How to Find Other Computers on Your Windows 11 Network

How to See Other Devices on Your Network in 🪟 Windows 11

Locating other computers on a local network requires a few specific adjustments:

Step 1Make Sure All Devices Are in the Same Workgroup

Computers must belong to the same workgroup (a shared label for local machines) to communicate.

What this achieves: The PC scans exclusively for hardware sharing that identical workgroup identifier.

Checking or changing the workgroup involves these actions:

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 2Set Your Network to Private

Designating the Windows 11 connection as Private signals to the operating system that the local network is safe and trusted. This profile configuration permits the machine to broadcast its presence and talk to neighboring hardware.

What this achieves: Mutual visibility opens up between the PC and surrounding network devices.

Switching the network profile to Private takes these steps:

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 3Turn On Network Discovery

Enabling Network Discovery forces the machine to broadcast its own presence while actively locating surrounding hardware. Omitting this step leaves the system hidden during network scans.

What this achieves: The computer and other devices become mutually visible across the local environment.

Activating this feature requires the following sequence:

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 4Turn On File and Printer Sharing

File and Printer Sharing unlocks directory and hardware access for external machines. Interacting with discovered computers depends entirely on this protocol functioning correctly.

What this achieves: Local network hardware gains permission to access shared storage and peripherals.

Turning this capability on involves these actions:

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

Completing these configurations unlocks the Network view inside File Explorer to reveal all connected hardware.

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.

Establishing cross-machine visibility relies on matching workgroup titles, applying a Private network profile, and toggling discovery alongside sharing protocols. Checking the Network directory inside File Explorer confirms success once the setup finishes.