How to Turn Off Network Sharing on Windows

This updated guide examines How to Turn Off Network Sharing on Windows and organizes the essential facts, background, and practical takeaways in clear American English.

Method 1of 2:

Disabling Network File Sharing

1. Press⊞Win+S. This opens the Windows search bar.
   • Use this method to prevent other people on your network from accessing the files on your computer.
2. Typecontrol panel. A list of results will appear.
3. ClickControl Panel.
4. ClickNetwork and Sharing Center.
5. ClickChange advanced sharing settings. It's the third link from the top of the left column.
6. Click the network profile that says '(current profile)' at the end. This ensures that you're changing the sharing settings for your current connection. You'll see '(current profile)' next to one of the following options:
   • Private: This is for your private connections, such as when you're on your home network.
   • Guest or public: When you're connected to Wi-Fi in a public location, whether or not you have to enter a Wi-Fi password to log in.
7. SelectTurn off file and printer sharing. A dot will appear in its corresponding circle. This means the item is selected.
8. ClickSave changes. It's the button at the bottom of the screen. You have disabled file sharing for the current connection.
   • To disable file sharing for the other connection type (the profile you're not logged into right now), click Changed advanced sharing settings again, click the other network profile, then select Turn off file and printer sharing . Remember to click Save changes when you're finished.

Method 2of 2:

Disabling Internet Connection Sharing

1. Press⊞Win+S. This opens the Windows search bar.
   • This method will prevent other people on your Windows network from sharing your computer's internet connection.
2. Typecontrol panel. A list of results will appear.
3. ClickControl Panel.
4. ClickNetwork and Sharing Center. You'll see your current connection under the 'View your active networks' header at the top of the main panel. Remember the name of the connection, as you'll need it in a moment.
5. ClickChange adapter settings. It's the second link from the top of the left column. This opens a list of your saved network connections.
6. Right-click your current connection. Look for the name that matches the one you noted a moment ago. A pop-up menu will appear.
7. ClickProperties. The connection properties dialog window will appear.
8. Click theSharingtab. It's near the top of the dialog window.
   • If theSharingtab is not present, it means you only have one network adapter enabled. You need to enable at least one more temporarily.
9. Remove the check mark from 'Allow other network users to connect through this computer's internet connection. ' Clicking the box once should remove the check mark.
   • If the box was already empty, you don't need to make any changes.
10. ClickOK. It's at the bottom of the dialog window. Now that you've turned off connection sharing, nobody else on your network can connect to the internet through this computer's connection.