Why is windows still have Netbios enabled by default?

Question

Just trying to figure out why netbios is still in existence and why it is enabled because it makes the computer not compatible with some networks.

Answer 1

Hi Unkown_Username,

The followings are a few reasons to explain why Windows still has NetBIOS enabled by default:

1. Legacy Support – Some older applications and systems still rely on NetBIOS for communication, so keeping it enabled ensures compatibility.
2. In-Place Upgrades – If a system was upgraded from an older version of Windows, NetBIOS settings may carry over.
3. Network Compatibility – Some enterprise networks still use NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NBT), especially in IPv4 environments.

However, NetBIOS is largely considered outdated and can pose security risks, such as spoofing and poisoning attacks. Many modern networks use DNS for name resolution, making NetBIOS unnecessary in most cases. If you're wondering whether you should disable it, it depends on your network setup, but generally, it's recommended to turn it off unless you have a specific need for it.

Hope the above information is helpful for you!