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How to Fix Network Discovery Not Working on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Network Discovery is an essential feature in Windows 11 that allows your computer to find other devices and computers on the same network. When it stops working, sharing files, printers, or accessing other devices can become difficult. This guide will walk you through simple steps to fix Network Discovery issues.

Each step is explained in detail to help even beginners understand and apply the solutions. You don’t need to be a tech expert to follow along.

By the end of this article, you should be able to get Network Discovery working smoothly again on your Windows 11 PC.

Let’s start with some quick checks before diving into the troubleshooting process.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Basic Checks

  • Make sure you are connected to a private network: Network Discovery only works on private or home networks, not public ones.
  • Check your internet or network connection: Ensure your PC is properly connected to the network via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
  • Verify your firewall settings: Sometimes, firewalls block Network Discovery features.
  • Restart your computer and router: This can resolve temporary glitches.

Step 1: Enable Network Discovery in Settings

Network Discovery may be turned off by default or after a Windows update. To enable it:

  1. Click on the Start button, then select Settings (gear icon).
  2. Go to Network & Internet.
  3. Click on Advanced network settings.
  4. Select Advanced sharing settings under Related settings.
  5. Under the Private profile, find the Network discovery option.
  6. Turn on Network discovery and also check Turn on automatic setup of network connected devices.
  7. Click Save changes.

Turning on Network Discovery allows your PC to see other devices and be visible to others on the network. It is important especially for file sharing or connecting to printers.

Step 2: Check and Start Required Services

Windows uses specific background services to manage Network Discovery. If these services are stopped, discovery will not work.

  1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
  3. In the Services window, scroll down and find the following services:
    • Function Discovery Provider Host
    • Function Discovery Resource Publication
    • SSDP Discovery
    • UPnP Device Host
  4. For each service:
    1. Right-click and select Properties.
    2. Set the Startup type to Automatic.
    3. If the service is not running, click Start.
    4. Click Apply, then OK.

These services help your PC locate and communicate with other devices on the network. Ensuring they are running and set to start automatically prevents future problems.

Step 3: Adjust Windows Firewall Settings

Windows Firewall can block Network Discovery even if it is enabled. To allow it through the firewall:

  1. Open the Control Panel by searching for it in the Start menu.
  2. Click on System and Security, then Windows Defender Firewall.
  3. On the left sidebar, click Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
  4. Click the Change settings button (you may need administrator permissions).
  5. Scroll down and locate Network Discovery.
  6. Make sure both Private and Public boxes are checked.
  7. Click OK to save changes.

Allowing Network Discovery through the firewall ensures that your PC can send and receive the necessary network signals without being blocked.

Step 4: Configure Network Profile to Private

Network Discovery only works on private networks. If your network is set to public, it will not function correctly.

  1. Click the Start button and open Settings.
  2. Go to Network & Internet.
  3. Select Wi-Fi or Ethernet depending on your connection type.
  4. Click your connected network’s name.
  5. Under Network profile type, select Private.

This change tells Windows to trust the network and allows device discovery and sharing.

Step 5: Reset Network Settings

If the above steps don’t work, resetting your network settings can often fix deeper configuration issues.

  1. Open Settings and go to Network & Internet.
  2. Scroll down and click on Advanced network settings.
  3. Click Network reset at the bottom.
  4. Click Reset now and confirm your choice.
  5. Your PC will restart and reset network adapters to default settings.

Resetting network settings clears any custom configurations or errors that may be blocking Network Discovery.

Alternative Method: Use Windows Troubleshooter

Windows has built-in troubleshooters that can automatically detect and fix network issues.

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  3. Find Network Adapter and click Run.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to detect and fix problems.

This tool can save time by automatically resolving common problems related to network connectivity.

FAQs

Why is Network Discovery not working even after enabling it?

Network Discovery depends on several services and correct network profiles. If related services are stopped or your network is set to public, it won’t work. Firewall settings can also block it.

Can I use Network Discovery on a public Wi-Fi network?

No, Network Discovery is designed to work on private or home networks. Public networks have stricter security and usually block device discovery for safety.

Will resetting network settings delete my files?

No, resetting network settings only affects network adapters and related configurations. Your personal files and applications remain safe.

How do I know if Network Discovery is enabled?

You can check in the Advanced Sharing Settings under Network & Internet settings. Also, if you can see other devices on your network in File Explorer’s Network section, it’s enabled.

What if my antivirus is blocking Network Discovery?

Some third-party antivirus programs have their own firewalls that may block Network Discovery. Temporarily disable or configure your antivirus to allow network sharing.

When Nothing Works: Final Steps

If you have tried all the above steps and Network Discovery still does not work, consider the following:

  • Check for Windows updates: Sometimes updates fix underlying bugs. Go to Settings > Windows Update and install any available updates.
  • Create a new user profile: Corrupted user profiles can cause issues. Create a new user and see if the problem persists there.
  • Consult Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft Support website for advanced help.
  • Use System Restore: If the issue started recently, restore your system to an earlier point when Network Discovery was working.

Conclusion

Network Discovery is crucial for seamless sharing and connectivity on Windows 11. By following the steps above—from enabling discovery to checking services and firewall settings—you can resolve most common issues.

Always start with simple fixes like enabling settings and restarting devices before moving to advanced solutions like network resets. Understanding why each step matters helps you maintain a stable and secure network environment.

With patience and careful troubleshooting, Network Discovery will be up and running, making your Windows 11 experience much smoother.

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