Check whether DVD or CD Sharing is disabled on Mac

DVD or CD Sharing was a macOS service that let another computer on the network use a Mac’s optical drive. If you do not use this legacy feature, keep it turned off.

On current macOS versions Apple no longer lists DVD or CD Sharing in System Settings. If the service is not present, there is nothing to disable for this check.

Do not confuse DVD or CD Sharing with Media Sharing or File Sharing. Those are separate services with separate access rules and must be reviewed independently.

How to fix it

macOS 14 and later

  1. Open System Settings.
  2. Select General > Sharing.
  3. If DVD or CD Sharing is not listed, no action is required for this legacy service.
  4. If it is listed, turn it off unless you intentionally share an optical drive.

macOS 13

  1. Open System Settings.
  2. Select General > Sharing.
  3. Turn off DVD or CD Sharing.

macOS 10.11–12

  1. Open System Preferences and select Sharing.
  2. Turn off DVD or CD Sharing.
Legacy macOS Sharing preferences with the DVD or CD Sharing checkbox

Security boundary

Turning off this service only stops remote optical-drive sharing. It does not turn off Media Sharing, File Sharing, Screen Sharing, or Remote Login. For example, review File Sharing separately.

Sources

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Other security setting to check

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Keep in mind: not every security and privacy setting is suitable for everyone. Enhancing the security can lead in losing functionality and/or comfort.
Before making changes, please backup your Mac! Do not make too many change at once. After changing your Mac, check if your normal usage of your Mac has changed in a way which fits to you. Are your really willing to loose some functionality and/or comfort?
Most important is, that you learn and understand what are the advantages and disadvantages of the security settings and that you are aware about the capabilities and risks of your Mac configuration.

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