Network discovery lets a Windows 11 PC find other computers and devices on the local network and lets other devices discover the PC. Turn it on only for a network you trust, such as your private home network.
How to Turn On Network Discovery in Windows 11
- Open Settings.
- Select Network & internet.
- Select Advanced network settings.
- Select Advanced sharing settings.
- Expand the Private networks section if necessary.
- Turn on Network discovery.
Make Sure the Network Is Private
Windows uses network profiles to apply different sharing behavior. A private network is appropriate for a trusted home or small-office network where you want your PC to be discoverable. A public network is safer for places such as hotels, airports, and coffee shops because it limits discoverability.
Do not switch an untrusted public Wi-Fi network to Private merely to make device discovery work.
Network Discovery Is Not the Same as File Sharing
Network discovery helps devices find one another. Sharing files and printers is a separate setting and also depends on permissions for the specific resources being shared. Turn on only the sharing features you actually need.
What If Other Devices Still Do Not Appear?
Confirm that both devices are connected to the same local network and that the network profile and discovery settings are appropriate. Firewall rules, router client isolation, organization policies, or services required for discovery can also prevent devices from appearing.
Should Network Discovery Be On Everywhere?
No. Discoverability increases how visible the PC is to other devices on the local network. Leave it off on networks you do not trust. For a laptop that moves between home and public Wi-Fi, pay attention to the network profile instead of enabling broad sharing everywhere.
Summary
On a trusted network, go to Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Advanced sharing settings and enable Network discovery for the Private network profile. File and printer sharing is a separate choice.