Windows 10: Android app (VLC) can't access Shared Folder

I 'm trying to give VLC app, access to a Shared Windows Pc Folder (SMB Protocol) but I haven't sort it out so far.
The app connects to the Network, sees the Shared Folder (-----SHARED-----) but it can't open it.
Although password protected sharing is off, VLC keeps asking me for username and password.
Also, for some unknown reason the Folder seems Empty although it isn't (App Screenshot 3).
Am I missing something?
I have asked in the VLC community (no answer yet) but I think that 99% it's a Windows thing, that's why I am also asking here.
Thank you!



My setup
Media player: Xiaomi Mi Box S (MIBOX4)
Android 9
VLC 3.3.4
Pc: Win 10 Pro, ver.1909, build 18363.1316

My Windows settings














Screenshots from the app












:)

 

How to enable access to a win10 shared folder from android VLC?

Let's say I have this H:\Films directory that I should like to have access to from my mobile (android) VLC player.

On Win 10, I created a local user, stream and created a password for it.

Then I went into the Network & Sharing Center and made sure that Turn on file and printer sharing was selected in both, private and guest or public (current profile) and that turn on password protected sharing was on in all networks (with an 128bit encryption).

Next I go to the H:\Films directory's properties and under advanced sharing select share this folder then in permissions, remove "Everyone" and instead add read access for the stream user only.

Alright, according to windows, this folder should now be accessible on \\MY_COMPUTER\Films.

I open up VLC on android and select the Local Network tab.

MY_COMPUTER shows up as an smb folder.

I click on it, expecting to be asked for credentials as is the case for other smb servers ... except I'm not being asked. There's just this circular loading icon spinning ad infinitum.

Tried with the windows firewall turned off, didn't make a difference.

Tried with full access to the folder for everyone, didn't make a difference.

How do I allow VLC to connect to this folder?

 

Sharing folders over network - access denied

Hello,

To troubleshoot your concern with sharing files over the network using your Windows 10 device, we suggest that you run the Shared folders troubleshooter and check if it helps. Kindly refer to the steps below:

• Type in Troubleshooting in the search box and press
  Enter.
• Click View all.
• Click Shared Folders.
• Click Next and follow on-screen instructions.

Hope it helps.

 

Cannot access shared network drive


Personally, I wouldnt use Everyone. If anyone hacks into you, they have full access to everything and can demolish everything on your raid. I would rather set up accounts and access separately for each person. That way, I know who did all that damage. In the end with a little extra work, I feel more secure by using Authenticated Users.


If this helps.
step 1 create non-microsoft account and without email and address without admin rights
step 2 share a drive or folder to specific user account (if Everyone is listed, remove it)
step 3 set security > add Authenticated Users (if more than 1 account) or add specific users
step 3a remove Everyone from list
step 3b uncheck full control and write for all items listed except SYSTEM and Admin account.
step 4 right click Start > Computer Management > System Tools > Shared Folders > Shares ... to verify settings and change anything else. You can also see the number of connections to each share here.