If you want to see other computers or devices connected to the same network as your Windows 11 PC, this simple guide will help you do that.

Windows 11 can automatically find other devices on your home or office network if they are set up properly. These devices show up in File Explorer → Network.

What is a network? It’s a group of devices (like computers, printers, or phones) connected together so they can share things like the internet, files, or printers.

For example, all devices connected to your home Wi-Fi are part of your home network. At work, devices connected to the office network form the office network.

How to See Other Devices on Your Network in Windows 11

To find other computers on your network, follow these easy steps:

Step 1: Make Sure All Devices Are in the Same Workgroup

A workgroup is like a team name that helps Windows find other devices. All computers on the same network should have the same workgroup name.

Here’s how to check or change your workgroup:

1. Click Start and open Settings.
2. Go to System → About.
3. Click Advanced system settings on the right.
4. In the Computer Name tab, click the Change button.
5. Under Workgroup, type the name you want (for example, WORKGROUP).
6. Click OK and restart your PC if asked.

Learn more about changing the workgroup:
How to change workgroup in Windows 11

Step 2: Set Your Network to Private

Windows treats networks differently depending on whether they’re public (like coffee shop Wi-Fi) or private (your home or office). To find other devices, your network should be set to Private.

Here’s how to change your network to Private:

1. Click Start and open Settings.
2. Go to Network & internet.
3. Click on your network name (like your Wi-Fi network).
4. Find Network profile type and select Private.

More details here:
Change network profile in Windows 11

Step 3: Turn On Network Discovery

Network Discovery lets your PC find other devices and lets others find your PC.

To turn it on:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Network & internet → Advanced network settings → Advanced sharing settings.
3. Find Network discovery and turn it On.

Learn how to do this here:
Turn Network discovery On or Off in Windows 11

Step 4: Turn On File and Printer Sharing

This setting lets you share files and printers with other devices on your network.

To turn it on:

1. Go to Settings → Network & internet → Advanced network settings → Advanced sharing settings.
2. Turn on File and printer sharing.

More info:
How to turn File and printer sharing On or Off in Windows 11

Find Devices in File Explorer

After you finish all these steps, open File Explorer and click Network on the left side. You should see all computers and devices connected to your network.

Summary

• Make sure all devices are in the same workgroup.
• Set your network to Private so devices can be found.
• Turn on Network Discovery so devices can see each other.
• Turn on File and Printer Sharing to share files and printers.
• Look in File Explorer under Network to find other devices.

Following these simple steps will help you easily find and connect to other computers and devices on your Windows 11 network.