This goes without saying, Windows 10 was always affected by one network issue or another, but now the same problem seems to prevail in Windows 11 as well. One of the most common encounters involves users unable to access other devices within the same Wi-Fi network.
This is often referred to as the ‘Network Discovery is turned off’ error in Windows 10 and 11. In this article, we are going to share some of the most prominent ways to fix the Network Discovery error for your Windows PC.
Also Read: How to Get the Old Context Menu Back on Windows 11
Fix ‘Network Discovery is Turned Off’ in Windows 10 and 11
We have compiled a total of four different methods through which users can solve the Network Discovery is turned off error in both Windows 10 and Windows 11 machines. These methods include:
1. Change Your Advanced Sharing Settings
Heading straight to the advanced sharing settings can offer you more control over your network. Follow the steps mentioned below for both Windows 10/11 machines:
Step 1: At first access Control Panel on your Windows PC. Press the Windows Key and type in ‘Control Panel’ to open.
Step 2: Select the ‘Network and Internet’ option and click on ‘Network and Sharing Center.’
Step 3: This is the most commonly used way to fix the ‘Network Discovery in Turned Off’ error on your Windows Machine. From the left panel, select ‘Change advanced sharing settings’.
Step 4: Open the ‘Private’ section to enable ‘Turn on network discovery’. Make sure you tick the checkbox, ‘Turn on automatic setup for network-connected devices’.
Step 5: Now head over to the ‘Files and printer sharing’ section to enable ‘Turn on file and printer sharing’ for your PC.
Step 6: You need to check other sections as well. Expanding the ‘Guest or Public’ menu, enable ‘Turn on network discovery’ as well as ‘Turn on file and printer sharing.’ Although our recommendation would be not to turn on network discovery for public networks. Then again, if you are using public Wi-Fi, make sure to turn it off once you are done with it.
Step 7: Lastly, save changes and restart your computer to check whether the issue is fixed or not.
Also Read: How to Check Battery Health in Windows 11 Laptop
2. Adjust Your Firewall Settings
There are several instances when a misconfigured firewall setting ends up hindering your network connection. So, right after changing the advanced setting, it is better to give a quick look at the Windows firewall.
Step 1: Firstly, head over to the Windows search bar and type for ‘Windows Defender Firewall’. This would open up the firewall settings right at the Control Panel.
Step 2: Right at the left panel, select the option, ‘Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall’.
Step 3: Select ‘Change Settings’ from the top-right corner and search for ‘Network Discovery’. Make sure to turn on the feature for both ‘Private’ and ‘Public’ checkboxes.
Step 4: Finally, click ‘OK’ and restart your computer to check ‘Network Discovery is turned off’ issue is mitigated or not.
Also Read: What is Mouse Acceleration? How to Disable it in Windows 11?
3. Manage Windows Services
Windows services might be yet another underlying problem, restricting you to connect to your network. Under such circumstances, follow the steps down below:
Step 1: Press the ‘Windows key + R’ to open the run dialogue box. Now type in ‘services.msc’ and hit enter.
Step 2: Look for ‘Function Discovery Resource Publication’. Once you double-click on it, make sure to change the ‘Startup type’ to ‘Automatic’ and click on ‘Start’ right under the ‘Service Status’ and hit enter.
Step 3: Now search for ‘DNS Client’ and set up its service status to ‘Automatic’ as well.
Step 4: Up next is ‘SSDP Discovery.’ Select ‘Automatic’ from the drop-down menu and start the service like before.
Step 5: Now, all there is left for you is to restart your PC and connect to your network.
4. Restart Your Network
Last but not least, if nothing works out, your only resort should be to reset the entire network for your computer.
Step 1: For Windows 10, simply search for ‘Network reset’ and hit enter. With Windows 11 PCs, goto Settings > Network and Internet > Advanced Network Settings > Network reset.
Step 2: Click on ‘Reset now’ and wait until your computer restarts. This will ensure your issue is solved for good.
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The Bottom Line
So that was our curated guide on how to fix the ‘Network Discovery is turned off’ error in Windows 10 and 11. For an average user, the first method should be adequate enough to allow them to connect over any network.
If that doesn’t pan out, you can also resort to the other mentioned methods as well. Up until the fourth method, your network should be up and running in no time. So, let us know in the comment section below, which Windows 10/11 issue you want us to cover next?
