Enabling Network Sharing on Windows 11

Objective

A step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and enable network sharing on Windows 11, ensuring computers are visible on the network.

Steps to Enable Network Sharing

1. Open Windows Settings:

   • Click on the Start button or press Windows + I.
   • Navigate to Network and Internet from the sidebar.
   • Click on your active network connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).

2. Set Network Profile:

   • Ensure network profile is set to Private to make your computer discoverable.

3. Enable Network Discovery and Sharing:

   • Go to Advanced Network Sharing under more settings.
   • Toggle Network Discovery and File and Printer Sharing on.

4. Check Another PC:

   • Repeat the same process on another PC if you want to share data between both computers.

Ensuring Required Services are Running

1. Open Services Manager:

   • Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.

2. Enable Key Services:

   • Function Discovery Resource Publication / Provider Host: Set to Automatic and start if not running.
   • DNS Client: Ensure it's running and set to Automatic.
   • SSDP Discovery & UPnP Device Host: Facilitate discovery of network devices. Set to Automatic.
   • Peer Name Resolution Protocol / Networking Services: Important for homegroup and networking. Set to Automatic.
   • TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper: Required for older networks. Set to Automatic.
   • Workstation & Server: Essential for managing network connections and sharing resources. Set to Automatic.

3. Restart Computers:

   • Restart to apply changes effectively.

Post-Service Setup

• Check Visibility:
  • Ensure shared drives appear in the network section from both computers.
• Firewall Configuration:
  • Allow files and printer sharing through Windows Defender or any third-party firewall.
• Confirm Private Network Setting:
  • Double-check that the network is still set to Private.

Conclusion

Your Windows 11 PC should now be visible and ready for resource sharing on the network.

Additional Tips

• If issues persist, check firewall settings and verify all services are running properly.
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