What is Simple File Sharing and How to Turn It Off

Yes it’s easy but also unsafe

Simple File Sharing is a feature built into Windows that makes it very easy toshare files and folders with other computers on your local network. It’s so simple that it’s pretty unsafe too. If you share a folder, everyone can access it, and there are no permissions and no passwords to restrict access to the shared folder.

If you are running Windows XP Home Edition, this is the only option you have for sharing files. Windows XP Professional users can share files and folders with much more security. To share a folder using Simple File Sharing, right-click on a folder and chooseSharing and Security.

If it’s the first time you are setting up sharing on your computer, you will be asked to either use the wizard or justEnable File Sharing. I would only use the wizard if you are not running Service Pack 2 or above because the wizard will just enable the Firewall to protect your computer from being accessed via the Internet.

Finally, you’ll be able to chooseShare this folderon the network and give your share a name.

By default, users can read, write, and delete the files you are sharing. If you only want them to be able to read the files, uncheckAllow network users to change my files.

If you have a Windows XP Professional computer that is not joined to a domain, then Simple File Sharing will be turned on. You can turn it off and use the advanced file sharing features, such as NTFS file permissions.

Go toMy Computerand click onToolsand thenFolder Options.

Click on theViewtab and then scroll all the way to the bottom of the list until you see the checkboxUse Simple File Sharing (recommended).

Go ahead and un-check the box and now when you go to the Sharing and Security tab for a folder, you will see advanced share options and theSecuritytab, which lets you configure NTFS permissions.

Founder of Help Desk Geek and managing editor. He began blogging in 2007 and quit his job in 2010 to blog full-time. He has over 15 years of industry experience in IT and holds several technical certifications.Read Aseem’s Full Bio

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What is Simple File Sharing and How to Turn It Off#