Enable or Disable File and Printer Sharing in Windows 10

Enable or Disable File and Printer Sharing in Windows:

Microsoft has supported file and printer sharing from Windows 95. On private networks, this networking capability is quite helpful, but it poses a security risk on public wifi.

If you want to share files as well as printers that connect directly to your network, the instructions for doing so are below. If that worries you, you can also use them to turn off printing and file sharing.

Pay particular attention to differences that are noted while Enable or Disable File and Printer Sharing in Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, as well as Windows XP.

File and Printer Sharing Settings for Windows 10, 8, and 7

Switch to the Control Panel. The fastest way is to use the Win + R keyboard shortcut to launch the Run dialogue box, type command control, and afterward hit Enter.

• If you're seeing the Control Panel sections, choose Network or Internet. If you're only seeing Control Panel applet icons, move on to Step 3.
• Open the Sharing and Networking Center.
• Select Change advanced sharing settings within the left pane.

These would be the various networks you are currently utilizing. Open that section if you wish to turn off file and printer sharing on the public network. If not, choose another one.

Select Turn on file as well as printer sharing or Turn off printer and file sharing within the network profile's File and Printer Sharing area.

File and Printer Sharing in Windows Vista and XP can be Turned On or Off

Step 1: Launch the Control Panel.

Step 2: If you're in group view and notice the Control Panel applet icons, move onto the Step 3 and select Internet and network (Vista) as well as Network as well as Internet Connections (XP).

Step 3: Select the Network and Sharing Center in Windows Vista.

Step 4: Select Internet Connection on Windows XP before moving on to Step 5.

Step 5: Select Manage internet access in the left pane.

Step 6: To turn on or off file and printer share, right-click the selected connections and to choose Properties.

Step 7: Check as well as uncheck the box next to File and Print Server for Microsoft Networks within Connection's properties under the Networking (Vista) as well as General (XP) tab.

Step 8: To save the edits, select OK.