NetBIOS, short for Network Basic Input/Output System, is a Windows API used when DNS is not available. It runs over TCP/IP as a fallback method and is not enabled by default. However, Microsoft provides us with an option to enable or disable NetBIOS over TCP/IP on Windows computers.
Enable or disable NetBIOS over TCP/IP on Windows 11/10
- Press the Start key, and then type Control Panel. Once it appears, click to open it.
- In the Control Panel, click on Network and Sharing Center.
- Then in the left pane, select Change adapter settings.
- Select Local Area Connection or whatever your connection name is, and right-click on Properties.
- Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
- Next, click the Advanced button, and then in the new settings box, select the WINS tab.
- Select Disable NetBIOS over TCP/IP.
- Click Apply and exit.
You will not have to restart the computer unless the OS prompts.
Disable NetBIOS on the DHCP server
- Click on the Start button > Programs >Administrative Tools, and then select DHCP.
- In the navigation pane, expand the server_name, expand Scope, right-click Scope Options, and select Configure Options.
- Select the Advanced tab, and then select the Server Name Option in the Vendor class list.
- Make sure that the Default User Class is selected in the User class list.
- Select the 001 Microsoft Disable Netbios Option check box under the Available Options column.
- In the Data entry area, type 0x2 in the Long box, and then select OK.
Note in Step 2; the server_name placeholder specifies the name of the DHCP server.
If you need more details, you can read about it on Microsoft.com.
How to disable NetBIOS over TCP/IP in Windows 11?
To disable NetBIOS over TCP/IP in Windows 11, we can use the Control Panel. You need to open the Control Panel, go to Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center, click on your network, click on Properties, then double-click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) if you are using that, click on Advanced, go to WINS tab, and tick Disable NetBIOS over TCP/IP.
Read: What is LMHOSTS file in Windows 11/10?
Is it safe to disable NetBIOS over TCP IP?
Before disabling NetBIOS over TCP/IP in a production environment, it’s crucial to conduct thorough testing. Turning off NetBT services will cause programs and services relying on NetBIOS to stop functioning. Therefore, it’s important to confirm that your clients and programs no longer need NetBIOS support before disabling it.
Also Read: Disable NetBIOS and LLMNR Protocols via GPO.
