Solved Can \\ into network computer but not showing up in explorer\network

I can \\ into a local computer on the (wireless) network -- and none of the Android devices have trouble finding it -- but it doesn't show up in my Windows 11's Explorer's Network tab. Discovery is turned on, on both devices.
What might be going on?

On both machines, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > Advanced sharing settings and enable Network discovery.

Turn on File and printer sharing while you are there and also under Public networks.

Under All networks turn Public folder sharing and Password protected sharing off.

Also make sure both PC's are on the same subnet. E.G. if you access your router settings on 192.168.0.1 then both PC's must have an IP address starting with 192.168.0. the last octet will be a different number for each PC.

This is not an uncommon issue for some. We've had multiple threads about it. Solutions and workarounds in following thread.

moonkey said:

I can \\ into a local computer on the (wireless) network -- and none of the Android devices have trouble finding it -- but it doesn't show up in my Windows 11's Explorer's Network tab. Discovery is turned on, on both devices.
What might be going on?

Click to expand...

Hi @moonkey,

not clear on your question, but I will say my Android device (Samsung S23 phone) is connected to my PC via Bluetooth via Phone Link, and works as should, but it sure as heck does NOT sure up under Networking. Nor does is show in Explorer.

The only way it shows in Explorer is when I connect it to PC via USB cable. And even then, it's still not shown in Networking.

Also, how??? exactly are you accessing the other PC's from your Android device? And what specific Android device are you talking?

glasskuter said:

This is not an uncommon issue for some. We've had multiple threads about it. Solutions and workarounds in following thread.

Win 11 PC not showing up in list of Network devices

I have 2 desktops, 1 running Windows 11, 1 running Windows 10. Both are current ( 22631.2861 for Win11...I inadvertently cut it off in my screen cap). I have the Advanced Sharing & Services.msc settings set per all instructions I can find related to this. The issue is that the Network devices...

www.elevenforum.com

Click to expand...

Thanks. A shortcut in explorer worked but getting the computer name to show automatically in the network menu remains elusive. Gremlins, huh?

moonkey said:

Thanks. A shortcut in explorer worked but getting the computer name to show automatically in the network menu remains elusive. Gremlins, huh?

Click to expand...

Restart Function Discovery Provider Host service -which is tied in to Function Discovery Resource Publication service- on the remote system.
You will see the machine appear in Explorer on your system.
This has been an on-going issue for a while, sadly.

moonkey said:

it doesn't show up in my Windows 11's Explorer's Network tab

Click to expand...

moonkey said:

getting the computer name to show automatically in the network ... remains elusive

Click to expand...

It's a chronic Explorer fault. It's been around for at least six years.
After so long, I really don't expect it to ever be fixed.
I adapted to it by creating shortcuts as you have just done.


All the best,
Denis

What's been driving me up the wall is that I set up a network share between 2 Windows 11 computers so that my more powerful machine can access data on a Thunderbolt drive via my less powerful machine that has Thunderbolt, and the share keeps dropping off of the network at random intervals. While I'm working, between work sessions, it's very random. And when it returns is also random.

That this bug STILL exists reflects very badly on Microsoft. It's a pretty basic, core piece of functionality, but obviously Microsoft simply doesn't give a damn.