Sharing files with other computers connected to the same network has become much easier than before. Earlier, one could either upload files to the cloud and share the download link or physically copy the files to a removable storage medium like a USB drive and pass them around. However, these old methods are no longer required as your files can now be shared with just a few easy clicks using the network file sharing feature in Windows 10. You may be facing difficulty connecting to other Windows computers on the same network. In this article, we will explain several ways to fix the network computers not showing up in Windows 10.
How to Fix Network Computers Not Showing Up in Windows 10
Computers not showing up on the network is a common problem when trying to connect to other computers. If you're also experiencing this issue, don't worry! You can check out our guide on how to connect to other computers. How to Set Up Network File Sharing on Windows 10 Learn how to connect to other computers on your network and share files.
Reasons why Windows 10 network sharing is not working
This problem mainly arises when:
- You are trying to add a new computer to your network.
- Resets your computer or network sharing settings completely.
- New Windows updates (versions 1709, 1803, and 1809) are full of bugs.
- The network discovery settings are configured incorrectly.
- The network card drivers are corrupted.
Method 1: Enable network discovery and file sharing
File sharing problems over a network are bound to occur if the network discovery feature is disabled in the first place. As the name suggests, this feature allows your computer to discover other computers and devices connected to the same network.
Note: Network discovery is enabled by default for private networks such as home and work networks. It is also disabled by default for public networks such as airports and coffee shops.
Therefore, to solve this issue, enable network discovery and file sharing by following the steps below:
1. Press the keys Windows + E At the same time to open file explorer.
2. Click "the network" On the right side as shown.
3. If file sharing is disabled, an alert message will appear at the top of the window stating: File sharing is turned off.Some computers and network devices may not be visible. Click A change …and so, click on popup window.
4. Next, select Turn on network discovery and file sharing , As shown below.
5. A dialog box will appear asking if you want to enable network discovery and file sharing for all public networks. Select the appropriate option.
Note: You should avoid enabling network discovery and file sharing for all public networks and only enable them when absolutely necessary. If you're unsure which option to choose, simply click "No" and make the network I'm connecting to a private network.
6. Refresh the network page or reopen it. file explorer. All computers connected to this network will be listed here.
Method 2: Configure sharing settings correctly
Enabling network discovery will allow you to see other computers. However, you may encounter network sharing issues if the sharing settings are not set properly. Follow the instructions below carefully to fix the issue of computers not showing up on the network in Windows 10.
1. Press the keys Windows + I At the same time to open Windows settings.
2. Click Network and Internet settings , as shown.
3. Scroll down and tap Network Center And participation within Advanced network settings in the right pane.
4. Expand the Private section (Current Profile) and select Turn on network discovery.
5. Check the box labeled Turn on automatic setup For networked devices, as shown.
6. Next, select Turn on file and printer sharing To enable it in the section File and printer sharing.
7. Now, expand All networks section.
8. Select Turn on sharing So anyone with network access can read and write files in the option. General folders To share the public folder as shown below.
9. Also select Use 128-bit encryption To help protect file sharing connections (recommended) for file sharing connections
10. Choose Run. Protected sharing option Password protect sharing for added security.
Note: If there are older devices on the network or your device is one, choose to enable sharing for devices that use 40-bit or 56-bit encryption options instead.
11. Finally, click the button. "Saving changes" To activate it, as shown.
The Windows 10 network sharing not working issue should be resolved now.
Note: If you trust all devices on the network and want everyone to have access to the files, feel free to choose Turn off password-protected sharing in step 10.
Method 3: Enable services related to the required discovery
The Job Discovery Provider Host and Job Discovery Resource Publisher are two services responsible for making your computer visible or discoverable to other computers and devices on your network. If the services stop running in the background or malfunction, you will experience problems discovering other systems and sharing files. Follow the steps below to fix computers not showing up on your network in Windows 10 and Windows 10 network sharing not working by enabling the related services.
1. Press the keys Windows + R At the same time to open the dialog box "employment".
2. Write services.msc And click "OK" To open an application Services.
3. Locate and search for the Job Discovery Provider Host service. Right-click on it and select The properties , as shown.
4. Under the General tab, select the Startup type as automatic.
5. Also, ensure that the service status reads Running. If it isn't, click the button. Start.
6. Click "Application" To save changes, click "OK" To exit, as shown.
7. Next, right-click on Discovery Resource Publications Service (FDResPub) And choose The properties , as above.
8. On the General tab, click Startup type: Drop down menu and choose Automatic (Delayed Start), as shown below.
9. Click Apply > OK to save the changes.
10. Similarly, set the startup types for services. SSDP Discovery و UPnP Device Host on Manual Also.
11. Click “Apply” > “OK” To save individual changes, finally, restart your Windows 10 desktop/laptop.
Method 1.0: Enable SMB XNUMX/CIFS file sharing support
Server Message Block, or SMB, is the protocol or set of rules that defines how data is sent. It is used by Windows 10 operating systems to transfer files, share printers, and communicate with each other. While the jury is still out on the use of SMB 1.0 and the protocol is considered secure, enabling the feature may hold the key to resolving the problem of computers not showing up on the network.
1. Click START YOUR And type Control Panel , and click open On the right side
2. Set View by > Large icons and click on Option programs and features.
3. In the left pane, click Turn on Windows features Or Turn it off As shown.
4. Scroll down and select SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support SiteMake sure the box next to it is checked.
5. Check the boxes for all highlighted sub-items:
- SMB 1.0/CIFS Automatic Removal
- SMB 1.0 / CIFS Client
- SMB 1.0/CIFS Server
6. Click "OK" To save and exit. Reboot the system if prompted.
Method 5: Allow network discovery through the firewall
Windows Defender Firewall and unnecessarily stringent antivirus software are often the culprits behind many connectivity issues. The firewall, in particular, is tasked with regulating connection and network requests sent back and forth from your computer. You'll need to manually enable network discovery to view other network computers and resolve the Windows 10 network sharing issue. This can be done in two ways.
Option 1: Through Windows Settings
Follow the steps below to allow network discovery through Windows Firewall via the Settings app:
1. Press Windows + I To open Settings and click Update and security , as shown.
2. Go to the tab Windows Security And click Firewall and network protection in the right pane.
3. In the next window, click Allow To apply through the firewall as shown.
4. Next, click the button “Change settings” To open List of allowed apps and features And make modifications to it.
5. Search for ActSaw the net Carefully select the specific box and general columns related to the feature. Then click "OK".
Option 2: Through the command prompt
You can avoid the above mentioned hassle of digging through multiple windows by simply executing the following line in the command prompt and possibly fix the issue of computers not showing up on the network.
1. Press Windows key , And type Command Prompt And click Run as administrator , as shown.
2. Type the specified command and press the key. Enter.
netsh advfirewall firewall set rule group="Network Discovery" new enable=Yes
Method 6: Reset network settings
If you follow all the above methods carefully, you can rest assured that network file sharing is configured correctly. Issues with the network itself may be preventing your computer from displaying other connected systems. In such cases, resetting all relevant components should fix the Windows 10 network sharing not working issue. This can also be achieved in two ways.
Option 1: Through Windows Settings
If you're more comfortable with graphical interfaces rather than command-line applications, you can reset your network through Windows Settings, as follows:
1. Start Windows Settings and go to Network and Internet.
2. Click Network Reset > Reset Now , as shown.
Option 2: Through the command prompt
Follow the steps shown to reset network settings through the command prompt:
1. Turn on Command Prompt as Administrator As before.
2. Execute the following set of commands one by one.
netsh winsock reset netsh int ip reset ipconfig / release ipconfig / renew ipconfig / flushdns
Method 7: Reinstall the network driver
You can take the reset process a step further by reinstalling your network adapter drivers and allowing Windows to install the latest ones. Here's how to fix computers not showing up on the network by reinstalling the network driver:
1. Press Windows key , And type device Manager and click to open.
2. Double-click to expand the Network Adapters category.
3. Right click on Network adapter driver (Such as Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller) And choose The properties , as shown.
4. Go to the tab driver , and click Uninstall device , as shown.
5. Click "uninstall" In the confirmation message after selecting the option to delete the driver software for this device.
6. Now, restart your computer.
7. Windows will automatically install the drivers upon restart. If it doesn't, click Action > Scan for hardware changes As shown below.
Pro Tip: How to Access Other Computers on Your Network
Before we get into the solutions, if you are in a hurry and looking for a quick fix, To transfer files in Windows You can follow the specified steps:
1. Press the keys Windows + E Together to run file explorer.
2. Go to Network and type \\ followed byIP address computer in the address bar file explorer.
For example: If your computer's IP address is 192.168.1.108, type \\192.168.1.108 and press the key. Enter To access this computer.
Type the IP address and press Enter to access this computer on the network.
Note: To find out the IP address, execute ipconfig in a command prompt and check the Default Gateway address entry, shown highlighted.
Type the command ipconfig and press Enter.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Q1. How do I make my computer visible on the network?
answer. To make your computer visible on the network, you'll need to enable Network Discovery. Launch the Control Panel and go to Network and Sharing Center > Change advanced sharing settings > Private > Turn on network discovery.
Q2. Why can't I see all the devices on my network?
answer. You won't be able to see other devices on your network if network discovery is disabled, FDPHost, FDResPub, and other related services are down, or if there are issues with the network itself. Follow the solutions above to resolve this.
We hope the above steps have fixed the issue of computers not showing up on the network in your Windows 10. Sharing files over a network can be a complex process. Also, if you have any queries or suggestions regarding this article, feel free to leave them in the comments section and feel free to contact us if you need further assistance.
