Thanks for your help @Ukrnet.
I can confirm that the Samsung Magician dashboard does load when I enable the Server (LanmanServer) Service.
However, for me this is not a reasonable solution and here is why:
1) Samsung have developed their own Windows Service "SamsungMagicianSVC" but still require the additional "Optional" windows service (LanmanServer) without stating that there is a dependency on this service in the installation guide.
2) The Server service IS OPTIONAL, simply because I CAN disable it and on a workstation it seems perfectly reasonable to do so. None of my other applications have been adversely affected by me disabling the Server service.
3) Samsung have not stated why this OPTIONAL service is needed.
4) This is Windows description of the Server service:
"Supports file, print, and named-pipe sharing over the network for this computer. If this service is stopped, these functions will be unavailable. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start."
The description of the service implies that it is required for providing access to information over the network. I don't see why my stand-alone workstation should act as a server to share information about my storage over the network.
5) Lastly, I purposefully disabled the Server (LanmanServer) service to implement the Centre for Internet Security (CIS) Benchmark for Microsoft Windows 11 (Stand-alone) v3.0.0 - 05-24-2024. This is an extract of the benchmark and I have underlined the areas of concern:
"5.26 (L2) Ensure 'Server (LanmanServer)' is set to 'Disabled' (Automated)...
Rationale:
In a high security environment, a secure workstation should only be a client, not a server. Sharing workstation resources for remote access increases security risk as the attack surface is notably higher.
Impact:
File, print and named-pipe sharing functions will be unavailable from this machine over the network.
Note: Many remote administration tools, such as System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM), require the Server service to be operational for remote management. In addition, many vulnerability scanners use this service to scan the file system remotely."...
Note the repeated mention of remote access / remote management.
It would be great if someone at Samsung would comment.
I will not be installing Samsung Magician on any of my workstations if it requires me to make them vulnerable to remote access.
