How to Fix a Computer That Cannot See Other Devices on Your Brisbane Small Business Network

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to Fix a Computer That Cannot See Other Devices on Your Brisbane Small Business Network. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

Network visibility issues can prevent your Windows PC from seeing shared folders, printers, and other devices on your Brisbane small business network. This guide walks you through the most common fixes to restore network discovery and file sharing.

Quick Fix Steps

1. Restart your computer and your network router.
2. Confirm your PC is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the other devices. For help, see How to connect to Wi-Fi.
3. Check that Network discovery and File and printer sharing are enabled in Windows settings.
4. Ensure your network profile is set to Private rather than Public.

Detailed Instructions

Check Your Network Profile

1. Select Start, then select Settings.
2. Go to Network & internet.
3. Select Wi-Fi or Ethernet, depending on your connection.
4. Click on your connected network name.
5. Under Network profile type, select Private.

Enable Network Discovery and File Sharing

1. Select Start, then select Settings.
2. Go to Network & internet > Advanced network settings.
3. Select Advanced sharing settings.
4. Expand the Private networks section.
5. Turn on Network discovery.
6. Turn on File and printer sharing.
7. Expand All networks and ensure Turn on sharing so anyone with network access can read and write files in the Public folders is selected if you need shared folder access.
8. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Allow File and Printer Sharing Through Windows Firewall

1. Press Windows key + R, type control firewall.cpl, and press Enter.
2. Select Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall from the left menu.
3. Click Change settings. You may need administrator approval.
4. Find File and Printer Sharing in the list.
5. Ensure both Private and Public checkboxes are ticked.
6. Click OK.

Enable Required Network Services

1. Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Locate and double-click Function Discovery Resource Publication.
3. Set Startup type to Automatic (Delayed Start).
4. If the service is stopped, click Start, then click OK.
5. Repeat for SSDP Discovery and UPnP Device Host.
6. Restart your computer.

Check Workgroup or Domain Settings

1. Press Windows key + R, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter.
2. Select the Computer Name tab.
3. Note the Workgroup name.
4. Ensure all computers you want to see on the network use the same workgroup name. The default is usually WORKGROUP.
5. If you need to change it, click Change, enter the matching workgroup name, and restart when prompted.

Troubleshooting

Still Cannot See a Specific Device

• Confirm the other device is powered on and connected to the same network.
• Check that network discovery is enabled on that device too.
• Try accessing the device directly by typing \\computername or \\IPaddress in File Explorer's address bar.
• Temporarily disable third-party antivirus or firewall software to test if it is blocking network traffic.

Network Password Prompt

• Enter the username and password for an account on the remote computer, not your local PC.
• If you do not know the credentials, ask the person who set up the shared computer or printer.
• Select Remember my credentials if you want Windows to save the login for future connections.

Still Having Issues?