Windows 10: Computer appears on network only as Media Device

I have two computers, a desktop and a laptop, whose files I want to share over a network. This was possible until the recent OS revisions. I have followed the current instructions for file sharing/networking--setting permissions, etc. On both computers only the desktop appears in File Explorer listed under Network/Computer(s). The laptop appears only under Media Devices and I am unable to access any but media (video, music and picture) files. Any assistance would be appreciated.

:)

 

Network notwork - computers listed as media devices. 1803 again!


Notwork of 3 computers, Win 10, all patched to v1803, D is pro, hard wired to router, E is wife's desk and R is new portable - both 10-home on Wi-Fi.

R is new, an Asus SonicMaster S510U that is recognized by the router. It has internet connectivity but I cannot transfer files to it except with sneakernet.

I looked at the network structure on each computer using "Control Panel devices and printers" as well as File mgr - Network.

D- devices: D and E listed as media devices, no computers, D does not see R.
D- Network: D and E listed as media devices. Dbl click either brings up Media Player.

E- devices: D and R listed as media devices.
E- Network: D and E listed as computers and D again as a media device.

R- devices: D and E show up as media devices.
R- Network: R as a computer and D as a media device.

The new laptop R is a ghost, sometimes seen but mostly not and doesn't participate.

Using Team Viewer 12
D and E connect, test file transfers OK.
D and R connect, I can see partial R desktop (shows links but not folders), R sees D file structure, files will not transfer.

Don't know if this matters - I ran the Network troubleshooter on all three computers - "Windows could not automatically detect this network's proxy settings", on any of them.

I'm a geologist at wits end.

 

Workgroup Computers are displayed as Media Devices


I have several Win10 computers on a "WORKGROUP" network. Network location is set to private on all machines with network discovery and file and printer sharing activated. Two computers are listed as workgroup computers and two as media devices. What do I have to do in order to get the media devices to show up as workgroup computers?

 

Last Windows 10 update changed systems on my network to Media Devices

In the past, each computer was listed under Network in the left pane. I could click on a system and the drives would appear in the right pane.

Now it does not list the computers under >Network in the left pane. It just shows the two computes on my network as media systems and also lists all other devices on the network. Includes printers, gateway, MyWDCloud, etc. in the right pane.