In Windows, how do I turn off file and printer sharing?

Turning off file and printer sharing prevents others from accessing your files or your printer. Protecting your files is particularly important if you use your laptop for wireless access on a network that allows unencrypted traffic. To disable file and printer sharing, see the relevant section below.

Windows 7

1. From the Start menu, select Control Panel.
   
   
2. Click Network and Sharing.
   
   
3. In the left-hand panel, click Change advanced sharing settings.
   
   
4. Select the radio buttons for Turn off file and printer sharing in each of the three sections.

Windows Vista

1. From the Start menu, select Control Panel.
   
   
2. Click Network and Internet and then Network and Sharing Center.
   
   
3. Next to both "File sharing" and "Printer sharing", click the arrow at the far right and select the radio button to turn off each service.

Windows XP

1. From the Start menu, select Control Panel. On the left side of the window, click Switch to Classic View, and then look on the right side for the Network Connections icon and double-click it. (If you are already in Classic View, from the Start menu, select Settings, and then Control Panel.)
   
   
2. Right-click the icon for your wireless connection and select Properties. (This icon may be labeled IU Wireless or something similar.)
   
   
3. In the area below "This connection uses the following items:", look for a checkbox labeled File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks. If it's checked, click to uncheck it and click OK.

   If you don't see this checkbox, File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks is not installed and you don't need to disable it.

4. Repeat steps 2-3 for any other connections you have set up.

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