How to stop sharing network folder on Windows 10

You can stop sharing any folder on Windows 10 using File Explorer, Computer Management, and Command Prompt, and here's how to do it.

Stop sharing a folder on Windows 10
Stop sharing a folder on Windows 10

On Windows 10, sharing a folder in the network is a great way to share files with other users instead of emailing files back and forth or using a USB flash drive.

However, the day may come when you need to stop sharing a folder for various reasons. Whatever the situation, Windows 10 includes at least three ways to quickly stop sharing folders using File Explorer, Computer Management, and Command Prompt.

This guide will teach you the steps to stop sharing a network folder on Windows 10.

Stop sharing network folders from File Explorer

To stop sharing a network folder, use these steps:

  1. Open File Explorer.

  2. Browse to the folder location.

  3. Right-click the folder, select the “Give access to” submenu, and select the Remove access option.

    File Explorer remove share folder

  4. Click the Stop sharing option.

    Stop sharing option

Once you complete the steps, the folder will no longer be available in the network for other users to access.

Stop sharing network folders from Computer Management

To stop sharing any folder with Computer Management, use these steps:

  1. Open Start on Windows 10.

  2. Search for Computer Management and click the top result to open the console.

  3. Expand the Shared Folders branch from the left pane.

  4. Click the Shares item.

  5. Right-click the folder and select the Stop Sharing option.

    Computer Management stop sharing

  6. Click the Yes button.

After you complete the steps, the folder will no longer be accessible by anyone in the network.

Although you can stop sharing a folder within the location of the folder, using Computer Management is the best option because it allows you to see and stop all the shares from one place.

Stop sharing network folder from Command Prompt

To stop a shared folder with Command Prompt, use these steps:

  1. Open Start.

  2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.

  3. Type the following command to see all the shared folders on your computer and press Enter:

    net share
  4. Type the following command to stop sharing a specific folder and press Enter:

    net share ShareOne /delete

    Command Prompt stop sharing

    In the command, make sure to change ShareOne for the name of the folder that you’re sharing. (This isn’t the “Resource” name.)

After completing the steps, the folder you specified in the command will no longer be available for network users.

While you have multiple options to stop sharing a folder on Windows 10, using the Command Prompt option can come in handy if you’re having problems disabling a share using File Explorer or Computer Management.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].