Network Computers Not Showing On Window 10

Network Computers Not Showing On Window 10 Encountering the “Your device is not connected” error in Windows 10 can be frustrating, especially if you rely on network connections to access files and devices. This problem can occur for various reasons, including a recent Windows update, a system error, or a network configuration issue. After upgrading to Windows 10, some people reported that one or more computers are no longer visible on the network. Since Microsoft removed the HomeGroup feature in Windows 10 version 1803, you may encounter network visibility, file sharing, and usability issues. Fortunately, there are many ways to overcome these issues. Read more modern guides about computer problems at PC Information.

Network Computers Not Showing On Window 10.

Techniques to Manage Network Visibility Issues

Step 1: Change and Remove Passwords

One of the first steps to resolve the “ Network computers not showing on Windows 10 ” issue is to check the network sharing settings. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
  2. Navigate to the Network & Internet page.
  3. Select Status and then Network and Sharing Center.
  4. Click on Change advanced sharing settings.
  5. Ensure that Network discovery and File and printer sharing are turned on.
  6. Remove any saved network profiles and disable sharing options in public networks.
  7. Enabling these settings will allow your computer to be visible and share files on the network.

Step 2: Enable SMB 1.0/CIFS Support for File Sharing

Network Computers Not Showing On Window 10.

Another common solution is to enable SMB 1.0/CIFS support for file sharing. This feature is required for older systems to communicate with newer versions of Windows. Follow these steps:

  1. Open the Control Panel by typing it in the search box.
  2. Select Programs and then Turn Windows features on or off.
  3. Scroll down and check SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support.
  4. Ensure all SMB 1.0/CIFS options are checked.
  5. Click OK and restart your computer.

Enabling SMB 1.0/CIFS support fixes issues with older systems that require this protocol.

Step 3: Switch to Function Discovery Resource Publication Service (FDRS) Startup Mode

Network Computers Not Showing On Window 10.

If the above options do not work, you can try enabling the Function Discovery Resource Publication Service:

  1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
  3. Scroll down to find Function Discovery Resource Publication.
  4. Right-click on it and select Properties.
  5. Change the Startup type to Automatic.
  6. Click Apply and OK.
  7. Restart your computer.

This ensures that the FDRS service, which is crucial for network discovery, is running correctly.

Step 4: Reset Network Settings

Resetting your network settings can help resolve many network issues:

  1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator by typing cmd in the search box and selecting Run as administrator.
  2. Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
      • ipconfig /release
      • ipconfig /renew
      • netsh int ip reset
      • netsh winsock reset
  3. Close the Command Prompt and restart your computer.

This will reset your network settings to default and remove any configurations causing issues.

Step 5: Update Network Adapter Driver

Outdated or incorrect network adapter drivers can affect network visibility. To update the network adapter driver:

  1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand Network adapters.
  3. Right-click on your network adapter and select Update driver.
  4. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
  5. If an update is found, install it and restart your computer. If no update is found, visit the manufacturer’s website to download and install the latest driver.

Step 6: Enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP

NetBIOS over TCP/IP is often used to resolve network device visibility issues:

  1. Open Control Panel and select Network and Sharing Center.
  2. Click on Change adapter settings.
  3. Right-click your network connection and select Properties.
  4. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
  5. Click on the Advanced button and go to the WINS tab.
  6. Select Enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP and click OK.

Enabling NetBIOS over TCP/IP can help in discovering network devices.

Conclusion

If you’re having issues with Network computers not showing on Windows 10 you’re not alone. This common issue can hinder access to shared resources on the network. The methods described above provide effective solutions to address network visibility issues. By checking the network discovery settings, enabling SMB 1.0/CIFS support, configuring FDRS, resetting network settings, updating network adapter drivers, and enabling NetBIOS over TCP/IP, you can resolve network visibility problems and restore proper functionality.

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