How to Enable or Disable File and Printer Sharing in Windows

Microsoft has been supporting printer and file sharing since the launch of Windows 95. The feature associated with networking is very much useful on networks widely used at homes. However, it can cause issues and become a security threat to public networks. If you want to enable the feature to share files and access the printer, then you should also know to disable it. You can follow the below-given instructions to enabling and disabling the feature along with sharing printer in Windows:-

Note: The instructions given below apply to Windows 8, 10, 7, XP and Vista. Moreover, the users find a slight difference in the process to enable and disable along with sharing printers in !indows 10, 8 and 7.

Enable or disable File and Printer Sharing in Windows 7, 8 and 10.

• First of all, search for the Control panel and open it.
• You can press the Win+R keys in the combination to type Control and press down Enter.
• It will launch the dialog box  Run to launch the Control panel further.
• Choose Network & the Internet in the Control Panel.
• If you have view-only icons of Control Panel applets, then search for the Network & Sharing Center section.
• Select the option Change advanced sharing settings while moving to the left side.

Here, you will get the list of several networks you are using currently. If you are willing to share the printer and disable the file, then launch the specific section. Otherwise, select another section.

• Search for section File and Printer Sharing of that network file and customize it.
• Choose either Turn off file and printer sharing or Turn on file & printer sharing.

You may also find some other options here that may include options for network discovery, public folder sharing, file sharing encryption and HomeGroup.

• Select Save changes and click on it.

Tip: The above-given steps will help the users to exercise more control over printer sharing and file. Also, the users can enable or disable the specific feature while opening the Control Panel. Then, they will need to go to the Network & Internet section and then go to Network Connections. Further, the users will need to right-click on the option of Network connections and move into the section Properties. After that, you will need to click on the tab appearing as networking. Further, click on either check the File and Printer Sharing for  Microsoft Networks or uncheck it.

Enabling or Disabling File and Printer Sharing in Windows XP and Vista

• The users will need to launch the Control Panel and then tap on Network & Internet in Vista.
• Then, You can choose Network and Internet connections in XP.
• Now, you will need to click on the Network & Sharing Center while going to Windows Vista.
• Click on Network Connections while going to Windows XP.
• Now, you will need to go to the left side and then select Manage network connections.
• Go to the connection that has file sharing and printer turned on or off.
• Then, after choosing Properties, you will need to click on it.
• In Vista, go to the Networking tab or go to General in Windows XP.
• Either check or uncheck Printer Sharing and File for Microsoft Networks.
• Tap OK and save the changes that have taken place.

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Source: https://brownpilot.com/blog/how-to-enable-or-disable-file-and-printer-sharing-in-windows/