. Users can therefore install SMB1 client from the list of optional Windows features. The Redmond tech giant also plans to remove all SMB1-related binaries and drivers from Windows in future updates. Redmond officials said that the company would release an out-of-band unsupported install package for organizations that cannot ditch SMB1 for more modern and secure standards. You might want to know that Microsoft deprecated SMB1 in 2013 due to a number of issues that ruined user experience. And, since 2017, the company does not ship most Windows versions with SMB1 on by default but keeps the ability to enable the client in Home and Pro SKUs. On the off chance the operating system detects no outbound SMB1 traffic for 15 days, it shuts down the client automatically.

How can I check SMB1 status on my PC?

What is your opinion on this latest Microsoft decision? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.

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