How to Enable or Disable Network Discovery in Windows 11
Network Discovery in Windows 11 is a built-in network setting that controls whether your PC can see and share files with other computers and printers on your local network. Windows 11 turns this feature off by default on public networks to keep your data secure from strangers.
You can turn Network Discovery on through the Network and Internet settings menu when you want to connect to a trusted home or office network. Leaving the setting off protects your PC when you use public Wi-Fi at places like coffee shops and hotels.
Open Settings, navigate to Network & Internet, then Advanced network settings, and finally Advanced sharing settings. Expand the relevant network profile (usually Private) and turn on the switches for Network discovery and File and printer sharing.
What is Network Discovery?
Network discovery is a setting that lets your Windows 11 PC find and connect to other devices on your local network, such as shared folders and network printers. When you turn on network discovery, your computer can see other nearby devices and allow them to see you, making it easy to share files at home.
But on Public networks (like in cafes or airports), it stays off to keep your PC safe.
How to Enable Network Discovery in 🪟 Windows 11 (Using Settings)
To enable network discovery in Windows 11 using the Settings app, press the Win plus I to open Settings , go to Network & internet, click Advanced network settings, and turn on the switch for private networks. This lets your computer immediately spot other printers and shared PCs on your Wi-Fi .
- Open Settings : Click the Start menu (Windows icon) and select Settings. Or press Win+I on your keyboard.
- In Settings, click Network & Internet on the left side.
- Scroll down and click on Advanced network settings.
- Find and click Advanced sharing settings.
- Here, look at your network profiles (Private and Public). For the one you use (usually Private), click to expand it.
- Turn on the switches for:
- Network discovery
- File and printer sharing
- Close Settings when done.
Enable Network Discovery Using the Control Panel
To enable network discovery using the Control Panel, search for Control Panel in the Start menu, open Network and Sharing Center, and click change advanced sharing settings. This lets you turn on the feature for your current network profile using the older, classic Windows interface.
- Click Start and type Control Panel, then open it.
- Click on Network and Internet.
- Next, select Network and Sharing Center.
- On the left side, click Change advanced sharing settings.
- Expand the Private and Guest or Public network profiles.
- Turn on Network discovery and File and printer sharing for each profile you want.
- Click Save changes at the bottom.
Turn on Network Discovery and File Sharing Using Command Prompt
netsh advfirewall firewall set rule group="File and Printer Sharing" new enable=Yes
netsh advfirewall firewall set rule group="Network Discovery" new enable=Yes
How to open Command Prompt as admin:
- [ADMIN REQUIRED] Click the Start menu, type cmd or Command Prompt.
- [ADMIN REQUIRED] Right-click on Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
- Copy and paste the commands above and press Enter after each.
Extra Tip: Enable SMB 1.0 / CIFS File Sharing (If Needed)
To enable SMB 1.0 / CIFS File Sharing in Windows 11, open Programs and Features in the Control Panel and click Turn Windows features on or off. Check the box next to SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support to connect with older network storage drives or legacy computers on your network.
To enable it:
- Open Control Panel.
- Go to Programs and Features.
- Click Turn Windows features on or off on the left.
- Find and check SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support.
- [ADMIN REQUIRED] Click OK and restart your computer if asked.
Learn more about turning Windows features on or off here.
Summary
Network Discovery helps your Windows 11 PC find and connect to other devices on your network, and you can turn it on using Settings or Control Panel.Should I enable network discovery?
As a general rule, you should keep network discovery disabled on networks you don't trust or administer. Use it on private networks only where you need local sharing or management features and have other controls in place.
How do I enable network discovery?
Navigate to All Control Panel Items Networking and Sharing Center Advanced sharing settings In the Network discovery section, select Turn on network discovery.
How to check if network discovery is enabled?
Click the [Start] icon on the taskbar①, then select [Settings] ②. Select [Network & Internet]③, then select [Advanced network settings]④. On More settings, select [Advanced sharing settings]⑤. You can create a separate network profile for each network type you use, to turn on or off the Network Discovery feature⑥.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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