Brian Cryer

Cry How To...

Hide a workstation from network browsers

There are two means to hide a workstation (or server) from network browsers (i.e. so that the are not visible to someone browsing the network):

  • Using the registry editor change the registry key:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\
     System\
      CurrentControlSet\
       Services\
        LanManServer\
         Parameters\
          Hidden

    from 0 to 1, and then reboot.

  • Alternately, start a command session and type:

    net config server /hidden:yes

It is still possible to connect to the computer, but it will not be visible to a browser.

These notes have been tested with Windows NT4.

About the author: is a dedicated software developer and webmaster. For his day job he develops websites and desktop applications as well as providing IT services. He moonlights as a technical author and consultant.