How to Enable/Disable File and Printer Sharing on Windows 10

Windows 10 gives us an option to Enable/Disable File and Printer Sharing. This is an operational feature that allows multiple other users belonging to the same network copy data and work with the printer. Such sort of networking characteristic is handy for any home networks. But when it comes to public networks, then the security of the data is always a concern.

There are four methods to either enable or disable this specific feature. They are through - Command Prompt, Microsoft Network, Power Shell or Control Panel. Therefore, in this case, you may always try to use any of the methods to change the settings as per your needs and requirements.

This guide will take you a walk through the entire process.

How to Enable/Disable File and Printer Sharing on Windows 10

Method 1 - Through Command Prompt

Step 1 - Type Command Prompt in the Cortana text field. Right tap on the result in the Best match section. Now hit on Run as Administrator out of the options available.

Enable File and Printer Sharing
Step 2 - Either type or copy and paste the piece of data in the black panel of the Command Prompt.

netsh advfirewall firewall set rule group="File and Printer Sharing" new enable=Yes



Step 3 - Now enable the same option using the Control Panel manually.

For detailed instructions go through method 2.

Disable File and Printer Sharing
Step 4 - Enter the underneath command in the text field of the Command Prompt.

netsh advfirewall firewall set rule group="File and Printer Sharing" new enable=No



Now close the Command Prompt as your choice is registered.

Method 2 - Via Microsoft Network

Step 1 - Type Control Panel in the Cortana text field and launch the same. Now look for Network and Sharing Center in the options and hit on it.



Step 2 - Now tap on the Change Adapter Settings link on the left of the screen.



Step 3 - Now locate your current network and input a right tap on it. Out of all the options hit on the Properties.



Step 4 - Here locate File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks.

Enable File and Printer Sharing
Step 5 - Check the box to enable it.



Disable File and Printer Sharing
Step 6 - To disable it uncheck the box.



Method 3 - With Power Shell

Step 1 - Type Power Shell in the Cortana text field. Right tap on the result in the Best match section. Now hit on Run as Administrator out of the options available.

Enable File and Printer Sharing
For all Network Profiles

Step 2 - Either type or copy and paste the data below.

Set-NetFirewallRule -DisplayGroup "File And Printer Sharing" -Enabled True



For Private Profiles

Step 3 - Copy, paste the data to enable for private networks.

Set-NetFirewallRule -DisplayGroup "File And Printer Sharing" -Enabled True -Profile Private



For Public Profiles

Step 4 - Copy, paste the data to enable for public networks.

Set-NetFirewallRule -DisplayGroup "File And Printer Sharing" -Enabled True -Profile Public



Disable File and Printer Sharing
For all Network Profiles

Step 5 - Enter the given data in the Powershell to disable the feature.

Set-NetFirewallRule -DisplayGroup "File And Printer Sharing" -Enabled False



Step 6 - Copy, paste the data to enable for private networks.

Set-NetFirewallRule -DisplayGroup "File And Printer Sharing" -Enabled False -Profile Private



Step 7 - Copy, paste the data to enable for public networks.

Set-NetFirewallRule -DisplayGroup "File And Printer Sharing" -Enabled False -Profile Public



Method 4 - With Control Panel

Step 1 - Type Control Panel in the search text field and launch the same. Now look for Network and Sharing Center in the options and hit on it.


Step 2 - Now tap on the Change Advanced Sharing Settings link.



Step 3 - Look out for File and Printer Sharing option.

Enable File and Printer Sharing
Step 4 - Hit on Turn on File and Printer sharing option.



Disable File and Printer Sharing
Step 5 - Hit on Turn off File and Printer sharing option.



Conclusion
Thus you see that all of these above mentioned methods are very pretty simple for any user. Either of the four methods can Enable/Disable File and Printer Sharing on Windows 10. This will help you to retain the privacy of your device.


***URL Removed by site staff.***