Windows 11 allows you to see other computers within the same local area network (LAN) and access remote resources such as shared files, printers or applications.
File Explorer should be your primary application if you need to access the resources of another computer. To discover networks devices on the network, however, you must first enable the feature.
This guide will show you how to quickly locate other computers on Windows’s local network.
Windows 11 allows you to find network computers
These steps will help you locate computers on Windows 11’s network.
- Open File Explorer.
- From the left pane, click on Network.
- You can see the computers on the network. This may take some time.
- Double-click the device in order to access shared resources such as shared folders and shared printers.
After you have completed the steps, you can access device resources (such printers or files) provided you use the correct password and account.
Windows 11 21H2 allows network discovery
If there is no computer visible in the network, network discovery has not been enabled.These steps will enable network discovery in Windows 11 21H2.
- Windows 11: Open Settings
- Click on Network and internet.
- Click on the Ethernet tab.
- Select the Private profile option from the “Network profile types” section.
- Open File Explorer.
- From the left pane, click on Network.
- If applicable, click the OK icon.
- Click on the message at bottom of ribbon to select the “Turn On Network Discovery and File Sharing” option.
- Select the “No” option.Once you have completed the steps,
you will be able see other computers on the local network using File Explorer on Windows 11.
Windows 11 22H2 allows network discovery
Beginning with version 22H2, advanced sharing settings can only be accessed through the Settings app.These steps will enable network discovery in Windows 11 22H2.
- Open Settings.
- Click on Network and internet.
- Click on the Ethernet tab.
- Select the Private profile option from the “Network profile types” section.
- Click on the “Advanced Network Settings” tab.
- Click on “Advanced Sharing Settings” under the “More Settings” section.
- Select the Private network setting.
- Turn on the Network Discovery toggle switch.
- You can check the “Setup network connected devices automatically” option.
After you have completed the steps, File Explorer will now be able show devices via the “Network” page.
You can also enable network discovery in public networks or all networks via the “Advanced Sharing Settings” page. Usually, however, discovery is only required in the private network.
