In macOS 10.13.4 and later, packet signing is off by default. It was easy to switch back though, so no harm done. In my personal experience, this fix has worked out well in several cases, but I did see one case (macOS Sierra 10.12.6) where switching to SMB 1 disabled SMB connections, but AFP connections still worked. Works for macOS 10.9 to current (10.14 Mojave is current as of this writing). Download SMBconf free from MacParc to easily set the default version of SMB to use. If #2 sounds more likely, maybe your server is offering SMB v2 or SMB v3, but SMB v1 is better for your particular macOS.

You may need to disconnect & reconnect to the server, or even reboot the computer – you know, just in case. You’ll all finished! :-) Ok, try connecting to your SMB server & hopefully it is working better now than it was before. If you did not already have a nf file, an easy way is to save the new file to your desktop, then drag it into the etc folder, entering your admin password when it asks. You may need to enter your admin username & OS password. Go ahead & save, making sure you save it into the same folder it came from. If you already had a nf file, you’re ready to save. To disable packet signing & speed up your SMB server connection your nf file should have 2 lines Launch BBEdit, then drag nf to the BBEdit dock icon to open it. I like to use the free version of BBEdit to edit plain text files, Do not try to use a fancy word processor like MS Word. If you don’t have one, that’s ok, just open a new blank text document & we will get it into the right place later. If you have an nf file, this is where it will be. This will open the etc folder (usually pronounced et-see). Pull the “Go” menu to “Go to Folder” and type in /etc/Īnd press the blue Go button. There are several ways to do this, but we will just focus on one way. If you prefer a text editor over the command line, here’s another method. The Apple article (below) works for experts, but you may want more specific detailed instructions. The official Apple instructions are copied below and at the link.

Apple has changed their mind about packet signing, and as of macOS 13.13.4 it is disabled by default. Or you may use a plain text editor (such as BBEdit). If you are comfortable at the command line, give it a go. (linked & copied below) It seems that macOS 10.9 to 10.13.3 (IIRC) default to SMB packet signing enabled which considerably slows the data and is generally not necessary for internal networks. #1 Fix: If a slow server connection is your problem, Apple has a documented resolution. (click here to Skip over #1 & keep reading) OrĢ) Your connection to the SMB server is unreliable. There are TWO important possible symptoms & causes you may want to investigate.ġ) Your connection to the SMB server is slow.

If you’re seeing problems with Macs connecting to SMB servers you are not alone.

Macos smb