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.

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.

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

Frost LIVENetworkProUndo: YesUpdated Oct 8, 2026View as Markdown

Short answer

Updated Oct 8, 2026

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

Disable NetBIOS over TCP/IPPRO

Registry

HKLMSYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\NetBT\Parameters\Interfaces\<each entry>

NetbiosOptionsStays 22

What the switch writes. Your current value may differ.

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, and when it hurts

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

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.

Registry values the switch writes.
Key and value	With the tweak	Switching it off
HKLMSYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\NetBT\Parameters\Interfaces\<each entry>NetbiosOptions	2	Stays 2Switching it off leaves it.

From the app's source (netbios_off.hpp), app 2.0.0, checked Oct 8, 2026.

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

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

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.

In the app