How to Fix Linksys Not Showing All Devices on Windows 11: Complete Troubleshooting Steps

When your Linksys router does not show all devices connected on your Windows 11 computer, it can be frustrating. This issue can prevent you from managing your network effectively or troubleshooting connection problems. Fortunately, there are several simple steps you can follow to fix this problem.

This guide walks you through easy and detailed troubleshooting methods to help your Windows 11 device properly detect all connected devices on your Linksys router. Each step is explained clearly so even beginners can follow along.

By the end of this guide, you should be able to see all devices connected to your router without any issues. Let’s get started with some quick checks before diving into troubleshooting.

Following these steps carefully ensures you resolve the issue while understanding why each action is important.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

Ensure your Linksys router is powered on and connected to the internet. Without proper power and connection, device detection won’t work.
Make sure your Windows 11 PC is connected to the Linksys network. You cannot see devices from another network.
Confirm your router firmware is up to date. Outdated firmware can sometimes cause visibility issues.
Verify you are using the correct IP address to access your router’s admin page. Usually, it’s 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.
Check that your Windows 11 network profile is set to “Private.” Public profiles restrict device discovery.

Step 1: Restart Your Router and Windows 11 PC

The simplest fix is often just restarting. Power cycling your router and computer refreshes network connections and clears temporary glitches.

Turn off your Linksys router by pressing the power button or unplugging it.
Wait for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Turn the router back on and wait until all indicator lights are stable.
Restart your Windows 11 PC.
Reconnect to your Linksys Wi-Fi network and check if all devices appear.

Why this helps: Restarting resets network hardware and software states, often resolving minor connectivity issues.

Step 2: Verify Network Profile is Set to Private on Windows 11

Windows 11 treats networks differently based on their profile. A “Public” profile restricts device visibility for security reasons, while a “Private” profile allows device discovery.

Click the Start button, then select Settings.
Go to Network & Internet > Wi-Fi (or Ethernet if wired).
Click on your connected network name.
Under Network profile type, choose Private.
Close the settings and check your router’s device list again.

Why this matters: Setting your network to Private allows your PC to be discoverable on the network, enabling you to see other devices connected to the same router.

Step 3: Update Your Router Firmware

Firmware updates fix bugs and improve router performance. An outdated firmware version might cause device visibility issues.

Open a browser on your Windows 11 PC.
Enter your router’s IP address (commonly 192.168.1.1) in the address bar and press Enter.
Log in using your admin username and password (check your router’s manual or label if unsure).
Navigate to the Administration or Firmware Upgrade section.
Check if a newer firmware version is available.
If yes, follow the on-screen instructions to update the firmware.
After updating, the router will restart automatically.
Reconnect your PC and check the device list again.

Why update firmware? It ensures your router software is current, which can resolve bugs related to device detection and network management.

Step 4: Clear Windows Network Cache

Windows maintains a cache of network data which can sometimes cause connectivity or detection problems. Clearing this cache can help.

Press Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog.
Type cmd and press Enter to open Command Prompt.
In the Command Prompt, type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:

ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns
netsh winsock reset

Restart your PC after running these commands.
Reconnect to your Linksys network and check the device list again.

Why this works: These commands renew your IP address, clear DNS cache, and reset network sockets, which can fix communication issues between your PC and router.

Step 5: Disable Firewall or Antivirus Temporarily

Sometimes, Windows Firewall or third-party antivirus software can block network discovery features.

Open the Start menu and select Settings.
Go to Privacy & Security > Windows Security > Firewall & network protection.
Choose your active network profile and toggle Microsoft Defender Firewall off temporarily.
If you use third-party antivirus, open its interface and disable its network protection temporarily.
Check if the devices now appear on your Linksys router’s device list.
Remember to re-enable firewall and antivirus protection after testing.

Why try this: Firewalls and antivirus can block protocols used for device discovery. Disabling them briefly can help determine if they’re causing the problem.

Step 6: Reset Network Settings on Windows 11

If previous steps don’t work, resetting network settings can fix deeper network configuration issues.

Open Settings from the Start menu.
Navigate to Network & Internet > Advanced network settings.
Scroll down and select Network reset.
Click Reset now and confirm.
Your PC will restart and all network adapters will be reinstalled.
Reconnect to your Linksys Wi-Fi and check if all devices are visible.

Why reset? This action clears all network configurations and restores them to default, fixing corrupt or misconfigured settings.

Alternative Method: Use Linksys App or Web Interface

If Windows 11 still does not show all devices, try checking your router directly from the Linksys mobile app or web admin page.

Download the Linksys app from Microsoft Store or your mobile device app store.
Log in with your Linksys router credentials.
Check the connected devices list directly in the app.
This method bypasses Windows network detection and gives you direct access to router information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why are some devices not showing on my Linksys router?

Devices may not appear if they are on a guest network, powered off, or connected via Ethernet without proper network discovery enabled. Also, security settings or outdated firmware can cause this.

Can Windows 11 settings affect router device visibility?

Yes, the network profile, firewall, and network cache in Windows 11 can affect whether your PC can see other devices connected to the router.

How do I find my Linksys router’s IP address?

On Windows 11, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig. Look for the “Default Gateway” under your active network adapter. That is your router’s IP address.

Is updating router firmware risky?

When done correctly, updating firmware is safe and recommended. Always follow official instructions to avoid interrupting the process, which can damage your router.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps above and still cannot see all devices connected to your Linksys router on Windows 11, consider the following options:

Factory reset your Linksys router: This restores the router to default settings. Use the reset button on the router for about 10 seconds. Note that this erases custom settings.
Contact Linksys support: Visit Linksys Support for help and firmware downloads.
Check for Windows 11 updates: Sometimes, a Windows update can fix networking bugs. Go to Settings > Windows Update and install any available updates.
Consider professional help: If you are unsure about advanced steps, a network technician can diagnose and fix complex issues.

Conclusion

Seeing all devices connected to your Linksys router on Windows 11 is important for managing your network effectively. By restarting devices, verifying network profiles, updating firmware, clearing network caches, and adjusting firewall settings, you can resolve most visibility problems.

Start with the simplest steps and progress to more advanced ones only if necessary. Using the Linksys app or web interface can also help you directly monitor connected devices.

If none of these solutions work, factory resetting your router or contacting Linksys support are your best options. Following this guide carefully will help you troubleshoot the issue smoothly and get your network back on track.