Network issues have long been a staple of the Windows operating system, with Windows 11 being no exception. Among the myriad of network-related errors you might encounter on your Windows 11 PC, the ‘Network Discovery is Turned Off’ error stands out as one of the most frequent. This error prevents your computer from detecting other network-enabled devices on the same Wi-Fi network. While the straightforward solution might seem to be enabling the Network Discovery settings, this doesn’t always work. This RiseWindows guide will walk you through various methods and steps to address and rectify the ‘Network Discovery is Turned Off’ error on Windows 11.
How to Enable Network Discovery on Windows 11?
First, you must ensure that Network Discovery is enabled on your Windows 11. For that, use these steps:-
Step 1. Firstly, open Control Panel.
Step 2. Click on the Network and Internet. Here, ensure “View by” is set to Category; otherwise, you will see a different screen.
Step 3. Then, click on the Network and Sharing Center.
Step 4. After that, in the left sidebar, click the Change advanced sharing settings option.
Step 5. Finally, the Advanced sharing settings page will open. Click on the Private networks tile to expand.
Step 6. Then, turn the toggle switch Network discovery. Check the option “Set up network-connected devices automatically.” You need to also turn on the toggle “File and printer sharing” if you have issues with sharing your printers or files.
If after enabling the “Network discovery,” you still get the error “Network Discovery is Turned Off,” you need to start some dependency services on your Windows 11 PCs.
How to Turn On and Start Network Discovery’s Dependency Services on Windows 11?
To enable and start Network Discovery’s dependency services, use these steps:-
Step 1. Firstly, open the Run dialog box.
For that, press the Windows + R keyboard shortcut.
Step 2. Then, in the Run box, type the following and press Enter key on the keyboard or click the OK button to open the Services window:-
services.msc
Step 3. After that, in the Services panel, you’ll need to enable and start the following services:-
- DNS Client
- Function Discovery Resource Publication
- SSDP Discovery
- UPnP Device Host
I will show an example, and you can start the other services similarly. For instance, to create the “UPnP Device Host” service, do these:-
So, locate the “UPnP Device Host” entry and double-click on it to open its setting. Ensure “Startup type” is set to either Manual or Automatic. Then, click on the Start button. Click the OK button to exit.
If a service is already running, you can stop and start it again.
How to Allow Network Discovery on Windows Firewall?
If the above steps cannot resolve the Network discovery, you should allow it from Windows Firewall. To do that, follow these steps:-
Step 1. First, open Control Panel.
Step 2. Now, ensure “View by” is set to Category, and then click on System and Security.
Step 3. Then, on the following screen, click on the Windows Defender Firewall.
Step 4. After that, Windows Defender Firewall will open. Click on “Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.”
Step 5. Next, click the Change settings button.
Step 6. Then, scroll down in the list and place a checkmark for “Private” beside the “Network Discovery” option.
Step 7. Finally, click the OK button at the bottom of the screen.
How to Reset Network on Windows 11?
If none of the above methods solve your problem, you need to reset the network adapter in your Windows 11 PC.
To reset the network adapter in Windows 11, use these steps:-
Step 1. First, launch the Settings app.
Step 2. Click Network & internet on the left pane.
Step 3. Then, click Advanced network settings on the right pane.
Step 4. After that, under “More settings,” select the Network reset option.
Step 5. Next, click on the Reset now button beside the “Network reset” option.
Step 6. Finally, in the pop-up window that appears, click the Yes button to complete the network reset process.
Here, your PC will restart to reset the Wi-Fi and Ethernet adapters. You may need to re-install Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter drivers.
Conclusion
In the face of persistent network challenges on Windows 11, particularly the ‘Network Discovery is Turned Off’ error, it’s essential to know the steps to rectify the issue. The RiseWindows guide has provided a comprehensive walkthrough, from enabling Network Discovery to resetting the network on your Windows 11 PC. While many solutions can fix this error, each method targets a different aspect of the system, ensuring that users can re-establish a seamless network connection. Stay informed, and ensure your Windows 11 system maintains its optimal networking performance.
