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How to Fix Windows Server Not Showing Up in Network on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Sometimes, your Windows Server might not show up in the network on a Windows 11 PC. This issue can be frustrating, especially when you need to access shared files or resources quickly.

Fortunately, there are several simple steps you can follow to resolve this problem. Most of these solutions involve checking settings on both your server and your Windows 11 computer.

This guide will walk you through easy-to-understand, step-by-step instructions to help your Windows Server appear correctly in the network list.

By following these steps, you can restore connectivity and make your server visible again without needing advanced technical knowledge.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

Before diving into troubleshooting, it’s important to ensure a few basic things are in place:

  • Network Connection: Both your Windows Server and Windows 11 PC should be connected to the same local network. This could be via Ethernet or the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Server is Online: Make sure the Windows Server is powered on and functioning properly.
  • Shared Resources Enabled: Check that folders or resources on the server are properly shared.
  • Firewall Settings: Both devices should allow network discovery and file sharing through their firewalls.

Step 1: Enable Network Discovery on Windows 11

Network discovery allows your PC to find other devices on the network and be found by them. If this setting is off, your server might not show up.

  1. Click the Start button and open Settings.
  2. Go to Network & Internet and select Advanced network settings.
  3. Under Related settings, click More network adapter options.
  4. In the Network Connections window, right-click your active network adapter and select Properties.
  5. Click Sharing tab, then ensure Network discovery is turned on in Network and Sharing Center as well.
  6. Alternatively, open Control Panel, go to Network and Sharing Center, then click Change advanced sharing settings. Under your current profile (Private or Public), turn on Network discovery and File and printer sharing.
  7. Click Save changes.

Why this matters: If network discovery is off, your Windows 11 PC won’t see the server on the network, and vice versa.

Step 2: Check Windows Server Services

Your Windows Server needs certain services running to be discoverable on the network.

  1. Log in to your Windows Server.
  2. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
  3. Find the following services and make sure they are running:
    • Function Discovery Resource Publication
    • SSDP Discovery
    • UPnP Device Host
  4. If any of these services are stopped, right-click on the service and select Start.
  5. For better stability, set their startup type to Automatic by right-clicking the service, choosing Properties, and selecting Automatic from the dropdown.

Why this matters: These services help your server announce its presence on the network and respond to discovery requests.

Step 3: Configure Firewall to Allow File and Printer Sharing

Windows Firewall may block traffic that prevents your server from showing up.

  1. On both Windows 11 PC and Windows Server, open Control Panel.
  2. Navigate to System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.
  3. Click Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
  4. Scroll down and ensure File and Printer Sharing is checked for your network profile (Private or Public).
  5. If it’s unchecked, click Change settings, then check the boxes and save.

Alternative: If you have a third-party firewall, ensure similar settings allow network discovery and file sharing.

Step 4: Verify Network Profile is Set to Private

A Public network profile restricts discovery and sharing by default, which can hide your server.

  1. On your Windows 11 PC, open Settings.
  2. Go to Network & Internet, then select your active network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
  3. Look for Network profile type and choose Private.

Why this matters: Private networks enable easier device sharing and discovery.

Step 5: Access Server by IP Address

If your server still doesn’t show up in the network list, you can try accessing it directly using its IP address.

  1. Find the server’s IP address by opening Command Prompt on the server and typing ipconfig.
  2. Look for the IPv4 address under the relevant network adapter.
  3. On your Windows 11 PC, open File Explorer.
  4. In the address bar, type \[IP address], for example, \192.168.1.10, and press Enter.
  5. If prompted, enter server credentials to access shared resources.

Why this works: Accessing via IP bypasses network discovery and connects directly to the server.

Step 6: Restart Network Components

Sometimes, a simple restart fixes network visibility issues.

  1. Restart your Windows Server.
  2. Restart your Windows 11 PC.
  3. Restart your router or switch if possible.

This refreshes network connections and can resolve temporary glitches.

Advanced Option: Enable SMB1 Protocol (If Necessary)

Some older servers or devices use SMB1 to share files. Windows 11 disables SMB1 by default for security, which may cause visibility issues.

  1. Open Control Panel and go to Programs > Turn Windows features on or off.
  2. Scroll down and check SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support.
  3. Click OK and restart your PC.

Important: SMB1 is outdated and less secure. Enable it only if you trust your network and have no alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is my Windows Server not showing up in the network?

Common reasons include network discovery being turned off, firewall blocking, incorrect network profiles, or necessary services not running on the server.

Can I access the server without it showing up in the network list?

Yes, you can access it directly using its IP address in File Explorer by typing \[IP address].

Do I need to enable SMB1 to see my server?

Only if your server uses SMB1 protocol. It is recommended to avoid SMB1 for security reasons unless absolutely necessary.

Will turning off the firewall help?

Temporarily disabling the firewall can help diagnose the issue, but it’s safer to just allow required apps and features through the firewall.

How do I find my server’s IP address?

On the server, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig. The IPv4 address listed is the server’s IP.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps above and your Windows Server still does not show up in the network, consider the following options:

  • Check Network Hardware: Ensure cables, switches, and routers are functioning properly.
  • Update Network Drivers: On both server and PC, update network adapter drivers via Device Manager.
  • Consult Official Microsoft Resources: Visit the Microsoft Support website for detailed troubleshooting guides.
  • Contact IT Support: If you are in a managed environment, your IT administrator may have additional settings or restrictions in place.

Conclusion

Windows Server not showing up in the network on Windows 11 is a common issue that can usually be fixed by enabling network discovery, ensuring the right services are running, and configuring firewall settings correctly.

Checking your network profile and accessing the server by IP address are helpful workarounds when discovery fails.

Remember to restart devices to refresh network connections and be cautious when enabling outdated protocols like SMB1.

With these steps, you should be able to restore visibility and access to your Windows Server quickly and safely.

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