How to Stop Sharing Folders

Shared files and folders in Windows 7 are shared with users on your network. Networked computers have access to shared folders and may be able to access and change the contents of any shared item. When you turn off folder sharing on your computer, you prevent access to folders on your computer, even if the folders are already marked as shared.

• 1

  Click the "Start" button and select "Control Panel," located on the right column of the "Start" menu.

• 2

  Click "Network and Internet" in the "Control Panel" to open the "Network and Internet" panel. Open the "Network and Sharing Center."

• 3

  Select "Change Advanced Sharing Settings" in the left panel of the "Network and Sharing Center" window. Click the arrow to expand your current network profile.

• 4

  Click the option to turn off file and printer sharing under the "File and Printer Sharing" header. Select the option to turn off public folder sharing under the "Public Folder Sharing" header.

• 5

  Press "Save Changes" at the bottom of the "Advanced Sharing Settings" screen to apply and save your file sharing configuration. Type your administrator password or allow the action, if User Account Control is active on your system.