Microsoft is removing support for the SMBv1 protocol from Windows 11 Home Edition, and all Windows desktop and server versions no longer support this insecure legacy protocol.
The SMBv1 protocol is a very old transport protocol that was used by WannaCry to spread and infect millions of computers. Windows Server as early as 2017’s Windows 10 Fall Creators Update no longer has the SMBv1 service installed. Enterprise editions also do not include this service. However, the Home and Pro versions still retain SMBv1 in Windows 10.
However, even in Windows 10 Home and Pro versions, if there is no external SMBv1 connection within 15 days of Windows booting, Windows will automatically remove SMBv1. In Windows 10 1809, Microsoft no longer installs SMBv1 for the Pro version.
The Windows 11 Home beta released on the Insider Dev channel also no longer installs SMBv1. This means that Windows 11 Insiders no longer boot SMBv1 by default. That is, subsequent major versions of Windows 11 will not enable SMBv1 by default. However, devices upgraded from Windows 10 will not be affected, and can also actively download and install SMBv1.
According to Microsoft’s statement, Windows 11 will remove the SMBv1 binary, and both client and server versions will no longer have built-in SMBv1 drivers and DLLs. However, Microsoft will still release installation kits for enterprises or users who need SMB1 for connecting to legacy medical equipment, factory equipment, or consumer NAS.
