How to Create a Samba Public Share on Ubuntu 24.04

This article explains how to install and create a Samba public share where everyone has full access with no authentication on Ubuntu 24.04.

Samba is an open-source software suite allowing for file and print sharing between computers running Linux/Unix and Windows. It uses the SMB/CIFS protocol, a network file-sharing protocol used by Windows to provide shared access to files and printers across a network.

When you set up Samba, you can create different types of shares. You can create a public share with full access where anybody can read and write without requiring authentication.

Install Samba

To use Samba on Ubuntu, you must install its packages. It is not available on Ubuntu by default.

Run the command below to install Samba.

sudo apt update
sudo apt install samba

Create a share folder

After installing Samba, create the folder you wish to share with everyone. If you have an existing folder, then skip this section.

The folder (share) below will be a fully public share with everyone having access without requiring authentication.

sudo mkdir /home/share
sudo chmod 777 /home/share

Configure Samba

Now that Samba is installed and a share has been created, continue configuring Samba below.

Samba default configuration file is at [/etc/samba/smb.conf].

First, create a backup before editing it.

sudo cp /etc/samba/smb.conf /etc/samba/smb.conf.bak

Then edit the file and adjust the highlighted settings below.

sudo nano /etc/samba/smb.conf

Adjust the settings below.

#======================= Global Settings =======================

[global]

# Change this to the workgroup/NT-domain name your Samba server will part of
   workgroup = WORKGROUP

# server string is the equivalent of the NT Description field
   server string = %h server (Samba, Ubuntu)

#### Networking ####

# Uncomment and add your interface name
   
  interfaces = 127.0.0.0/8 ens33

# Uncomment this to bind to the named interfaces and/or networks

  bind interfaces only = yes


####### Authentication ####### 
#
# This option controls how unsuccessful authentication attempts are mapped
# to anonymous connections
   
  map to guest = bad user

#======================= Share Definitions =======================
#
# Under share definitions, create your share with the folder above.

[Share]
   # specify shared directory
   path = /home/share
   # allow all to write
   writable = yes
   # allow guest user (nobody)
   guest ok = yes
   # consider all as guest
   guest only = yes
   # set all new files to public
   force create mode = 777
   # set all new folers to public
   force directory mode = 777 

Save and exit the file.

Restart Samba.

sudo systemctl restart smbd

Samba share is created. Users on the same network should be able to browse and locate the shared folder.

Map Samba shares on Windows

Windows users can map the shares using the ‘Map network drives‘ wizard.

Right-click the Network folder in File Explorer and select “Map network drives.”

Enter the server name followed by the share name.

\\srv1.example.com\share

When prompted, enter your account that lives on the Ubuntu server.

After that, the share should be mapped to your Windows machine.

The latest version of Windows 11 will block unauthenticated guest access by default. A workaround is below to allow authenticated guest access.

Microsoft document:

• Select Start, type gpedit.msc, and select Edit group policy.
• In the left pane under Local Computer Policy, navigate to Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Network\Lanman Workstation.
• Open Enable insecure guest logons, select Enabled, then select OK.

Disable SMB signing as well.

Microsoft document:

Open the Local Group Policy editor.

Expand Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Policies and select Security Options.

Then, select “Microsoft network client: Digitally sign communication (always)” and disable it.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

Setting up a Samba public share on Ubuntu 24.04 allows for seamless file and print sharing across your network. Here are the key points to remember:

• Samba Installation: Ensure Samba is installed to enable sharing capabilities.
• Folder Creation: Create and set permissions for a public share directory.
• Configuration: Modify the Samba configuration file to establish guest access and appropriate permissions.
• Restart Service: Always restart the Samba service after making configuration changes.
• Windows Mapping: Windows users can easily map the shares but may need to enable guest access settings due to security features.
• Security Considerations: Be aware of potential security implications when allowing unauthenticated guest access.

With these steps, your Samba share will be ready for use, offering a convenient solution for file sharing within your network.