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Can you prevent Windows from scanning and/or displaying "Network Locations"

Anonymous
2024-06-09T02:03:05+00:00

In Windows Explorer / File Explorer. Is there a setting or a way so that the system either:

  1. Does NOT discover devices on the network (preferred) or
  2. Does NOT display the "Network Locations" pane.

I can't seem to upload the screen cap but in Windows Explorer when you have the System selected there is "Folders", "Devices and drives" and "Network locations".

My network locations is full of Sonos's which a lot of the Windows systems on my network do not need to show or access. I'd prefer they just not show up.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Settings

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  1. Solamillo Charity 20,260 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2024-06-09T03:51:21+00:00

    Hello there! I am Charity, I'm an Independent Advisor and a Microsoft user like you.

    I'm glad to help you today!

    I understand you need help with your concern ion Network locations.

    This can be disabled by going to this setting:

    1. Open Start Menu and search Control Panel
    2. Click on Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > On the left side pane, click on Change advanced sharing settings
    3. Expand the network profile with "Current Profile"
    4. Expand Network Discovery and select the option Turn off network discovery

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  2. Solamillo Charity 20,260 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2024-06-09T09:21:52+00:00

    I see, that is unusual. Can you try applying the same with the other network profiles?

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-06-09T03:58:16+00:00

    Hello Charity, thanks for the response. I reviewed the setting you suggested and it is already set to "Turn off network discovery". Yet I still see all the Sonos devices I have on the network showing in Windows Explorer under Network Locations.

    Thoughts?

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