How to fix Network Error code 0x800704f8 in Windows 11 24H2

 

The 0x800704F8 Network Error in Windows 11 24H2 typically stems from tightened security policies 

that block unauthenticated guest access to network shares—this is by design, 

part of Microsoft's enhanced protections

🔧 Fixing 0x800704F8

1. Use Authenticated Access (Recommended)

Instead of relying on guest access, map the share with credentials:

Open File Explorer → click This PC → then Map network drive > Connect using different credentials.

Enter a valid username and password for the remote server/NAS.

This aligns with Windows 11’s stricter SMB authentication requirements

2. Re-enable Guest Access (Lower Security – Not Recommended)

A. Via Group Policy

Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, hit Enter.

Navigate to Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Network → Lanman Workstation.

Double-click Enable insecure guest logons → set to Enabled → OK.

Restart your PC.

B. Via Registry

Press Win + R, type regedit, hit Enter.

Go to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanWorkstation\Parameters

Right-click → New → DWORD (32-bit) Value → name it AllowInsecureGuestAuth, set value to 1 (hex).

Restart the PC 

3. General Troubleshooting (If Error Persists)

Reset Windows Update components / network config:

pgsql

Copy

Edit

net stop wuauserv

net stop cryptSvc

net stop bits

net stop msiserver

Ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

Ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old

net start wuauserv

net start cryptSvc

net start bits

net start msiserver

netsh winsock reset

netsh int ip reset

ipconfig /flushdns

Then reboot

Run SFC/DISM:

cmd

Copy

Edit

sfc /scannow

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

This repairs corrupted system files 

Temporarily disable firewalls/antivirus: Third-party security suites may interfere—disable them briefly to test