While SMB3.1.1 POSIX extensions already provide Linux kernel mounts with a secure alternative to NFS, desktop environments such as GNOME have so far relied on user-space solutions like libsmbclient and GNOME VFS, leaving significant potential untapped.

This talk explores how enabling support for SMB3.1.1 POSIX extensions in the GNOME desktop stack can transform remote file access for Linux users: bringing higher performance, improved compatibility, and advanced security features to daily workflows. We will dive into the relevant layers between the GNOME desktop and a modern SMB3.1.1 server, share recent development progress, and outline concrete steps toward a more robust and feature-complete remote SMB experience in GNOME.