Fixed: You might not have Permission to Use this Network

When attempting to access a shared network resource, the error “You might not have permission to use this network resource” indicates that access is blocked, often due to permission or network configuration issues. This error typically arises in Windows 10 environments when the current user account lacks the necessary permissions to access the shared folder or device

Common causes include misconfigured permissions, disabled network discovery or file sharing, and restrictive firewall settings. Additionally, conflicting or outdated security policies in Windows network environments can lead to this issue.

In this article, we will discuss several ways to solve this error.

1. Turn on File and Printer Sharing

If multiple computers are connected to a printer, there should be a host PC where it’s installed. To resolve any permission errors when accessing the printer from another computer, ensure that File and Printer Sharing is enabled on the network.

1. Open Control Panel by searching for it via the Start button or clicking the Search button (Cortana) on your taskbar.
2. Alternatively, use the Windows Key + R combo, type “control.exe”, and click Run to open Control Panel directly.

3. Set View by to Category and select Network and Internet, then Network and Sharing Center. Click Change advanced sharing settings from the left menu.

4. Expand the necessary network profile (Public or Private) under “Change sharing options for different network profiles”.
5. Select Turn on file and printer sharing in the File and printer sharing section.

6. Click Save changes and provide administrator permissions if prompted. Verify whether the “You might not have permission to use this network resource” error still appears.

2. Add Windows Credential

To ensure secure access, manually adding Windows Credentials stores login details, which helps bypass permission issues by pre-authenticating access. This tells Windows to remember and use the correct username and password for that network, ensuring smooth access without repeated authorization errors.

1. Open Control Panel by searching via the Start button or clicking the Search button (Cortana) on the taskbar.
2. Alternatively, press Windows Key + R, type “control.exe”, and click Run to launch Control Panel directly.

3. Set View by to Large icons and find Credentials Manager.
4. Switch to Windows Credentials and click Add a Windows credential.

5. Input the remote server’s computer name (IP address) in the Internet or network address field, along with the username and password. This should improve connectivity and resolve the issue.

3. Edit LSA Registry Entry

Changing the LSA registry entry can improve access to shared resources. Adjusting the RestrictAnonymous setting allows Windows to permit access, resolving permission issues and bypassing restrictions that might block connectivity, especially in mixed or home networks.

1. Before deleting a registry key, it’s advisable to back up your registry as outlined in this article. Follow the steps carefully to avoid issues.
2. Open the Registry Editor by typing “regedit” in the search bar, Start menu, or Run dialog (Windows Key + R). Navigate to this key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa

3. Select the key and find restrictanonymous. If absent, create it by right-clicking and selecting New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name it restrictanonymous. Right-click to Modify.

4. In the Edit window, set Value data to 0 and ensure the Base is Decimal. Confirm any security prompts.
5. Restart your computer via Start menu > Power button > Restart. This should resolve the issue.

4. Enable File Sharing for Devices that Use 40- or 56-bit Encryption

For older devices using lower encryption, enabling file sharing with 40- or 56-bit encryption allows compatibility. This setting lets these devices communicate with your Windows PC, helping resolve access issues caused by encryption conflicts.

1. Launch Control Panel by searching for it using the Start menu or clicking the Search button (Cortana) on your taskbar.
2. Alternatively, use Windows Key + R, type “control.exe”, and click Run to open Control Panel.

3. Set View by to Category and click Network and Internet, then Network and Sharing Center. Select Change advanced sharing settings on the left menu.

4. Under “Change sharing options for different network profiles”, expand the All Networks section.
5. In the File sharing connections section, select Enable file sharing for devices that use 40- or 56-bit encryption.

6. Click Save changes and provide administrator permissions. Verify if the “You might not have permission to use this network resource” error persists.