Network discovery is a feature built into Windows 11 that allows you to search and connect to other devices on your network. It is a useful feature that makes it easy to share files and printers between devices on your network. However, in some cases, users may find their network discovery not working on Windows 11. This can be frustrating, especially if you are trying to connect to other devices on your local network. In this article, we will explore the top 6 ways to fix network discovery not working on Windows 11.

1. Check Network Discovery Settings

The first thing you should do if you find network discovery not working on Windows 11 is to check your network discovery settings. To do this, open the settings app and click on the “network and internet” option. Then, click on the “network and sharing center” option, and finally, click on the “change advanced sharing settings” option. Make sure the “Turn on network discovery” option is enabled, and the “Turn on file and printer sharing” option is disabled, and click on “Save changes.”

2. Restart Network Services

Sometimes, network discovery may stop working due to problems with the network service. To fix this, you need to restart the network services. To do this, open the start menu and type “services” in the search bar, then click on the “Services” app. Scroll down and locate the “Function Discovery Provider Host” and “Function Discovery Resource Publication” services. Right-click on each service, and select “Restart” from the context menu. Wait for the services to restart, and then check if network discovery is working.

3. Enable Network Discovery in Firewall Settings

The Windows firewall can sometimes block network discovery, which can cause it to stop working. To fix this, you will need to enable network discovery in the firewall settings. Open the start menu and search for “Windows Security.” From there, click on the “Firewall and network protection” option. Click on the “Allow an app through the firewall” option, and then click on the “Change settings” button. Locate the “File and Printer Sharing” option and make sure it is enabled for your network, then click on “OK.”

4. Update Network Drivers

Outdated network drivers can cause network discovery to stop working. To fix this, you need to update your network drivers. To do this, open the start menu and search for “Device Manager.” Click on the “Device Manager” app, and then expand the “Network Adapters” section. Locate your network adapter, right-click on it, and select “Update driver.” Follow the prompts to complete the driver update process. Once the update is complete, check if network discovery is working.

5. Reset Network Settings

Sometimes, network discovery may stop working due to corrupted network settings. To fix this, you can reset network settings. Open the start menu and search for “Network Reset.” Click on the “Network Reset” app and click on “Reset now.” Wait for the reset process to complete, and then check if network discovery is working.

6. Check Network Connection

If none of the above methods work, you should check your network connection. Make sure your devices are connected to the same network, and that your network connection is stable. You can try restarting your router and modem, or try connecting to a different network to see if the problem persists.

Conclusion

Network discovery not working on Windows 11 is a common problem that can be caused by various issues. In this article, we have explored the top 6 ways to fix network discovery not working on Windows 11. If you have any other suggestions or methods that have worked for you, please share them in the comments below.