How to Disable File & Printer Sharing Windows in XP

Stop other users from accessing your printer by disabling sharing in Windows XP.

Enabling printer and file sharing on your computer allows other users on a local network to access the files on your PC and use your printer. If you want to keep your documents private, or stop people from using your printer, then you can disable printer and file sharing on Microsoft Windows XP by changing the settings in the computer's "Control Panel."

Instructions

1. Click "Start" on the computer desktop taskbar.

2. Click "Settings" and then click "Control Panel."

3. Click "Network Connections" in the "Control Panel" window.

4. Right-click the network that you want to change. On most home computers only the local network will be listed.

5. Select "Properties" from the context menu.

6. Click the check-box beside "File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks" to deselect this option. Click "OK" to save the changes.

Tips & Warnings

• Warn other users on the network that you've disabled printer and file sharing.

References

• The University of Texas at Austin: Information Security Office: Disabling File and Print Sharing

Resources

• Microsoft Windows XP: Help & How-To