Configure Sharing and Discovery in Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2
Applies To: Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 7
You can use this procedure to configure specific sharing and discovery options for each network profile that you use on your computer. Following are the three network profile types that might be available for you to configure in Network and Sharing Center:
Home or Work. Configure this profile for networks that have a network location of Home or Work. This profile and network location should be used only in circumstances where you trust all of the computers on the network.
Public. Configure this profile for networks that have a network location of Public. This profile and network location should be used for all networks that include computers that you do not own or trust, such as public networks at coffee shops and airports.
Domain. Configure this profile for networks that have a network location of Domain. This profile and network location should be used and is available only for network connections that connect to a domain.
After you select a network profile to configure, there are multiple options that you can modify. The following table displays the options that are available for each network profile.
| Option below is available on: | Home or Work | Public | Domain |
|---|---|---|---|
Network discovery |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
File and printer sharing |
Yes; printer sharing available only if a printer is connected |
Yes; printer sharing available only if a printer is connected |
Yes; printer sharing available only if a printer is connected |
Public folder sharing |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Media streaming |
Yes for Windows 7 only |
Yes for Windows 7 only |
Yes for Windows 7 only |
File sharing connections |
Yes for Windows 7 only |
Yes for Windows 7 only |
Yes for Windows 7 only |
HomeGroup connections |
Yes for Windows 7 only |
No |
No |
Password protected sharing |
Yes for Windows Server 2008 R2 only |
Yes for Windows Server 2008 R2 only |
Yes for Windows Server 2008 R2 only |
Membership in the local Administrators group, or equivalent, is the minimum required to complete this procedure.
To configure sharing and discovery options for network profiles
In the Network and Sharing Center left pane, click Change advanced sharing settings. The Advanced sharing settings folder opens.
In Advanced sharing settings, in Change sharing options for different network profiles, click the arrow next to the network profile that you want to configure, and then select the options that you prefer.
See Also
Concepts
Manage Network Discovery, File and Printer Sharing
Administer Network and Sharing Center