Windows PCs Not Showing Up in Network? (Complete Fix Guide)

Windows Network Troubleshooting Guide

Fix PCs, laptops, shared folders, and devices not showing in Network

If the Network folder in Windows is empty or only shows your own PC, the problem is usually related to discovery settings, required services, NetBIOS, SMB support, or the local network stack. This guide covers the most effective fixes in a clean step-by-step format.

Before trying advanced fixes, make sure all PCs are connected to the same router or local network and are using a Private network profile.

1. Set the Network Profile to Private

1. Press Win + I to open Settings
2. Go to Network & Internet
3. Open your current Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection
4. Change the network type from Public to Private

2. Turn On Network Discovery and File Sharing

1. Open Control Panel
2. Go to Network and Sharing Center
3. Click Advanced sharing settings
4. Turn on Network discovery
5. Turn on File and printer sharing
6. Save the changes

3. Start the Required Windows Services

The following services are important for device discovery:

• Function Discovery Provider Host
• Function Discovery Resource Publication
• SSDP Discovery
• UPnP Device Host

Open services.msc, set these services to Automatic, and make sure they are running.

4. Enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP

1. Open Control Panel
2. Go to Network and Sharing Center
3. Click Change adapter settings
4. Right-click your active adapter and open Properties
5. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)
6. Open Properties > Advanced > WINS
7. Select Enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP

5. Enable SMB 1.0 for Older Devices

If you are trying to access older PCs, old NAS devices, or legacy printers, SMB 1.0 may still be required.

1. Search for Turn Windows features on or off
2. Find SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support
3. Enable it only if you really need old-device compatibility
4. Restart your PC

SMB 1.0 is old and less secure. Use it only when you need compatibility with old systems or devices.

6. Reset the Network Stack

Run the following commands in Command Prompt as Administrator:

netsh int ip reset
netsh winsock reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns

Restart your PC after running these commands.

7. Restart Discovery Services from Command Prompt

net stop fdrespub
net start fdrespub
net stop fdphost
net start fdphost

8. Try Direct Access

If the PC still does not appear in Network, test direct access:

• \\ComputerName
• \\192.168.1.X

Press Win + R, type one of the above formats, and check whether the shared PC opens directly.

In many cases, setting the network to Private and starting the discovery services fixes the issue immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are Windows PCs not showing up in Network?

This usually happens because Network Discovery is off, the network profile is set to Public, or discovery services are stopped.

Do I need SMB 1.0 to see another PC?

Not always. SMB 1.0 is mainly needed for older devices and older Windows systems.

What is the fastest fix?

The fastest fix is usually changing the network profile to Private, enabling Network Discovery, and starting the required discovery services.