In this article, we will teach you how to fix network discovery is turned off in Windows 11. A lot of Windows users have asked that when they try to turn on the “network discovery” feature, the error message “network discovery is turned off” always pops up. “Computers and devices on a network can’t be visible. In the Network and Sharing Center, please turn on Network Discovery.”
So after reading this article, you will be able to switch Network Discovery on and off in Windows 11.
Table of Contents
What is Network Discovery in Windows 11?
Network discovery allows your system to discover and locate other computers and devices on the network. Therefore, what occurs when the network discovery option is enabled? You can share network resources with any computer. However, network discovery makes it easier for the attacker to find these resources.
Network Discovery is Turned off Error
To fix this error follow the below steps. If the first one doesn’t work, please try the next one.
Reconfigure the advanced sharing setting, search the control panel and open it.
In the control panel, click on Network and Sharing Center.
In the network and sharing center, from the left side, click on the Change advanced sharing settings link to fix the Network discovery is off error in Windows 11.
Under the private section
Turn on network discovery
Choose the box “Turn on automatic setup of network connected devices”.
Under the File and printer sharing section
Choose the box “Turn on file and printer sharing”.
In the Guest or Public section
Turn on network discovery
Turn on file and printer sharing
In the All networks section
Turn on sharing options so everyone with network access can read and write files under the Public folders “Enable file sharing for devices” that use 40-bit or 56-bit encryption
Reboot the system and check if the error message “Network Discovery is turned off” is still their or disappears.
If you still get the error “Network discovery is turned off,” make sure these services are running.
Turn on Required Services
Search for a service in Windows search and open it or open the run command, enter services.msc, and hit enter.
Open Function Discovery Resource Publication Service.
In the “Function Discovery Resource Publication properties”, choose Automatic, click Start, and click OK.
DHCP Client Service
Open the DHCP client service and make sure it is set to automatic and the service is running.
SSDP Discovery
Open the SSDP discovery service, set to Automatic, and the service is running.
UPnP Device Host
Set it to automatic and the service is running; if not, click on the start button and click OK.
Network Connections
Startup type: automatic, and the service is running.
Network Location Awareness
Startup type: automatic, and the service is running.
After enabling services, you should fix the error with network discovery.
Allow Network Discovery in Firewall Settings
Search for Windows Defender firewall and open it.
From your left side, select the “Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall” link.
Verify the network discovery feature is turned on (private and public).
Try to reset the network settings if the above fix didn’t help you.
After this, restart your computer.
How to Run Troubleshoot on Windows 11
Launch Settings, click on System, and click Troubleshoot.
Click on the other troubleshooters.
Run the network troubleshooter.
In the Windows settings, click on Network & Internet.
Click Advanced Network Settings.
Scroll down and choose network reset.
Click on reset now.
Refer to this article to learn more about network discovery.
Related: How to Open Ports on a Windows Firewall.
