Canonical: https://screensie.com/knowledge-base/networking/network-shares/enable-network-discovery/

Allow a Windows PC to find and be found by devices on a trusted network. Set the connection to Private, then enable Network discovery under Advanced.

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Networking


# How to Turn On Network Discovery




## How do I turn On Network Discovery?




Set the connection to Private, then enable Network discovery under Advanced sharing settings.




Allow a Windows PC to find and be found by devices on a trusted network.




Updated 
September 2, 2026
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 6 min
Applies to: Windows, Windows 10, Windows 11


 


Follow the steps in order and stop if the screen or target does not match what is described. Use administrator access only when the task requires it.




**Before you begin**


Save open work. Confirm that you are working on the intended computer and that you are authorized to make the change.




## Check the network




Enable discovery only on a network you trust.




## Set the Private profile




Open Settings \> Network & internet, open the active connection's properties, and choose Private.




## Open sharing settings




Go to Advanced network settings \> Advanced sharing settings.




## Enable discovery




Under Private networks, turn on Network discovery. Enable File and printer sharing only if this PC should provide those services.




## Verify




Open File Explorer \> Network and allow time for devices to appear.




**Verify the result**


Repeat the relevant check and confirm the intended result before considering the task complete.


 


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