When connected to the same network as other devices, you can share the files and settings of your Windows 11/10 computer with the other connected devices. Sometimes, when you try to share your network, your computer tells you that Network Discovery is turned off.
Windows is easy to use because most of the error messages give you a hint of the origin of the issue. From the error message, it’s clear that your system can’t browse or connect to networks because Network discovery is disabled.
If you’re experiencing this issue, don’t fret because you only have to go and enable Network Discovery manually. In this guide, I’ll show you how to enable this setting, unblock it from the firewall, and other troubleshooting solutions for the issue.
Network discovery is turned off and not turning on
If Network Discovery is not working, then to enable Network Discovery and clear the error message, follow these troubleshooting steps:
- Restart your computer.
- Troubleshoot your network using the built-in Network and Internet Troubleshooter.
- Make sure to enable the dependency services.
- Enable Network Discovery from the Firewall and Network Settings.
- Change your Network Profile.
- Use Network Reset.
In the section that follows, we’ll explore these fixes in detail.
1] Restart your PC
The problem could be caused by a malfunctioning process or service. A simple restart fixes many minor software glitches. For this solution, don’t merely, hit the Restart button.
To better fix this issue properly, power off your system from Start Menu > Power > Shut Down. Allow your PC to go completely off. Leave it for around 2 minutes before powering it back on.
2] Troubleshoot your network using the built-in Network and Internet Troubleshooter
Windows 10 users need to follow the steps provided below to run the Network Troubleshooter.
- Right-click on the Network icon in your taskbar.
- Select Troubleshoot problems.
- Follow the troubleshooting steps presented on the screen.
In Windows 11, you need to run the Network and Internet Troubleshooter through the Get Help app. This troubleshooter is also available in Windows 11 Settings. Launching it from there also launches the Get Help app.
3] Start the required dependency services
Check the status of the required dependency services in WIndows 11/10. If these services are disabled or not running, start them. The following instructions will guide you on this:
Open the Services Manager and check the status of the following services one by one. If you find any of these services disabled or stopped, enable and start them.
- UPnP Device Host
- Function Discovery Resource Publication
- SSDP Discovery
- DNS Client
If any of these services is stopped or disabled, double-click on it to open its properties. Now, select Automatic in the Startup type drop-down menu. After that, click Start if the Start button is clickable.
Restart your computer.
4] Enable Network discovery
To enable Network Discovery, press the Windows Key and search for Windows Defender Firewall. Select Windows Defender Firewall from the results. Click on the Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall link on the left panel.
Hit the Change settings button. If prompted, sign in as an Administrator. Find Network Discovery from the list. Mark the checkbox on the left, as well as the Private and Public checkboxes at the extreme right.
Click on the OK button below.
After enabling the Network Discovery in Windows Defender Firewall, check if you can turn on Network Discovery or not. Press the Windows Key and search for Control Panel.
- Click on Control Panel from the results.
- Go to Network and Internet.
- Click on View network status and tasks.
- Navigate to Change advanced sharing settings.
- Select the Turn on Network Discovery option.
- Mark the checkbox labeled Turn on automatic setup of network-connected devices.
5] Change your Network Profile
You can also try changing your Network Profile and see if it helps. Click on the network icon on your taskbar. Right-click on the network you want to fix and select Properties.
Select Private in the Network profile section.
Click on the back button at the top left-hand of the window. Navigate to Status on the left panel. Go to Sharing options.
Select Turn on network discovery. Mark the checkbox beside Turn on automatic setup of network-connected devices. Click Save changes.
In Windows 11, you will see the settings here:
Open Settings > Network and Internet. Locate the network you are connected to and select Properties to open the above window.
These methods should get rid of the problem on your Windows 11/10 computer.
6] Use Network Reset
If nothing helps you, you can use the Network Reset feature. This action will uninstall and reinstall the Network Adapters and reset the Networking Components to the default. Before you proceed, save your work because Windows 11/10 will restart after resetting your Network.
All the best!
Why won’t my network discovery turn on?
There are two main reasons why the Network Discovery on your computer is not turning on, the Dependency Services for the Network Discovery are not running and the Microsoft Defender Firewall or the third-party firewall is blocking the Network Discovery. If the Network Discovery won’t turn on, you cannot browse or find any network share and cannot view shared folders on a local network.
Should network discovery be on or off?
It depends on you. If you have connected multiple computers on your home network, you cannot access files on them from your computer through your network if the Network Discovery is turned off. Moreover, if there is a shared printer on your home network, you cannot access it through the computer on which the Network Discovery is turned off.
Read next: Cannot see other computers on your network in Windows.
