The Sharing tab in drive and folder properties makes it convenient to configure network sharing settings for home networks or private domains. However, users may occasionally encounter a scenario where the sharing tab is not showing in the folder properties, which can be confusing or frustrating. If this is a new roadblock for you, this guide provides a few ways to restore the missing Sharing tab.
Prefer a video tutorial? Watch How to Add or Remove the Sharing Tab in the Drive and Folder Properties on Windows 11 for more information.
Methods for adding or removing the Sharing tab
Use the table to choose and quickly navigate to your preferred activation steps.
📌 Prerequisites:
- Some methods may require system and network access.
- Check if prior restrictions or policies are affecting the visibility of the Sharing tab.
|
Click to Choose a Method |
💻
Best for Individual Users |
💻💻💻
Best for Enterprises |
| Method 1: Windows Registry | ✓ | |
| Method 2: PowerShell script | ✓ | |
| Method 3: Command Prompt | ✓ | ✓ |
💡 Tip: Check out the Things to look out for section to optimize your action plan and manage risks.
Method 1: Add or remove the Sharing tab via Registry
These steps can be used by advanced users to configure personal and managed devices. It’s also an excellent alternative for systems without GPO access.
📌 Use
: For personal and system-wide deployments; RMM distribution.
Steps:
- Press Win + R, type regedit, and tap OK to open the Registry Editor.
- Navigate to or copy and paste the following path to the Registry address bar. If the path is incomplete, create the required key.
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Shell Extensions
- To hide the tab, create a subkey named Blocked and set a String Value with the GUID {f81e9010-6ea4-11ce-a7ff-00aa003ca9f6} as data, which corresponds to the Sharing tab handler. Example path:
- HKLM\…Shell Extensions\Blocked\{f81e9010-6ea4-11ce-a7ff-00aa003ca9f6}
- Close the Registry Editor and restart File Explorer to apply the changes.
⚠️ Warning: Editing the registry can cause system issues. Create a registry backup before proceeding.
Method 2: Add or remove the Sharing tab via a PowerShell script
PowerShell scripts are incredibly convenient for task automation and software deployment.
📌 Use case: For automation and RMM scripting.
- Use Search 🔎 to open Terminal → PowerShell → Run as administrator.
- Run the following script to hide the Sharing tab:
New-Item -Path “HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Shell Extensions\Blocked” -Force | Out-Null
New-ItemProperty -Path “HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Shell
Extensions\Blocked” -Name “{f81e9010-6ea4-11ce-a7ff-00aa003ca9f6}” -Value “”
-PropertyType String -Force | Out-Null
- Or run the following script to display or restore the Sharing tab:
Remove-ItemProperty -Path “HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Shell
Extensions\Blocked” -Name “{f81e9010-6ea4-11ce-a7ff-00aa003ca9f6}”
- Apply changes by restarting File Explorer or the user session.
💡 Note: This script may run or fail without displaying any confirmation or prompt. To confirm if changes have been applied successfully, check the corresponding Registry keys or system settings.
Method 3: Add or remove the Sharing tab via CMD
Command Prompt can be used as an alternative method for personal or remote activations.
- Use Search 🔎 to open Terminal → Command Prompt → Run as administrator.
- Run the following command to hide the Sharing tab:
$path = “HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Shell Extensions\Blocked” $name = “{f81e9010-6ea4-11ce-a7ff-00aa003ca9f6}”
New-Item -Path $path -Force | Out-Null # Ensure the key exists
New-ItemProperty -Path $path -Name $name -PropertyType String -Value “” -Force
- Or run this command to display or restore the Sharing tab:
reg delete “HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Shell Extensions\Blocked” /v “{f81e9010-6ea4-11ce-a7ff-00aa003ca9f6}” /f - Apply changes by restarting File Explorer or the user session.
⚠️Things to look out for when adding or removing the Sharing tab
Missing something? Consider these scenarios and tips for handling errors, preventing system issues, and reinforcing policies.
| Risks | Potential Consequences | Reversals |
| The sharing tab is still visible after adjustments are made. | Using the wrong GUID may hide unrelated tabs. | Verify that the GUID used corresponds to the shell extension for the Sharing tab |
| Disabling the Sharing tab without notice | Redundant help desk tickets; loss of productivity | Consider early notification for the changes; provide alternative access instructions |
Best practices for adding or removing the Sharing tab
Removing or restoring the Sharing tab in drive and folder properties is a useful way to manage user activity or interaction with network sharing. For additional control over shared access, consider reviewing permissions under Settings → Network & internet → Advanced sharing settings to fine-tune your network visibility and file sharing behavior.
For deployment strategies, the lack of GUI options for completing this action means individual users will have to rely on PowerShell or Command Prompt to accomplish what they intend to do. Meanwhile, the Registry and GPO can be tapped by IT administrators for enforcing policies across IT networks and for managing endpoints en masse.
