But there can come a time when you may no longer need to share any content, or simply do not want to. In this case, Windows allows multiple ways to stop a folder from being shared and visible on your network. Learn how to create a hidden shared folder. Let us show you 6 methods to prevent a folder from being shared anymore.
How to Stop File Sharing Over the Network
From Context Menu
Here is how to stop sharing a folder using the context menu in File Explorer:
How to Stop File Sharing Over the Network From Context Menu From Folder Properties From Shared Folders/Computer Management Console From Control Panel From Command Prompt From Windows PowerShell Closing Words
The folder will now be inaccessible to others on your network.
From Folder Properties
You can also disable file sharing for the folder from its properties. Here’s how: The folder will no longer be shared on your network.
From Shared Folders/Computer Management Console
Windows comes with preinstalled Microsoft Management Consoles used to perform administrative tasks. You can use the Shared Folders Console or the Computer Management Console to stop a folder from being shared. Here is how: The folder will no longer be shared on your network.
In the case of Computer Management Console: System Tools » Shared Folders » Shared In the case of Shared Folders Console: Shared Folders » Shared
From Control Panel
Follow the given steps to prevent a folder from being shared using the Control Panel. Note that this method will prevent all files, folders, and printers from being shared from your computer. Your computer will no longer be sharing any folders. However, this also means that any printer connected to your PC won’t be able to print jobs from other computers on your network either.
From Command Prompt
If you prefer the Command Line Interface (CLI), you can stop folder sharing directly from the Command Prompt. Here is how: Note that the Command Prompt states that the folder has been deleted. However, the folder remains on your PC and has only been removed from the sharing list.
From Windows PowerShell
Perform the following steps to stop a folder from being shared using Windows PowerShell: The folder will now no longer be accessible to anyone on your network as it has been stopped from sharing.
Closing Words
The methods discussed above to stop a folder from sharing all achieve the same task. You can pick one that suits you best and manage your shared folders accordingly. We must remind you that the Control Panel prevents all folders from being shared, as well as any additional printers, scanners, or peripherals that may be connected to your computer. Therefore, only adopt that method when you want to stop all kinds of shared elements from your computer.
