How to enable or disable NetBIOS over TCP/IP on Windows 10

NetBIOS or Network Basic Input/Output System is an API used in Windows when DNS is not available. Even when it runs, it runs over TCP/IP. It’s a fallback method, and it’s not enabled by default. NetBIOS has its own set of security concerns. While Windows had made sure that it is not enabled by default if you want to double-check, follow this guide to learn how to enable or disable NetBIOS over TCP/IP on Windows 10.

Enable or disable NetBIOS over TCP/IP on Windows 10

1. Press the Start key, and then type Control Panel. Once it appears, click to open it.
2. In the Control Panel, click on Network and Sharing Center.
3. Then in In the left pane, select Change adapter settings.
4. Select Local Area Connection or whatever your connection name is, and right-click on Properties.
5. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
6. Next, click the Advanced button, and then in the new settings box, select the WINS tab.
7. Select Disable NetBIOS over TCP/IP.
8. Click Apply and exit.

You will not have to restart the computer unless the OS prompts.

Disable NetBIOS on the DHCP server

1. Click on the Start button > Programs >Administrative Tools, and then select DHCP.
2. In the navigation pane, expand the server_name, expand Scope, right-click Scope Options, and select Configure Options.
3. Select the Advanced tab, and then select the Server Name Option in the Vendor class list.
4. Make sure that Default User Class is selected in the User class list.
5. Select the 001 Microsoft Disable Netbios Option check box under the Available Options column.
6. 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.

You can read more about it on Microsoft Documentation about this.