Windows 10: PCs Don't Show Up in Explorer Even Though Both Network Discovery Settings are Turned On and...

Hello Microsoft friends, what's the fix for this: pcs one is connected to the sole fiber internet router/hub through Wifi, the other is connected through ethernet don't show up in File Explorer>Network even though both Network Discovery settings are turned on and have the same domain created by default by Microsoft, however, when you use ping on the Terminal, it can ping each other.This is on Windows 11 23H2 version, latest build.God bless Windows users.

:)

 

Network Discovery Not Showing PC

When I click on "network" in File Explorer using PC#1, it shows many devices on my network but none of the device are computers (with the excption of PC#1) . It shows Fax, , media devices, multifunction devices. None of the PC I have show up in the list. The PC is on a private network and internet sharing is turned on. My other PCs show all the PCs (even the PC#1).

Please suggest fix.

***moved from Windows / Windows 11 / Internet and connectivity***

 

Network Discovery Not Showing PC

Hello Neil,

Hope you have a lovely day!



Thank you for reaching out. We understand that you are experiencing issues with network discovery on PC#1 where it is not showing other computers on the network. Here are some steps to help you resolve this issue.



Steps to Fix Network Discovery Not Showing PCs



1. Ensure Network Discovery is Enabled

- On PC#1, follow these steps to ensure that network discovery is enabled:

1. Open the Control Panel.

2. Navigate to **Network and Sharing Center**.

3. Click on **Change advanced sharing settings**.

4. Ensure that **Turn on network discovery** and **Turn on file and printer sharing** are selected.





2. Check Dependency Services

- Network discovery relies on certain services. Ensure these services are running:

1. Press `Win + R`, type `services.msc`, and press `Enter`.

2. Ensure the following services are set to **Automatic** and are running:

- Function Discovery Resource Publication

- DNS Client

- SSDP Discovery

- UPnP Device Host



3. Check Firewall Settings

- Windows Firewall settings can block network discovery. Ensure it is configured correctly:

1. Open the **Control Panel**.

2. Go to **System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall**.

3. Click on **Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall**.

4. Ensure **Network Discovery** is allowed on the appropriate network profile (Private).





4. Network Profile Settings

- Ensure the network is set to **Private**:

1. Open **Settings**.

2. Go to **Network & Internet**.

3. Click on **Status** and then **Change connection properties**.

4. Ensure the network is set to **Private**.



5. Check SMB Settings

- Ensure SMB (Server Message Block) is enabled as it is used for network file sharing:

1. Press `Win + R`, type `optionalfeatures.exe`, and press `Enter`.

2. Scroll down and ensure **SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support** is checked.



6. Restart Network Components

- Sometimes, restarting the network components can resolve the issue:

1. Restart your router or switch.

2. Restart PC#1.



Additional Steps



If the issue persists, try the following additional steps:



1. Update Network Drivers:

- Ensure that the network drivers on PC#1 are up to date:

1. Go to **Device Manager**.

2. Expand **Network adapters**.

3. Right-click your network adapter and select **Update driver**.





2. Use Network Reset:

- Perform a network reset to restore network settings to default:

1. Open **Settings**.

2. Go to **Network & Internet**.

3. Scroll down and click **Network reset**.

4. Follow the prompts to reset the network.





Conclusion



By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the issue of network discovery not showing other PCs on PC#1. If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, please feel free to reach out.



Best regards,

Rosy

 

Cannot keep Network Discovery Enabled.

Hi,

Thank you for the response.

I would suggest that you change the settings in the Firewall to allow Network discovery so that the Firewall stays On while allowing the Network discovery to be enabled.

Follow the steps.

a . Open Control panel.

b. Small icons from the drop down.

c. Click on Windows Firewall.

d. Click on Allow programs or feature through Firewall.

e. Scroll the list and check Network Discovery.

If you need additional assistance then let us know.