All Microsoft Windows operating systems Windows 95 and newer contain built in support for File and Printer Sharing. This networking feature is particularly useful on home networks but can be a security concern on public networks. Follow these instructions to either enable or disable Windows file and printer sharing.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 1 minute
Here's How:
- Open Control Panel from the Start Menu or Windows desktop.
- On Windows XP or Windows 2000, open the "Network Connections" Control Panel applet. On Windows 95 | 98 | ME, open the "Network" applet.
- On Windows XP or Windows 2000, choose the connection on which to enable / disable sharing. View the properties for this connection by right-clicking on the icon and choosing "Properties" from the menu. If the connection is a dial-up connection, click the Networking tab to view its properties.
On Windows 95 | 98 | ME, simply click the "File and Print Sharing" option inside the "Network" window. - On Windows XP or Windows 2000, ensure the "File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Windows" checkbox is checked to enable sharing and unchecked to disable sharing for that connection. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 to check this setting for other connections.
On Windows 95 | 98 | ME, file and printer sharing can be enabled / disabled separately. Ensure the respective checkboxes are set to enable / disable sharing as desired. - Close the open properties / Network windows and Control Panel. On Windows 95 | 98 | ME, reboot the computer if prompted to do so.
Tips:
- Consider disabling Windows File and Printer Sharing when connected to public networks for improved security.
What You Need
- Computer running Windows 95 or newer with at least one network connection set up
