WMPNetworkSvc: disabling Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service

NetworkProUndo: YesUpdated View as Markdown

Short answer

Updated

WMPNetworkSvc shares your Windows Media Player library with other players and devices on the network. This tweak disables it. It sets the WMPNetworkSvc service to Disabled.

In the app
Disable Media Network SharingPRO
Service

WMPNetworkSvc Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service

Startup typeManualDisabled

What the switch writes. Your current value may differ.

What it does

WMPNetworkSvc shares your Windows Media Player library with other players and devices on the network. This tweak disables it.

In the app the switch is called "Disable Media Network Sharing", described there as: Turns off WMPNetworkSvc to stop UPnP media scans.

When it helps, and when it hurts

When it helps

  • Anyone who does not stream their media library to a TV or console from this PC.

When it hurts

  • DLNA style sharing of the Media Player library stops.

What it writes

Exactly what the switch changes, read from the app's source. Switching it off is what the app writes when you turn the tweak off again.

Windows services the switch changes: their startup type.
ServiceWith the tweakSwitching it off
WMPNetworkSvcWindows Media Player Network Sharing ServiceDisabledManual

From the app's source (wmpnetwork_off.hpp), app 2.0.0, checked .

The same change by hand

You do not need the app for this one. These commands make the changes from the table above. Run them in a Command Prompt opened as administrator, and make a restore point first.

Make the change · CMD
sc config "WMPNetworkSvc" start= disabled
Put it back · CMD
sc config "WMPNetworkSvc" start= demand

How to undo it

In the app: Yes

Switching it off sets a standard Windows value, which may not be exactly how you had it.

Switch the tweak off in Frozen Tweaks. It sets WMPNetworkSvc to Manual.

Changing several settings at once? The app's Make a restore point button, on every plan, makes a Windows restore point before you start.

Verdict

Safe and of no consequence for nearly everyone.

Questions

What does the "Disable Media Network Sharing" tweak change in Windows?
It sets the WMPNetworkSvc service to Disabled.
Is "Disable Media Network Sharing" safe to switch on?
Safe and of no consequence for nearly everyone. The main cost: DLNA style sharing of the Media Player library stops.
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 Media Network Sharing" 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.

In the app

Switch
Disable Media Network Sharing
Category
Network
Plan
Pro
Undo
Yes

See it in the catalog

More tweak explainers

Written by

Founder of Frozen Tweaks, based in Hamburg, Germany. Publishes settings guides for competitive games on his YouTube channel, Frost LIVE.

In the app

Category
Network
Plan
Pro
Undo
Yes

See it in the catalog

Frozen Tweaks

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58 tweaks free, each with an undo switch. Never edits game files.

v2.0.0 · 6.4 MB · Windows 10 and 11, 64-bit · free account, no payment details

Or type frozentweaks.com on your PC.

The free Windows app for competitive games.

58 tweaks free, each with an undo switch. Never edits game files.

See all 177 tweaks

v2.0.0 · 6.4 MB · Windows 10 and 11, 64-bit · free account, no payment details

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