Windows 10: Why do Network devices disappear?

Why do Network devices disappear?I reboot and all network devices show on Network. 2 laptops, router, printer.A few minutes later Network says "folder empty". Then I can print but not scan with my printer;s scan function.Problem seemed to start with last Windows 11 updates.Jerry jerrypinsky@comcast,net

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What is this network device?


I woke my desktop PC from sleep this morning, clicked on Network and immediately spotted a Phone in the device list that doesn't belong to anyone here (a Blu brand phone which is unusual enough that I would know about it).

I clicked on the device and was able to view the MAC address, but nothing else useful. A couple minutes later it disappeared from the network list.

Then a few minutes later I went and looked at another PC on the same home network and saw the same phone in its Network list. It also disappeared a couple minutes after I clicked open 'Network'.

Scanned both PCs with various anti-malware programs including Malwarebytes - they look clean.

Any suggestions on what I was seeing, and if it's malicious how to deal with it?


UPDATE: It popped back up again. I checked my router's connection list and don't see it there. For now I blocked the MAC address in my router but would still like to know where this is coming from.

 

Home network has disappeared from network list


I have two devices connected to my home wireless network, my phone and my laptop. Recently my network has disappeared from the laptop's list of networks. This did not happen with my phone, which works fine. By disappeared I mean my home network cannot be discovered by my laptop. This is not a connection issue because I cannot find the network to connect to. I do not have this problem with any other wireless network. I followed the various command prompts suggested by Microsoft's troubleshooting guide (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/w...nection-issues). Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

WiFi and Bluetooth Options Disappeared from Device management

Hi,

Thank you for your reply.

I suggest you to follow the steps below and check if it helps.

Step 1: Run the Network Adapter troubleshooter.

• 
  Press Windows key +X, select
  Control panel.
  
• 
  Change the view by option on the top right to
  Large icons.
  
• 
  Click on troubleshooting and click on the
  view all option on the left panel.
  
• 
  Run the Network Adapter troubleshooter.
  

Step 2: You may follow the steps and check if it helps in resolving the issue, as the device might be hidden.

• • 
    Press Windows key + X.
    
  • 
    Click on Device Manager.
    
  • 
    Click on View.
    
  • 
    Click on Show
    Hidden Devices.
    
  • 
    Search for the Bluetooth device.
    

Keep us posted on this issue so that we can assist you better.