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How to Fix Network Discovery is Turned Off in Windows 11

In this article, we will teach you how to fix network discovery is turned off in windows 11. A lot of Windows users have asked that when they try to turn on the “network discovery” feature, the error message “network discovery is turned off” always pops up. “Computers and devices on a network can’t be visible. In the Network and Sharing Center, please turn on Network Discovery.”

Network discovery is turned off

So after reading this article, you will be able to switch Network Discovery on and off in Windows 11.

What is Network Discovery in Windows 11?

Network discovery allows your system to discover and locate other computers and devices on the network. Therefore, what occurs when the network discovery option is enabled? You can share network resources with any computer. However, network discovery creates it easier for the attacker to find these resources.

Network Discovery is Turned off Error

To fix this error follow the below steps, If the first one doesn’t work, Please try the next one.
Reconfigure advanced sharing setting, search control panel and open it.

Search control panel

In the control panel, click on Network and Sharing Center.

All control panel items

In the network and sharing center, from left side, click on Change advanced sharing settings link to fix the Network discovery is off error in Windows 11.

Network and Sharing center

Under the private section
Turn on network discovery
Choose the box “Turn on automatic setup of network connected devices”.
Under the File and printer sharing section
Choose the box “Turn on file and printer sharing”.

Network discovery is turned off

In the Guest or Public section
Turn on network discovery
Turn on file and printer sharing

Advanced sharing settings guest or public

In the All networks section
Turn on sharing options so everyone with network access can read and write files under the Public folders “Enable file sharing for devices” that use 40-bit or 56-bit encryption
Reboot the system and check the error message “Network Discovery is turned off” is still their or disappear.

Advanced sharing settings

If you still get the error “Network discovery is turned off,” make sure these services are running.

Turn on Required Services

Search service in Windows search and open it or open run command, enter services.msc and hit enter.

Search Services

Open Function Discovery Resource Publication service.

Services

In the “Function Discovery Resource Publication properties”, choose to Automatic and click start and click ok.

Function discovery resource publication services

DHCP Client Service

Open DHCP client service and make sure it is set to Automatic and the service is running.

DHCP Client service

SSDP Discovery

Open SSDP discovery service, set to Automatic and the service is running.

SSDP discovery service

UPnP Device Host

Set it Automatic and the service is running, if not click on the start button and lick ok.

UPnP Device Host service

Network Connections

Startup type Automatic and the service is running.

Network Connections service

Network Location Awareness

Startup type Automatic and the service is running.

Network location awareness service

After enabling services, you should fix the error with the network discovery.

Allow Network Discovery in Firewall Settings

Search Windows defender firewall and open it.

Search Windows Defender Firewall

From your left side, select “Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall” link.

Windows Defender Firewall

Verify the network discovery feature is turned on (Private and Public) check.

Allow apps and features firewall

Try to reset the network settings if the above fix didn’t help you.
After this restart your computer.

How to Run Troubleshoot on Windows 11

Launch Settings, click on System and click the Troubleshoot.

Settings system in windows 11

Click the other troubleshooters.

Troubleshoot in Windows 11

Run Network troubleshooter.

Other troubleshooters in Windows 11

In the Windows settings and click on Network & Internet.
Click Advanced network settings.

Settings network & internet

Scroll down choose network reset.

Windows advanced network settings

Click on reset now.

Reset network in Windows

Refer this article to learn more about network discovery.

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