Network Basic Input/Output System (NETBIOS), is a Windows API used when DNS is not available. It provides services related to the session layer of the OSI model allowing applications on separate computers to communicate over a local area network. NetBIOS is also used for identifying system names in TCP/IP (Windows). It runs over TCP/IP as a fallback method and is not enabled by default. However, Microsoft provides us with an option to enable or disable NetBIOS over TCP/IP on Windows computers.
Enable or disable NetBIOS over TCP/IP on Windows 11/10
- Click on the Start key, and then type Control Panel. Once it appears, click to open it.
- In the Control Panel, click on Network and Sharing Center.
- In the left pane, select Change adapter settings.
- Select Local Area Connection or whatever your connection name is, and right-click on Properties.
- Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
- Click the Advanced button, and then in the new settings box, select the WINS tab.
- Select Disable NetBIOS over TCP/IP.
- Click Apply and exit.
