How-To Disable Sharing In Windows 7

Heading out of the house and going to an unknown or public network?  When you’re on the go and always using public WiFi or other sources of Internet access there is a chance your computer could be at risk.  Most of the time your built-in firewall should protect you. However, I’ve always believed in “layered” security so let’s lock down the system a bit before that next sip of java!

How To Disable File Sharing And Network Discovery In Windows 7

Step 1

Click the Windows Start Menu Orb, and Type advanced sharing into the search box, then Press Enter or Click the Manage advanced sharing settings program link.

Step 2

In the advanced sharing settings window, there are a few different settings to change.  Depending on which type of connection you want to change them for, you’ll need to select whether it is a “Home or Work” or a Public connection.  If you are unsure, the network profile you are using right now is your “current profile.”

Mark the bubble for the following settings:

• Turn off network discovery
• Turn off file and printer sharing
• Turn off Public folder sharing

Once you’ve done this be sure to Click Save Changes or they won’t take effect.

Now you’re practically invisible to other computers on the network.  Of course, you’re never 100% safe. However, one more layer has been thrown up between your data and the villain.  Groovy Baby!