How to Hide a Computer From the Other Computers on the Network
By Daniel Hatter
To prevent computers and devices on networks you connect to from being able to see your computer, you need to disable the network discovery setting. Network discovery enables your computer to be accessible on other network computers, and though this can be useful in home networks you should always disable it when you're on a public, untrusted network. Once you've disabled network discovery, your computer will be hidden from any other computers and devices on the network.
Step 1
Right-click the network or Wi-Fi icon in the system tray area of the Windows taskbar and select "Open Network and Sharing Center."
Step 2
Click the "Change advanced sharing settings" link in the left pane.
Step 3
Select the "Turn off network discovery" option. The "Turn on network discovery" option is deselected automatically.
Step 4
Click the "Save changes" button. Confirm the operation or type in your administrator password, if prompted.
References
Tips
- When you first connect to a network in Windows 8, select the "No, don't turn on sharing or connect to devices" option that appears; this selection disables network discovery. If you didn't select this setting when you connected to a network, follow the steps above to manually disable network discovery.
Warnings
- Information in this article applies to Windows 8. It may vary slightly or significantly in other Windows versions.
Writer Bio
Daniel Hatter began writing professionally in 2008. His writing focuses on topics in computers, Web design, software development and technology. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in media and game development and information technology at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.