How to Turn on Network Discovery in Windows 10

In this tutorial, we are going to see how to turn on network discovery in Windows 10. When you are on a private network, you can share or access files and folders between your computer and other devices. Windows automatically discover any new devices on the local network. On the other hand, Windows disables the network discovery function by default for security reasons. So, if you’re looking to access shared files to share files over the network, you must first enable network discovery.

Without enabling network discovery, you can’t display the shared files or folders on your computer. Follow the steps below to turn on network discovery in Windows 10.
 

 

Method 1: How to Turn on Network Discovery in Windows 10 using Settings app

To turn on network discovery in Windows 10, you can use Settings:

Step 1: Click on the Start button at the bottom left of your screen.
 

 
Step 2: Click on Settings.
 

 
Step 3: Select Network & Internet.
 

 

 
Step 4: On the left, click on the Change connection properties link in the Network Status section.
 

 
Step 5: On the next page, select the Private radio option in the Network Profile section.
 

 
Step 6: Now go back to the Status page and you must see Private Network under Network Status.
 

 
When you set a network to private status via the Settings, the network discovery feature is automatically enabled. Now you can access all local shares. Other local PCs can also see your shared folder and access it according to the sharing permissions.
 
 

Method 2: How to Turn on Network Discovery in Windows 10 using Control Panel

 
Step 1: Click on the Start menu and type Control Panel.
 

 
Step 2: Then click on Network and Internet.
 

 

 
Step 3: And go to the Network and Sharing Center section.
 

 
Step 4: This page will display all your connections. Make sure the network you are connected to is set to Private Network. If the network is set to Public, change it to Private.
 

 
Step 5: Click the Change advanced sharing settings link on the left side.
 

 
 
Step 6: Expand the network profile you are using, select Enable network discovery if you do not want to use this option. Click Save Changes when you have done.
 

 
That’s All!