Windows 10: Network discovery and file sharing is intermittent at best. Windows 11 wi-fi network Di

I have network discovery and file sharing set up properly on both computers. Sometimes I can see the other computer from mine but the files are not there. Most of the times I cannot see the other computer from my computer. On rare occasion, I can see the other computer and the files and transfer files from my computer to the other. When I go to file manager and look at network, I cannot even see my own computer there. If I go to advanced settings and turn network discovery off and then on, my own computer shows up, This is true of the remote computer too. Doing this does not allow me to

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Different Network Connection From the same Wi-Fi

Hi,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community.

• What happens when you try to connect through the Wi-Fi, are you able to access to internet?
• Does your Desktop support or does it has a Wi-Fi device to connect to the same Wi-Fi?

As mentioned above in your post, the Desktop is connected to the Ethernet
and Laptop is Connected to the Wi-Fi. It is not possible to connect to the same Wi-Fi networks. If both Desktop and Laptop are on Wi-Fi devices then you could try connecting it to the same Wi-Fi network.

Note: To transfer the files you have to share the files and folders on a network.

Method 1: If you are already using the HomeGroup.
Network discovery might be blocking you from seeing other computers and devices on the network. Check if the Network discovery is turned on. If the network discovery setting on your computer is set to off, you won't see other computers and devices
on the network.

Steps to Turn on network discovery.

• Press Windows key, type sharing and click on
  Manage advanced sharing settings.
• Under Private, Network discovery, check mark the option
  Turn on network discovery.
• Try the same on all the computers connected to the network.

If the issue still persists,

Method 2: I would suggest you to
create a new HomeGroup and check if it helps.

Refer: HomeGroup
from start to finish

(Applies to Windows 10 as well)

Keep us posted to help you better.

 

How to share files over WI-FI (NOT bluetooth) with nearby share

Hello ,

Good to see you in Microsoft Community.

If you want to share files between Windows 10 laptop and Windows 11 PC, you can do it through Windows Shared Directory. But it requires that both devices are on the same private network.

1. Turn on network discovery
   
   Go to Network in File Explorer, and see an error message ("Network discovery is turned off…."), you'll need to turn on network discovery to see devices on the network that are sharing files. To turn it on, select the Network discovery is turned off banner, then select Turn on network discovery and file sharing.
   
   
   
2. It should be noted that you need to put both devices on the same network and set the network as a Private Network, so that other devices in the same network are trustworthy and can be connected to both devices.
   
   • Private network. Use this for networks you trust, such as a network at home or work. When a network is set to private, your PC is discoverable to other devices on the network, and you can use your PC for file and printer sharing.
     
   • Public network. Use this for networks you connect to when you’re out and about, such as a Wi-Fi network at a coffee shop. Your PC will be hidden from other devices on the network, and you can’t use your PC for file and printer sharing.
     
   To change a Wi-Fi network to private
   
   1. On the right side of the taskbar, select the Wi-Fi network icon.
      
   2. Under the name of the Wi-Fi network that you’re connected to, select Properties.
      
   3. Under Network profile, select Private.
      
3. Share a file or folder in File Explorer:
   
   1. Right-click or press a file, select Give access to > Specific people.
      
      
      
   2. Select a file, select the Share tab at the top of File Explorer, and then in the Share with section select Specific people.
      
      
      
   • Select a user on the network to share the file with, or select Everyone to give all network users access to the file.
     
   • If you select multiple files at once, you can share them all in the same way. It works for folders, too—share a folder, and all files in it will be shared.
     

And you can visit File sharing over a network in Windows - Microsoft Support for more details.

If anything is unclear, please do not hesitate to let me know.

Best Regards,

| Microsoft Community Support Specialist

 

Unable to share files between 2 PCs over a Wi-Fi network

Hi Davide,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



I appreciate the efforts taken by you in resolving the issue. I understand that you are unable to share files between two PCs on Wi-Fi network. I’ll certainly assist you with the issue.



Ideally, if you are sharing files over Wi-Fi, we need to set the Wi-Fi network as Private. When you set a network as Private, your PC is discoverable to other devices on the network, and you can use your PC for file and printer sharing.



To change the Wi-Fi network to Private, refer the steps mentioned in the article

Make a Wi-Fi network public or private in Windows 10.



For additional information, see
File sharing over a network in Windows 10.



Let us know how it goes.



Regards,

Nikhar Khare

Microsoft Community - Moderator