Cannot See Other Computers on Local Network Fix

Summary

This video tutorial explains how to resolve the issue of Windows 10 not detecting other computers and devices on a local network. The guide walks through steps such as ensuring your network is set to private, enabling file and printer sharing, checking system services, and managing firewall settings. It also covers adjusting Windows features like SMB 1.0 for better network visibility. Additionally, the tutorial stresses the importance of performing these steps on all devices within the network for seamless device sharing. It's a helpful guide for troubleshooting network visibility issues on Windows 10.

Takeaways

• 😀 Make sure the Ethernet connection is set to 'Private Network' to allow file and printer sharing on Windows 10.
• 😀 Enabling file and printer sharing is crucial for devices to be visible on your local network.
• 😀 Ensure all relevant network sharing options (like public folder sharing and password protection) are turned on for visibility.
• 😀 Important system services such as 'Function Discovery Provider Host' and 'Function Discovery Resource Publication' should be enabled for network sharing.
• 😀 The 'SSDP Discovery' service helps discover network devices and should be running for proper visibility of devices on the network.
• 😀 Check the 'Server' service, which is responsible for sharing files and printers across the network, ensuring it is active.
• 😀 Verify that 'UPnP Device Host' is enabled, as disabling it can block the detection of some devices on the network.
• 😀 Firewalls, including software ones, may block network visibility, so ensure trusted devices and services are allowed through.
• 😀 Enabling SMB 1.0 and file-sharing support in Windows features can help improve visibility of devices on the network, especially for legacy systems.
• 😀 Restart your computer after making network and service changes to ensure settings take effect.
• 😀 These settings must be configured on all computers on the network for full visibility and sharing of devices, printers, and files.

Q & A

Why can't I see other computers or devices on my local network in Windows 10?

The most common reason for this issue is that file and printer sharing might be turned off, or the network is not set to 'Private'. Additionally, certain services or firewall settings may be preventing visibility on the network.

How can I ensure my network is set to 'Private' on Windows 10?

Go to the 'Network & Internet' settings from the bottom-right corner, click on your Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection, and ensure the network is set to 'Private'. This allows file sharing and makes your PC discoverable.

What is the importance of setting my network to 'Private' in Windows 10?

Setting your network to 'Private' ensures that your PC can be discovered by other devices on the same network, allowing for file sharing and printer access. If set to 'Public', your PC will be hidden from other devices.

What are the key settings I need to enable for file and printer sharing?

In 'Network and Sharing Center', under 'Change advanced sharing settings', enable 'File and printer sharing' and 'Public folder sharing'. Also, you may disable 'Password-protected sharing' for easier access.

What should I do if a service is disabled on my system, such as 'Function Discovery Provider Host'?

Open the 'Services' app (type 'services.msc' in the Start menu) and ensure the 'Function Discovery Provider Host' service is running. Set it to 'Automatic (Delayed Start)' if it's not running to ensure network visibility.

What is the purpose of the 'SSDP Discovery' service, and how do I check if it's running?

The 'SSDP Discovery' service helps your computer find network devices using the SSDP protocol. To check, go to 'Services' and ensure it is set to 'Manual' and is running. This service should be enabled for proper network discovery.

How can I check if my firewall is blocking devices on the network?

Go to your firewall settings and make sure it is not blocking file-sharing protocols or network access. If using third-party firewalls like ZoneAlarm, check if network visibility is restricted for specific devices.

What is SMB 1.0, and why do I need to enable it?

SMB 1.0 (Server Message Block) is a file-sharing protocol used by older devices, like Linux-based systems. If you want to share files with these devices, enabling SMB 1.0 on your PC can help resolve compatibility issues.

Why should I restart my computer after enabling certain features?

Restarting your computer allows changes to take effect, ensuring that settings such as file sharing, SMB 1.0, and network visibility are properly configured and applied.

What should I do if my devices still aren't visible on the network after following these steps?

If your devices still aren't visible, check the network settings on all other computers in your local network. Make sure the same sharing settings are applied and that necessary services are running. Also, verify that no security software is blocking network communication.