If network discovery is disabled on your system, you won't be able to view other computers and devices connected to the same network. On home or office networks, you might wish to activate it. In this MiniTool article, we will guide you through enabling network discovery on Windows 10.

Understanding Network Discovery on Windows 10

Network discovery is a feature within Windows. When activated, it allows you to identify and interact with other computers and devices linked to the same network. These devices can also detect your presence. You can even share files, folders, and peripherals.

By default, this feature is active when your computer is part of a private network (such as at home or work). However, it is disabled when your system is connected to untrusted public networks.

If you cannot locate other computers and devices on the same network, the likely cause is that network discovery has been inadvertently turned off. Enabling it and configuring sharing settings should resolve the issue.

Steps to Enable Network Discovery on Windows 10

(Note: Avoid enabling network discovery while connected to public networks like those found in airports or cafes.)

1. Click Start.

2. Navigate to Settings > Network & Internet.

3. For Wi-Fi connections, click Wi-Fi from the left-hand menu. For Ethernet connections, choose Ethernet.

4. Find and click Change advanced sharing options under Related settings.

   

5. Within the Private (current profile) section, ensure Turn on network discovery and Turn on automatic setup of network-connected devices are checked.

   

6. Click Save changes.

Your computer now has network discovery enabled.

Enabling File and Printer Sharing

If your computer is connected to a private network, the File and Printer Sharing option is usually enabled automatically. This enables sharing of files, folders, and printers within the same network. If this functionality isn’t working, you may need to enable it manually.

1. Click Start.

2. Go to Settings > Network & Internet.

3. Depending on your network type, select either Wi-Fi or Ethernet from the left menu.

4. Click Change advanced sharing options under Related settings.

5. Expand Private (current profile).

6. Ensure Turn on file and printer sharing is selected under File and printer sharing.

7. Click Save changes.

   

Activating Public Folder Sharing

The Public folder located in the C drive is the one referenced in this article. Any user account registered in Windows can access it. To allow other computers and devices on the same network to view this folder, you can enable public folder sharing.

1. Open Start > Settings > Network & Internet.

2. Select Wi-Fi or Ethernet, depending on your current network connection.

3. Click Change advanced sharing settings under Related settings.

4. Scroll down and expand All Networks.

5. Check Turn on sharing so that everyone with network access can read and write files in the Public folders under Public folder sharing.

6. Click Save changes.

   

Enabling Password-Protected Sharing

When password-protected sharing is enabled, only users with your account credentials can access shared files, folders, and printers. It’s advisable to activate this feature for enhanced security.

Here’s how to enable password-protected sharing:

1. Open Start > Settings > Network & Internet.

2. Choose Wi-Fi or Ethernet, based on your current network type.

3. Select Change advanced sharing settings under Related settings.

4. Expand All Networks.

5. Ensure Turn on password-protected sharing is selected under Password-protected sharing.

6. Click Save changes.

   

What exactly is network discovery? How do you activate it and set up sharing options on your Windows computer? After reading this post, you should have all the answers you need.

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