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Network Discovery is an essential feature in Windows 11 that allows your computer to find and communicate with other devices on the same network. When it is not working, sharing files, printers, or accessing other computers can become difficult.

This guide will walk you through simple, step-by-step solutions to fix Network Discovery issues on your Windows 11 PC. Each step is explained clearly so even beginners can follow along without confusion.

By following these instructions, you can restore network connectivity and make your computer visible to other devices again. Let’s begin with some quick checks before moving into detailed troubleshooting.

Understanding why Network Discovery might fail will also help you avoid similar problems in the future.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Basic Checks

Before diving into fixes, make sure you have the following:

• Active Network Connection: Ensure your PC is connected to a network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
• Correct Network Profile: Network Discovery only works on Private networks, not Public ones.
• Administrative Access: You need administrator rights to change network and service settings.
• Firewall Settings: Basic firewall configurations should allow Network Discovery.

If any of these are not met, the solutions below might not work correctly.

Step 1: Verify and Set Your Network Profile to Private

Network Discovery is automatically disabled on Public networks to protect your PC. Switching to a Private network profile allows discovery features to function.

1. Click the Start button and select Settings.
2. Go to Network & Internet, then click on Wi-Fi or Ethernet depending on your connection.
3. Click on the connected network name.
4. Under Network profile type, select Private.
5. Close Settings and check if Network Discovery is working.

This change tells Windows that your network is trusted, enabling devices to see each other.

Step 2: Turn On Network Discovery in Advanced Sharing Settings

Network Discovery must be enabled in the Sharing options to work properly.

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type control and press Enter to open Control Panel.
3. Navigate to Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
4. Click on Change advanced sharing settings on the left side.
5. Expand the profile for Private (current profile).
6. Under Network discovery, select Turn on network discovery and check Turn on automatic setup of network connected devices.
7. Scroll down and click Save changes.

Enabling these settings allows Windows to look for and show other devices on your network.

Step 3: Ensure Required Services Are Running

Windows relies on specific services for Network Discovery. If these services are stopped, the feature won’t work.

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. In the Services window, locate the following services:
• Function Discovery Resource Publication
• SSDP Discovery
• UPnP Device Host
3. For each service, right-click and select Properties.
4. Set the Startup type to Automatic (Delayed Start).
5. If the service is not running, click Start.
6. Click Apply and OK.

These services help your PC publish itself and discover other devices on the network.

Step 4: Check Windows Firewall Settings

The firewall might block Network Discovery traffic. Make sure it is allowed through the firewall.

1. Open Control Panel and go to System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.
2. Click Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall on the left.
3. Click Change settings (you might need administrator permission).
4. Scroll to Network Discovery and ensure both Private and Public boxes are checked.
5. Click OK to save changes.

If you use a third-party firewall, consult its documentation to allow Network Discovery.

Step 5: Reset Network Settings (Advanced)

If the above steps do not resolve the issue, resetting network settings can fix deeper problems.

1. Open Settings and go to Network & Internet.
2. Scroll down and click Advanced network settings.
3. Under More settings, click Network reset.
4. Click Reset now and confirm.
5. Your PC will restart and network settings will return to defaults.

Note that you may need to reconnect to Wi-Fi networks and reconfigure VPN or proxy settings after this.

Alternative Methods and Advanced Options

If Network Discovery still isn’t working, consider these options:

• Use Command Prompt to Restart Network Services: Open Command Prompt as administrator and run:
  net stop fdrespub && net start fdrespub
• Check for Windows Updates: Sometimes, bugs are fixed in updates. Go to Settings > Windows Update and install any pending updates.
• Disable IPv6 Temporarily: Some network devices have issues with IPv6. You can disable it in your network adapter settings as a test.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Network Discovery and why is it important?

Network Discovery lets your PC find and connect to other devices on the same network. It’s essential for sharing files, printers, and media.

Why does Network Discovery work only on Private networks?

Windows disables Network Discovery on Public networks by default to protect your PC from unauthorized access.

Can a third-party firewall block Network Discovery?

Yes, firewalls can block the traffic needed for discovery. You must allow Network Discovery in their settings.

Why do I need to run certain services for Network Discovery?

Services like Function Discovery Resource Publication help your PC announce itself and find others. If stopped, discovery won’t work.

Will resetting network settings delete my files?

No, network reset only resets network adapters and settings. Your files and apps remain safe.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and Network Discovery is still not functioning, you might want to:

• Run the Network Troubleshooter by going to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Network Adapter.
• Check Microsoft’s official support pages for Windows 11 networking issues: Microsoft Support.
• Consider contacting your network administrator or IT support if you are on a managed network.
• As a last resort, performing a Windows 11 system restore to a date when Network Discovery was working might help.

Conclusion

Network Discovery issues on Windows 11 are common but usually easy to fix by following simple steps. Ensuring your network is set to Private, enabling Network Discovery in settings, starting necessary services, and adjusting firewall rules are the key actions.

For most users, these fixes restore full network visibility and sharing capabilities quickly. Remember to keep your system updated and maintain proper network profiles to avoid future problems.

By carefully following this guide, you should be able to solve Network Discovery problems and enjoy seamless communication between your Windows 11 PC and other devices on your network.