How to Turn On or Off File and Printer Sharing in Windows 11
This guide will help you easily turn on or off sharing files and printers on your Windows 11 computer.
Open Settings, navigate to Network & internet, then Advanced network settings, and finally Advanced sharing settings. Expand Private or Public networks and toggle File and printer sharing On or Off for your desired network type.
What is File and Printer Sharing?
File and printer sharing lets your computer share files, folders, or printers with other computers connected to the same network.
- File sharing: Lets others on your network see, copy, or change files in a shared folder.
- Printer sharing: Lets others use a printer connected to your computer.
Windows uses different network types: Domain, Private, and Public. You can choose to turn sharing on or off for each type separately.
Note: You need to be signed in as an administrator to change these settings.
Option 1Turn File and Printer Sharing On or Off Using Windows Settings
- Press Win + I on your keyboard to open Settings.
- Click Network & internet on the left side.
- On the right, click Advanced network settings.
- Click Advanced sharing settings.
Open Advanced sharing settings directly
- Click the arrows next to Private networks and/or Public networks to expand each section.
- Turn File and printer sharing On or Off for each network type as you wish.
By default, file and printer sharing is on for private networks, and off for public networks (to keep you safer).
Once done, you can close the Settings window.
Option 2Turn File and Printer Sharing On or Off Using PowerShell
This option is for users who are comfortable using commands.
- Right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin).
- Make sure you are in the Windows PowerShell tab.
To Turn On File and Printer Sharing
Copy and paste one of the commands below, then press Enter. Choose the command based on which network profile you want to change:
- All network profiles:PowerShell
Get-NetFirewallRule -Group '*-28502*' | Where-Object 'Profile' -Match 'Any' | Set-NetFirewallRule -Enabled 'True' - Domain network:PowerShell
Get-NetFirewallRule -Group '*-28502*' | Where-Object 'Profile' -Match 'Domain' | Set-NetFirewallRule -Enabled 'True' - Private network:PowerShell
Get-NetFirewallRule -Group '*-28502*' | Where-Object 'Profile' -Match 'Private' | Set-NetFirewallRule -Enabled 'True' - Public network:PowerShell
Get-NetFirewallRule -Group '*-28502*' | Where-Object 'Profile' -Match 'Public' | Set-NetFirewallRule -Enabled 'True'
To Turn Off File and Printer Sharing
Copy and paste one of the commands below, then press Enter. Choose the command based on which network profile you want to change:
- All network profiles:PowerShell
Get-NetFirewallRule -Group '*-28502*' | Where-Object 'Profile' -Match 'Any' | Set-NetFirewallRule -Enabled 'False' - Domain network:PowerShell
Get-NetFirewallRule -Group '*-28502*' | Where-Object 'Profile' -Match 'Domain' | Set-NetFirewallRule -Enabled 'False' - Private network:PowerShell
Get-NetFirewallRule -Group '*-28502*' | Where-Object 'Profile' -Match 'Private' | Set-NetFirewallRule -Enabled 'False' - Public network:PowerShell
Get-NetFirewallRule -Group '*-28502*' | Where-Object 'Profile' -Match 'Public' | Set-NetFirewallRule -Enabled 'False'
When finished, you can close PowerShell.
Summary
- File and printer sharing lets you share files and printers with other devices on your network.
- You can control sharing separately for different network types: Domain, Private, and Public.
- You can use the easy Settings app or PowerShell commands if you prefer.
- Make sure you are signed in as an administrator before changing these settings.
- Knowing how to manage sharing helps keep your network safe and useful.
Does 🪟 Windows 11 support file and printer sharing?
Hi Bill, yes, you can share files directly between your Windows 11 Pro desktop and laptop if both are on the same network. Go to Settings, then Network and Internet, then Advanced sharing settings. Turn on network discovery and file and printer sharing.
Should I turn off file and printer sharing?
Also, with remote access a malicious individual can use your computer to spread viruses or even become a launching pad for attacks on other computers or networks. A much better security practice is to remove File and Print Sharing.
How do I enable file and printer sharing on Windows?
Select the Start button, then select Settings > Network & internet , and on the right side, select Sharing options. Under Private, select Turn on Network discovery and Turn on file and printer sharing.
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Richard
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Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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