---
title: "NetbiosOptions 2: disabling NetBIOS over TCP/IP on every network adapter"
description: "NetBIOS over TCP/IP is a legacy way for Windows PCs to find each other by name with broadcasts. What it changes, when it hurts, and how to undo it."
url: https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/disable-netbios-over-tcpip
author: Frost LIVE, Founder of Frozen Tweaks
published: 2026-10-08
updated: 2026-10-08
category: "Network"
source: Frozen Tweaks (https://frozentweaks.com)
---

# NetbiosOptions 2: disabling NetBIOS over TCP/IP on every network adapter

**Short answer:** NetBIOS over TCP/IP is a legacy way for Windows PCs to find each other by name with broadcasts. NetbiosOptions set to 2 turns it off for an adapter, and this tweak writes it for every adapter. In the registry it sets NetbiosOptions to 2 under HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\NetBT\Parameters\Interfaces\<each entry>.

## In the app

- Switch: Disable NetBIOS over TCP/IP (Network, Pro, Advanced)
- Undo: Yes. Switching it off sets a standard Windows value, which may not be exactly how you had it.
- Catalog row: https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks#t-1091

## What it does

NetBIOS over TCP/IP is a legacy way for Windows PCs to find each other by name with broadcasts. NetbiosOptions set to 2 turns it off for an adapter, and this tweak writes it for every adapter.

In the app the switch is called "Disable NetBIOS over TCP/IP", described there as: Removes legacy NetBIOS broadcasts to reduce LAN noise/latency.

## When it helps

- Less broadcast traffic on the local network, and one route for name spoofing attacks closed.

## When it hurts

- Very old devices and file shares that are only reachable by NetBIOS name (old NAS boxes, Windows XP era machines) stop resolving.

## What it writes

Read from the app's source. "Switching it off" is what the app writes when you turn the tweak off again.

Registry values:

| Key | Value | With the tweak | Switching it off |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| `HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\NetBT\Parameters\Interfaces\<each entry>` | `NetbiosOptions` | `2` | Stays 2 (switching it off leaves it) |

Source: Tweaks/netbios_off.hpp in the app's source, app 2.0.0, checked 2026-10-08.

## How to undo it

Switch the tweak off in Frozen Tweaks. The values in the table are left as they are, so set them by hand if you want the old behavior.

## Verdict

A sound security setting on a modern network. It does not change your ping to a game server.

## Questions

### What does the "Disable NetBIOS over TCP/IP" tweak change in Windows?

In the registry it sets NetbiosOptions to 2 under HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\NetBT\Parameters\Interfaces\<each entry>.

### Is "Disable NetBIOS over TCP/IP" safe to switch on?

A sound security setting on a modern network. It does not change your ping to a game server. The main cost: Very old devices and file shares that are only reachable by NetBIOS name (old NAS boxes, Windows XP era machines) stop resolving.

### How do I undo it?

Switch the tweak off in Frozen Tweaks. Switching it off sets a standard Windows value, which may not be exactly how you had it.

### Is "Disable NetBIOS over TCP/IP" free in Frozen Tweaks?

It is part of Frozen Pro and Elite. You can also make the change by hand with the values on this page.

## Related guides

- [How to Reduce Input Lag on PC: The Whole Latency Chain](https://frozentweaks.com/guides/reduce-input-lag)
- [Windows 11 Gaming Optimization: What Still Works in 2026](https://frozentweaks.com/guides/windows-11-gaming-optimization)

## More tweak explainers

- [TCP auto-tuning](https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/tcp-autotuning-gaming)
- [Teredo, ISATAP and 6to4](https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/disable-teredo-isatap-6to4)
- [Windows Connect Now (wcncsvc)](https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/disable-windows-connect-now)

---
Written by Frost LIVE, founder of Frozen Tweaks. Canonical version: https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/disable-netbios-over-tcpip