Skip to main content

Disable hidden remote file access via administrative shares (breaks remote system management software)

Overview​

About this script

This script improves your privacy on Windows.

These changes use Windows system commands to update your settings.

This script improves your privacy and security by disabling Windows administrative shares, which are typically used for remote access to your computer's file system.

Windows automatically creates hidden administrative shares, such as C$ and D$, that allow system administrators remote access to every disk volume on your computer 1 2. These shares are often targeted as potential attack vectors 3.

Disabling administrative shares is generally a good practice for enhancing security. It is recommended by various security standards and compliance frameworks, including some government standards 3, PCI-DSS 4, and CIS 2. It reduces the system's vulnerability to unauthorized remote access.

These shares are often used for system administrators to perform tasks like software installation and vulnerability scanning remotely 1. Disabling them may limit remote management capabilities. This might require setting up network shares manually for specific folders or drives, which is more secure but requires additional effort.

Some software, such as Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS) 2, Microsoft Operations Manager 2, Microsoft PsTools 5, and certain third-party network backup applications 2, rely on administrative shares. Therefore, disabling these shares could disrupt their functionality.

Caution

This may lead to reduced functionality or connectivity issues, particularly in enterprise environments where remote administration is necessary.

This script uses Batch (batchfile) scripting language.

Use with Caution

This script is only recommended if you understand its implications. Some non-critical or features may no longer function correctly after running this script.

Implementation Details

  • Language: batch

  • Required Privileges: Administrator rights

  • Compatibility: Windows only

  • Reversibility: Can be undone using provided revert script

Explore Categories​

This action belongs to Disable insecure remote administration access category. This category improves security by disabling insecure remote administration features. Organizations use remote administration tools to manage multiple systems from a central location, performing tasks such as software updates, system checks, and configuration changes. However, if not properly... Read more on category page ▶

Apply now​

Choose one of three ways to apply:

  1. Automatically via privacy.sexy: The easiest and safest option.
  2. Manually by downloading: Requires downloading a file.
  3. Manually by copying: Advanced flexibility.

Alternative 1. Apply with Privacy.sexy​

privacy.sexy is free and open-source application that lets securely apply this action easily.

Open privacy.sexy

You can fully restore this action (revert back to the original behavior) using the application.

privacy.sexy instructions
  1. Open or download the desktop application
  2. Search for the script name: Disable hidden remote file access via administrative shares (breaks remote system management software).
  3. Check the script by clicking on the checkbox.
  4. Click on Run button at the bottom of the page.

Alternative 2. Download​

Irreversible Changes

This script is irreversible, meaning there is no straightforward method to restore changes once applied. Exercise caution before running, restoring it may not be possible.

  1. Download the script file by clicking on the button below:

    Download script

  2. Run the script file by clicking on it.

Download revert script​

This file restores your system to its original state, before this script is applied.

Download restore script

Alternative 3. Copy​

This is for advanced users. Consider automatically applying or downloading the script for simpler way.

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
HELP: Step-by-step guide

  1. Click on Start menu

  2. Type cmd

  3. Right click on Command Prompt select Run as administrator

  4. Click on Yes to run Command Prompt

Animation showing how to open terminal as administrator on Windows 11

  1. Copy the following code:
Code to apply changes
:: Set the registry value: "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanServer\Parameters!AutoShareWks"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$registryPath = 'HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanServer\Parameters'; $data = '0'; reg add 'HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanServer\Parameters' /v 'AutoShareWks' /t 'REG_DWORD' /d "^""$data"^"" /f"
  1. Right click on command prompt to paste it.
  2. Press Enter to apply remaining code.

Copy restore code​

Copy and run the following code to restore changes:

Revert code
:: Delete the registry value "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanServer\Parameters!AutoShareWks"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "reg delete 'HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanServer\Parameters' /v 'AutoShareWks' /f 2>$null"

Support​

This website relies on your support.

Support now

Your donation helps keep the project alive and improves its content ❤️.

Share this page:

EmailLinkedInRedditPinterestWhatsAppTelegramWeiboVK