Network discovery allows you to discover other devices connected to the same network, just as long as they also have the feature enabled. Usually, it is used for sharing files or other devices such as printers. While it saves you from attaching files to emails or looking for old USB flash drives, sometimes it malfunctions without any warning.
If your network discovery isn't working in Windows 10, let's cover some ways you can try to get it working once again. Any time you're trying to troubleshoot an issue on your Windows computer, restarting it should always be the first step. There are certain benefits that come with rebooting, such as flushing the memory, stopping memory leaks, or correcting software glitches.
It can also help with network-related issues, so be sure to give your computer a quick restart and see if that fixes the issue. However, if it doesn't work or the issue keeps returning, it could be a sign of a more serious problem. Here is how you can do it:. To fix this issue, you should also run the Shared Folders troubleshooter. Follow the steps one more time and at step 4 select Shared Folders.
Your network malfunctions could be caused by an outdated or corrupt network adapter. While drivers usually update automatically, you can follow these steps to make sure you are not running an older version:. Windows 10 has two network profiles that you can choose from: Private and Public.
On a Private profile, Windows 10 allows your computer to share files. Basically, Windows 10 thinks it can trust private networks such as your home or work network. Several functions may not work. Please re-enable javascript to access full functionality. Posted 30 January - PM. I have a 10 machine home network using Win 10 Pro latest update V I have had the intermittent problem for a long time that Network Discovery does not work consistently. Thje properties on all machines are set to allow access for File and printer sharing and password protected sharing is off.
This has worked well in the past but seems to screw up every time there is a cumulative update but that is an impression not a tested fact.. This has been driving me nuts for a long time and I have been unable to determine what has sorted this out in the past.
I have checked the services activated between the one computer which is recognised and one which is not. The network is working with specific computer addresses but network discovery is not for most of the machines. Good, with 10 machines you may want delivery optimization too? Posted 31 January - AM. I intend to print it out and work through it on a couple of machines and see what happens.
I will get back when I have completed the task but it might be a few days so bear with me. Posted 31 January - PM. Posted 02 February - AM. The detailed information provided by Zebanovitch was crucial in sorting out this problem. I printed it out and started to follow it on a machine which was not displaying originally from a 10 machine network only one was showing together with the NAS Box. I got as far as Function Discovery Resource Publication which was set to auto and reported as running.
I opened properties to see what was set and everything seemed fine. Snap at I made the same change on all the other 8 computers and I now can see and access all 10 machines from within "Network".
I have rebooted and the settings seem to have stuck. Only time will tell so I will keep a close eye on it and get back if for some reason it fails again, probably after the next Windows Update.
So Many thanks again to Zebanovitch for the exhaustive reply and for putting me on the right track. Posted 02 February - PM. Well I spoke too soon. I shut down everything and went for dinner and on returning I am back to the same problem. If I stop the service and restart it, everything works as it should. I have played around all the various settings but with no further result.
Almost as if the boot up does not properly start the service or starts it too soon I tried delayed start but no joy. Posted 07 February - AM. Posted 14 February - AM. I decided to do a complete reinstall of Win 10 Pro to one of the desktop computers which I have been meaning to do for some time. However I decided to investigate the network discovery situation after a clean install and before any other changes are made.
Immediately after install and reboot I opened File Explorer and selected Networks. The computer was discovered and shown. It was also shown on another computer in the network. I then tried to access it on the new install and the top of the display asked if I wanted to activate sharing which I did.
The computer was still discovered. I then rebooted and it disappeared from both machines and refreshing did not find it. Does anyone have any idea what is going on. I am gradually losing more and more hair as I tear it out. Another thing is that I have NordVPN installed and if I activate it and connect to another country then network discovery works. Posted 16 February - AM. I think I have solved my problem. It seems that it is necessary to have Remote Assistance activated..
Remote Connection settings. As soon as I did this on all machines yesterday Network discovery has worked. I waited till today just to be sure. Community Forum Software by IP. Sign In Create Account. Javascript Disabled Detected You currently have javascript disabled. Register a free account to unlock additional features at BleepingComputer. Welcome to BleepingComputer , a free community where people like yourself come together to discuss and learn how to use their computers.
Using the site is easy and fun. As a guest, you can browse and view the various discussions in the forums, but can not create a new topic or reply to an existing one unless you are logged in. Other benefits of registering an account are subscribing to topics and forums, creating a blog, and having no ads shown anywhere on the site. Click here to Register a free account now! Please log in to reply. UK Local time: PM. Posted 30 January - PM Hi everyone Doers anyone have a setup guide for win 10 network sharing.
I have disabled every security program - no change.