Windows 10: Cannot see other computers in workgroup

I have a home network defined by workgroup (not homegroup). Three computers are Windows 10 (vers 1703) and one is Windows Vista. One of the Windows 10 computers can not see any of the other network computers. Nor can it see any of the network devices (including the network printer).

I have setup the sharing options and services (to automatically start) on the problem computer the same as the other Windows 10 computers. I have also reset the problem Win10 computer to factory settings.

What other things can I try? Any/all help will be appreciated.

:)

 

Can't see other computers in workgroup anymore

Hi Johann,

There are several reasons why you're having this issue. This can be related to a software conflict or a corrupted system files after the update process. To isolate your concern, you may use the following methods:

Method 1: Start your PC in safe mode. This will help detect if there are any third-party
applications that may cause the issue.

Method 2: Run the System File Checker tool. This
tool will allow you to scan for any corruption in Windows system files and restore it at the same time.

Let us know if the provided methods work for you.

 

Can't see other computers in workgroup anymore

Hi

I can't see other computers in workgroup anymore, but they can see and access me.

Network discovery and File sharing are enabled.

I have tried two different routers.

Internet works fine.

I have not installed anything lately other than the automatic updates.

Help would be appreciated.

Thanks, Johann

 

I had a similar problem - 5 PC - 4 could see all 5, 1 could not see shares on any of the others.

After much to'ing and fro'ing I narrowed the problem down to a Workgroup master browser issue that has only come about since update 1703.

My solution was to use a FreeNAS server as the local master browser. The Freenas server keeps a record of the all workgroup PCs and shares this information to all the other PCs. I also rebooted the router and all the PCs and set all PCs to static IP addresses.

By the way, you can "find" the other PCs on the troublesome PC by using \\COMPUTERNAME\ in File Explorer - that should give you access to the PCs you can't connect to.

In your case - and assuming you don't have a friendly FreeNAS server laying around - I suggest shutting down all the PCs and your router, then restart the network - router, Vista PC, then Win10 PCs - I suggest the Vista machine first only because Win10 1703 seems to have rattled a few bits and upset the networking apple-cart! Doing this "should" clear all the workgroup IP information...

It's quite bizarre when, all of a sudden, and after being absurdly absent, all the missing PCs suddenly reappear in File Explorer...

R

 

run this on allpc it will show which is master browser NetBScanner - NetBIOS scanner it often kicks things into life. B default the senior o/s should be MB ie win10 another thing is to stop and start nrowser service on each pc slowley. By default browser updates are every 23 mins so all pcs need to be on londer than that

 

Ran the tool. Shows another PC is Master Browser.
Cannot find the Browser Service on my new laptop at all...
How can I force a computer of my choosing to be the Master Browser?

 

The service is called computer browser in win10 The first pc to boot is normally master browser but an election can take place when you turn pc off another will take over
The Master Browser election setting is in the registry:
HKLM/System/CurrentControlSet/Services/Browser/Parameters/MaintainServerList
It should be set to Auto. Then you can add the value IsMasterBrowser and set it to 1 to make that machine a master browser.

 

If you have some 64 bit and some 32 bit, start the 32 bit first. Then all will work.