Like any other Operating System and its working versions, Windows 10 also have bugs, errors, issues, etc., that need resolving. One of such issues common to most Windows 10 users is when Windows 10 can’t see other computers on network after connection.
Here, we will introduce the issue, its causes, and our recommended methods that can help you in solving the problem.
Why Can’t I See Other Computers on My Network
The “Windows 10 can’t see other computers on network” issue started after the Windows 10 1703 update. Therefore, some users who updated to this build or newer ones can’t see other computers in Workgroup or under Network when using the File Explorer.
Normally when you check your network environment on File Explorer, you should see a list of connected Computers. However, users with this issue would see a pop-up message indicated below.
Also, for those who use Command Prompt, after running the app as an administrator and entering the command “net view,” they would get the message indicated in the picture below.
There are many reasons why Windows 10 Can’t See Other Computers on Network. However, the major technical reasons are always due to bugs and wrong settings of Network Discovery, SMB 1.0 Protocol, and Disabled Printer and File Sharing.
How to Resolve the Windows 10 Can’t See Other Computers on Network Issue
To resolve the issue, we will list our recommended methods in order of complexity. However, before you begin, ensure you first restart your system as there is a high chance that the issue is due to bugs or corrupted temporary files. Here are our recommended methods.
Disable VPN Software
Sometimes a VPN connection can result in your computer not seeing other computers on its network. Therefore, if you are using one, disable the connection and check if the problem still persists. Here are the steps to take:
- Navigate from Start > Settings > Network and Internet
- Switch to the VPN section.
- Locate the VPN software you are using and click remove.
- Authenticate any dialog option you see
- Restart your computer
Perform Network Reset
Resetting your network will eliminate any connection-related glitches and it should be the last method you would try. Here are the steps you can take:
- Open Settings
- Click on Network & Internet
- Switch to the Status section.
- Click on Network Reset located at the bottom page on the right side
- Authenticate any dialogue that appears.
Enable the SMB 1.0/CIFS Sharing Support
SMB 1.0/CIFS is a Windows component responsible for detecting other computers on your network. When disabled, your computer won’t be able to see other computers on its network. Here are steps to check and enable the component on Windows 10.
Restart the Function Discovery Provider Host service
The Function Discovery Provider Host Service is responsible for discovering devices on a local computer network. When corrupted, your Windows 10 computer won’t be able to see other PCs on its network. Here are the steps to restart the service.
Some users can experience the “Windows could not start the Function Discovery Provider Host service on Local Computer Error 1079: The account specified for this service differs from the account specified for other services running in the same process.” Here are the steps you can take to resolve such errors:
Reinstall Your PC’s Network Drivers
Your Windows 10 computer won’t see other computers on its network if it has a corrupted network driver. Therefore, you need to reinstall the network drivers. Here are the steps you need to take:
Disable IPv6 Protocol
Another reason why your Windows 10 PC can’t see other computers on the network is if the PC or the local gateway does not support the IPv6 protocol. If so, you need to disable IPv6 so that the PC can use the IPv4 protocol. Here are the steps you need.
Enable the Automatic Setup of Network Connected Devices
Reconfigure the File and Sharing Services
You will also experience the error when your PC automatically configured some services to be disabled at Startup.
When this occurs, the computer network discovery function made up of the Function Discovery Provider Host, Function Discovery Resource Publication, SSDP Discovery, UPnP Device Host won’t work properly. You can reconfigure these settings using the services management window. Here are the steps.
Change Router and DNS Settings
If you don’t configure the DNS Settings properly and you have a manual change to the DNS server, your Windows 10 PC might not see other computers on the network. The error might occur since the manually changed server does not match up with the other computer’s DNS servers. There you need to change the DNS settings and then reconfigure the router settings.
After enabling the automatic detection for DNS, follow the steps below to change the router settings.
- Open a Browser (Chrome)
- Type your IP address in the address bar.
- To find your IP address, Run Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type the code ipconfig/all and press Enter
- Copy the address listed in front of the Default Gateway.
- Paste the IP Address and Enter to open the Router login page.
- Log in using your username and password. Your username and password should be at the back of the router. Also, the default values could be “Admin” and “admin” for the password and the username, respectively.
- Search for “Client Isolation, AP Isolation, or a Wifi Isolation” setting.
- Disable this setting.
- Save your changes.
Change Your Firewall Settings
Windows Firewall can also block your computer from properly connecting to a network which leads to the issue. Here are the steps involved:
Change Your Network Profile to Private
Another reason why Windows 10 can’t see other computers on network might be due to an improper network profile. An improper network profile will not allow you to share printers and files on a network ultimately leading to the problem.
This method involves changing the Network Profile:
- Open Settings and click on the Network and Internet
- Click on the Status button from the left side
- Select the Change Connection Properties
- From here, check the “Private” profile.
This will make other PCs trust, see, and communicate with the computer
Use Command Prompt to Enable Network Discovery
Sometimes the Network discovery feature won’t be enabled on your computer. Therefore, this method will involve using the Command Prompt to resolve the problem.
- Launch the Command Prompt as an Administrator.
- Type the following command and press Enter.
netsh advfirewall firewall set rule group="Network Discovery" new enable=Yes
- Close the Command Prompt
- Restart your computer
FAQs
How to See All Computers on My Network?
Windows allows you to easily find computers connected to your PC. Simple click on the File Explorers’s Navigation Pane’s Network category to see all computers on your network.
What Are the Differences Between IPv4 and IPv6 Protocol
IPv4 and IPv6 are both internet protocols However, they differed on several things. For example, IPv4 has a 32-bit address while IPv6 is a 128-bit hexadecimal address.
The IPv6 protocol has a larger address space than IPv4 as it can provide an infinite number of addresses, unlike the IPv4 that is only capable of approximately 4.3 billion addresses.
What Happens When You Perform a Network Reset?
On performing a network reset, Windows deletes all files related to your network on your computer. These include your Ethernet network, Wi-Fi networks, and passwords, and additional connections like VPN connections or virtual switches.
What Happens if Your Firewall Is Off?
When you disable your PC firewall,, you allow data to enter and exit your network without restriction. This lack of restriction can harm your system as malicious data is not scrutinized before entering the network.
Consequently, there is a high chance of putting your whole network and connected computers at risk.
Source: https://www.technewstoday.com/windows-cant-see-other-computers-on-network/