How To Hide a Windows Computer in a Network?

Yesterday, Ian Bedford asked me if he could make his Windows 11 desktop PC invisible in a network. Ian, a supermarket owner, is a client of CoreNetworkZ Tech Solutions.

I made his Windows 11 desktop PC invisible to other devices in his network by turning off the network discovery and file sharing.

I understand that some readers of CoreNetworkZ might be interested in keeping their laptops invisible in a network. It is one way to secure your device while connecting to a public WiFi.

This article explains the steps I followed to hide Ian's Windows 11 PC from other network devices.

The answer is yes. Let me explain how.

If you don't want other network computers to find your Windows PC, turn off the Network Discovery on your computer.

Network discovery is a Windows feature that lets your PC see other devices on the LAN and let others see your PC. If you turn off network discovery on your PC, you will be invisible to other devices on the LAN.

Ian Bedford was happy but curious whether the changes had any drawbacks.

Yes, it has a downside. That computer will not find any other devices on the LAN. But if you are OK with being invisible and ready not to be detected by others, proceed further.

Here, I will explain how to turn off the Windows Network Discovery and File Sharing to hide a PC from others in the same network.

1. Go to Control Panel

2. View Control Panel icons by Large icons.

   

   Click on Network and Sharing Center.

3. Click on Change advanced sharing settings.

   

4. Check Turn off Network discovery under the current profile.

   

After selecting the radio button to turn off the network discovery, others will not see your laptop. It may make file and printer sharing difficult between you and another device.

The reason is simple. You are invisible to them.

So, I do not recommend keeping your PC invisible in a home network (if you believe the network is safe). File sharing is difficult over a LAN with an invisible PC.

However, I recommend you keep your device invisible in an unsecured public network.