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Configure NetBIOS settings

Verified with Windows 11 25H2 — updated on July 12, 2026

Windows 11 25H2

Supported on: At least Windows Vista

Path in the GPO console

Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Network\DNS Client

Description

Specifies if the DNS client will perform name resolution over NetBIOS. By default, the DNS client will disable NetBIOS name resolution on public networks for security reasons. To use this policy setting, click Enabled, and then select one of the following options from the drop-down list: Disable NetBIOS name resolution: Never allow NetBIOS name resolution. Allow NetBIOS name resolution: Always allow NetBIOS name resolution. Disable NetBIOS name resolution on public networks: Only allow NetBIOS name resolution on network adapters which are not connected to public networks. NetBIOS learning mode: Always allow NetBIOS name resolution and use it as a fallback after mDNS/LLMNR queries fail. If you disable this policy setting, or if you do not configure this policy setting, the DNS client will use locally configured settings.

Registry

HKLM Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows NT\DNSClient

More options available

Options

Configure NetBIOS options:
EnableNetbios enum
  • Disable NetBIOS name resolution -> 0
  • Allow NetBIOS name resolution -> 1 (default)
  • Disable NetBIOS name resolution on public networks -> 2
  • NetBIOS learning mode -> 3

Export Builder

BETA

Configure the state, scope and options, then generate .reg, PowerShell, Intune and SCCM outputs — or add the setting to a multi-setting collection.

These exports write the registry — this is not a managed GPO.

.reg file

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

; Exported from gporais.com
; Policy: Configure NetBIOS settings
; State: Enabled
; Supported on: At least Windows Vista

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows NT\DNSClient]
"EnableNetbios"=dword:00000001
More formats (PowerShell, Intune, SCCM)

PowerShell

# Exported from gporais.com
# Policy: Configure NetBIOS settings
# State: Enabled
# Supported on: At least Windows Vista

$path = 'HKLM:\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows NT\DNSClient'
New-Item -Path $path -Force | Out-Null
Set-ItemProperty -Path $path -Name 'EnableNetbios' -Value 1 -Type DWord

Building a multi-setting collection? Add this setting and generate combined .reg / PowerShell / GPO scripts.

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