How Can I Disable Remote Access to My Computer Easily?

Trying to keep others from poking around your computer remotely? No worries, I’ve got you covered. If you’re running Windows 10 or 11, turning off remote access is pretty straightforward. Here’s how you can go about it without losing your marbles.

First up, shut down that Remote Desktop. This little feature lets others jump onto your system from afar, and we don’t want that, right? So, pull up your Control Panel by hitting the Start menu and typing it in. Once you’re there, click into ‘System and Security.’ You’ll spot a link saying ‘Allow remote access.’ Give it a click.

Now, in the System Properties window, switch over to the ‘Remote’ tab. You’ll want to make sure ‘Allow Remote Assistance connections to this computer’ is unchecked. Go for ‘Don’t allow remote connections to this computer,’ hit ‘Apply,’ and then ‘OK.’ Boom, you’re done with Remote Desktop.

Next, let’s tackle Remote Assistance. You know, that feature where you can get help by letting someone else take control for a bit. It’s handy, but could be risky. Thankfully, if you followed the steps above, you’ve already turned it off. But let’s double-check: pop open Windows Defender Firewall via the Start menu, find ‘Remote Assistance’ in the allowed apps, and make sure those checkboxes are unticked.

And don’t forget about any third-party stuff, like TeamViewer or AnyDesk. If they’re lying around on your system, consider uninstalling them through Control Panel > Programs and Features. Or, if you still need them, hop into their settings and disable any unattended access features, just to be on the safe side.

For those who want to go the extra mile, try tweaking the Windows Registry. Heads up though, this is only if you feel confident enough to meddle with advanced settings. Hit Windows + R, type in ‘regedit,’ and search for ‘HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server.’ Flip the fDenyTSConnections setting to 1. If that sounded like gobbledygook, maybe stick to the basics!

Finally, your firewall needs a little love too. Jump into Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security, disable any rules related to Remote Desktop (look under Inbound Rules), and if you’re fiddling with your router settings, block port 3389. That’ll give you some extra peace of mind.

So there you have it! With these steps in your pocket, your Windows computer will be safe from unwanted remote access. Stay secure, folks!

Your Guide to Cutting Off Remote Access

So you’ve heard about remote access and all the potential headaches it might cause, right? Whether you’re worried about hackers poking around where they shouldn’t or just want to lock down your computer tighter than Fort Knox, turning off remote access is a smart move. Let me walk you through the easy steps on how to get this done across different systems, with a few extra pointers to keep you sailing smoothly.

Breaking Down Remote Access

Remote access is essentially a way for someone or something to tap into your computer from afar—either within your home network or over the wild, wild web. Typical tools include:

• Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP): A Windows staple for remote control.
• SSH (Secure Shell): The go-to for Linux and macOS users who want straightforward command-line access.
• Third-party apps: Apps like TeamViewer and AnyDesk that keep popping up everywhere.
• The creepy crawlies: Malware—yikes!—that’s slipped onto your machine without a hello.

Why bother turning it off?

• Stop unauthorized lurkers from snooping around.
• Lower the risk of getting slammed by brute-force attacks or other sneaky exploits.
• Stay in line with data protection laws or company regulations.

Remote Access Begone: Windows Edition

Method 1: Give Remote Desktop the Boot

1. Hop into Settings > System > Remote Desktop.
2. Flip that Enable Remote Desktop switch to Off.
3. Don’t forget to confirm!

Method 2: Nix Remote Access via Services

1. Hit Win + R, type services.msc, and smash Enter.
2. Find Remote Desktop Services or Terminal Services.
3. Right-click, choose Properties, set Startup type to Disabled, then click Stop.

Method 3: Battle the Firewall

1. Open Windows Security > Firewall & Network Protection > Advanced Settings.
2. Cook up a new Outbound Rule to slam the door on ports used for remote stuff like:
• RDP: That’s Port 3389 (TCP/UDP).
• SSH: Port 22, if you’re doing the Linux thing on Windows.

Method 4: Yank Out Those Third-Party Apps

• Pop into Settings > Apps > Installed Apps and toss out tools like TeamViewer.

Locking Down McApple: macOS Style

Method 1: No More Screen Sharing & Remote Login

1. Dive into System Settings > General > Sharing.
2. Uncheck Remote Login (SSH) and Screen Sharing.

Method 2: Crush Remote Management

1. Go back to Sharing settings and uncheck Remote Management.

Method 3: Tame the Firewall

1. Head to System Settings > Network > Firewall > Firewall Options.
2. Block inbound connections for any remote software you’ve got running.

Linux: Because You Like Using a Terminal

Method 1: Putting SSH in Time-Out

1. Open up your terminal and run the show with:

sudo systemctl stop ssh  sudo systemctl disable ssh

2. Delete the SSH server if you’re not using it:

sudo apt remove openssh-server  sudo dnf remove openssh-server

Method 2: Kill VNC or RDP Services

• For VNC tools:

sudo systemctl stop vncserver@*  sudo systemctl disable vncserver@*

• For XRDP:

sudo systemctl stop xrdp  sudo systemctl disable xrdp

Method 3: Play with the Firewall (UFW/iptables)

• Block those pesky remote ports:

sudo ufw deny 22/tcp  sudo ufw deny 3389/tcp  sudo ufw reload

Extra Tips for Staying Secure

Check for Baddies

• Run a virus scan using something reliable like Malwarebytes.
• Snoop through Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (macOS) for processes that seem a little shady.

Review User Accounts

• Get rid of any accounts gathering dust or looking sketchy.
• Make sure those passwords are unique and strong!

Stay Up-to-Date

• Keep your system’s software patched and ready to fight off vulnerabilities.

Turn Off UPnP on Your Router

• Switch off UPnP in your router settings to stop any surprise guest access.

Fixing What’s Broken

Problem: Remote Access Still Hanging Around

• Why: Sneaky malware or ghost services.
• How to fix it:
1. Reboot in Safe Mode and run a cleanup.
2. Use things like netstat -ano (Windows) or lsof -i (Linux/macOS) to spot active connections.

Problem: Forgotten Apps Sticking Around

• Why: Pooling settings or hidden background services.
• How to fix it:
1. Utilize an uninstaller like Revo for a clean sweep.
2. Clean out leftover files manually from places like /Library/Application Support (macOS) or %AppData% (Windows).

Keep Ahead of Future Drama

• Opt for using a VPN over making your system wide open to handle remote needs.
• Use 2FA for your key accounts to add an extra layer of security.
• Regularly check your firewall and router settings to stay secure.

By ditching remote access, you seriously beef up those defenses and cut down the chances of unwanted drama. If you ever need to turn it back on, just remember to keep it on a tight leash with strict access rules.

Ensuring your computer is secure from outsiders is a big deal, and disabling remote access is a smart move. Got a Windows or Mac? Let’s dive into how you can lock it down.

Windows Users, Gather ‘Round:

First up, ditch the Remote Desktop if you’re on Windows 10 or 11:

• Here’s the scoop: Hit up the Start Menu and type in ‘Remote Desktop Settings’.
• Found it? Awesome! Now click through to those settings, and flick that switch under ‘Enable Remote Desktop’ to off. Boom, you’re out.
• Get a pop-up asking if you’re sure? Just confirm, and breathe a sigh of relief.

Next, wave goodbye to Remote Assistance, because who needs it?

• Start Menu again, but this time type ‘Control Panel’ and hop right in there.
• Navigate the maze to System and Security, and click on System.
• Just hanging out on the left like it owns the place is Remote Settings. Click it!
• See that box about ‘Allow Remote Assistance connections’? Uncheck it to show it who’s boss.
• Smash Apply, then OK, and you’re golden.

And finally, if any pesky remote access apps are lurking:

• Settings, right from the Start Menu, and then Apps. Look close for critters like TeamViewer.
• See it? Select and slap Uninstall on it. Never let it darken your door again.

Mac Friends, Your Turn:

Starting off with ditching Remote Management:

• Just smack that Apple icon up top and wander over to System Preferences.
• Peek into Sharing. Now see Remote Management there? Uncheck that sucker.

For those keeping tabs via Screen Sharing:

• A second peek into System Preferences, back to Sharing.
• Screen Sharing hanging around? Uncheck it too.

On to clearing out remote access apps:

• Open Finder and dive into Applications.
• Spy any tools like LogMeIn or TeamViewer? Drag ‘em to the Trash—kick ‘em to the curb.

And there you have it, a more secure digital space! Keep your system shiny with regular updates and some trusty security software. Stay safe out there, folks!