Windows offers a built-in sharing feature that allows you to share documents, photos, links to websites, and nearby devices by using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. To use this feature, the devices should be on the same network, which also affects data transfer speed. This post will guide you on how you can enable disable nearby sharing in Windows 11/10.
Note: It was also called Windows shared experiences but was later renamed Nearby Sharing.
Enable Disable Nearby Sharing In Windows 11/10
Enabling or disabling Nearby Sharing on Windows 11/10 could be done in multiple ways. Here’s a gist of the methods we will follow in the guide below to accomplish the task.
- Using Group Policy Editor
- Via Registry Editor
- Using Settings
Some of these will need admin permission. Hence it is recommended to create a System Restore or backup files in case something goes wrong while editing the registry entries.
1] Enable or Disable Nearby Sharing via Group Policy Editor
For users running a version of Windows 11/10 Enterprise or Windows 11/10 Pro, the job of enabling or disabling Nearby Sharing could also be accomplished via the use of the Local Group Policy Editor. If you are using Windows Home, you can enable Group Policy using this guide.
The Group Policy Editor comes with a sparse advantage over using the Windows Registry, as it won’t require changing the Registry individually for every user.
- Open the Group Policy Editor by typing gpedit.msc in the Run Prompt (Win + R), then press the Enter key.
- You’ll find two folders on the left of the screen, namely the Computer Configuration and User Configuration. Under the Computer Configuration, navigate and expand Administrative Templates.
- Under Administrative Templates, navigate, expand and select System. Next to the navigation pane, you’ll find a few folders and files listed.
- Next, open the policy Continue Experiences on this device by double-clicking on it. In the menu that pops up, set the policy to Disabled if you would like to disable Nearby Sharing or set it to Enabled for the flip side, and then click on the Show button under Options.
2] Enable or Disable Nearby Sharing using Registry
We could also use the Registry to enable or disable Nearby Sharing in Windows 11/10, but we recommend only trying this method if you know what you are getting into. Also, make sure to make a System Restore before you start making any changes in the Registry. If System restore is disabled, enable it.
- Open Registry Editor by typing Regedit in the Run Prompt (Win + R) followed by pressing the Enter key.
- On the left of the screen, you’ll find multiple folders. Navigate to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System
- Now we need to create a new DWORD under the Explorer. Right-click on the space right next to the navigation pane to do so. Select New DWORD (32-bit) Value from the drop-down and name it as EnableCdp.
- Double click the newly created EnableCdp to open the properties for it. Now change the Value Data from 0 to 1 to enable it and 0 to disable it and click OK.
3] Enable or Disable Nearby Sharing using Settings
Settings could also serve as a medium for users to enable or disable Nearby Sharing on Windows 11/10, here’s how:
Nearby Sharing
- Open Settings in Windows 11/10
- Navigate and select System and head to the Nearby Sharing Menu
- To enable Nearby Sharing, toggle the switch under the Nearby Sharing heading and choose from the list of devices you would like to receive from. To disable, oppositely toggle the switch off, and you’re good to go.
Share across devices
- Open Settings in Windows 11/10
- Navigate and select System and head to the Nearby Sharing Menu
- To enable Share across devices, toggle the switch under the Share Across Devices heading and choose from the list of devices you would like to send/receive from. To disable, oppositely toggle the switch off, and you’re good to go.
I hope the post was helpful and you were able to Enable or Disable Nearby Sharing on Windows 11/10. With that said, how many of you prefer to keep it on and why? Do let us know by dropping a comment down below.
