Enabling Network Discovery on your Windows 11 computer allows you to seamlessly share files and printers with other devices on your local network. This feature helps you transfer data without the need for external storage devices, making file sharing more efficient and secure.

Turn on Network Discovery Using the Settings App

By default, Network Discovery is enabled on private networks but disabled on public ones to protect your privacy and security. If you're unable to find other devices on your network, you may need to manually enable this feature.

For Wi-Fi Connections:

Step 1: Click on the Start menu and select the Settings icon from the pinned apps. Alternatively, you can search for Settings using the search bar.

Step 2: In the Settings window, select Network & internet from the left sidebar.

Step 3: On the right pane, click on Wi-Fi to access your Wi-Fi settings.

Step 4: Under the Wi-Fi section, click on the name of your connected network to view its properties.

Step 5: In the network properties, locate the Network profile type section and select Private network. This setting makes your PC discoverable to other devices on the same network.

Step 6: If you still cannot find other devices, return to the Network & internet section in Settings.

Step 7: Scroll down and click on Advanced network settings to access more options.

Step 8: Under the More settings section, select Advanced sharing settings.

Step 9: In the Private networks section, turn on the toggles for both Network discovery and File and printer sharing. This ensures your computer can see and be seen by other devices on the network, and allows file and printer sharing.

For Ethernet Connections:

Step 1: In the Settings window, navigate back to the Network & internet tab.

Step 2: On the right pane, click on Ethernet to access your Ethernet settings.

Step 3: Under Network profile type, select Private network. This setting enables your PC to be discoverable over the Ethernet connection.

Make sure that you have also enabled Network discovery and File and printer sharing in the Advanced sharing settings for private networks, as described in the Wi-Fi section above, to fully enable network sharing features.

Turn on Network Discovery for Public Networks

In certain situations, you may need to enable Network Discovery on a public network, such as when you're in a shared workspace or need to access devices without changing the network type. Be aware that doing so may pose security risks.

Step 1: Open Settings and go to the Network & internet tab.

Step 2: Scroll down on the right pane and click on Advanced network settings.

Step 3: In the More settings section, select Advanced sharing settings.

Step 4: Expand the Public networks section. Turn on the toggles for Network discovery and File and printer sharing. This action makes your computer visible on the public network and allows file sharing.

After completing these steps, your PC will be discoverable on public networks. Remember to disable these settings when they're no longer needed to maintain your system's security.

How to Share a Folder on a Local Network

With Network Discovery enabled, you can easily share folders with other users on the same network. This process allows you to control who can access your files and what they can do with them.

Step 1: Open File Explorer and navigate to the folder you want to share.

Step 2: Right-click on the folder and select Properties from the context menu. Alternatively, press Alt+Enter on your keyboard to open the Properties window.

Step 3: In the Properties window, go to the Sharing tab and click on the Share... button to open the Network access window.

Step 4: Click on the drop-down menu under Choose people to share with and select Everyone. This option allows all users on the network to access the folder. Click Add to include them in the list.

Step 5: Set the desired permission level next to each user or group. You can choose Read to allow viewing only or Read/Write to permit editing. Once configured, click on Share to proceed.

Step 6: A confirmation window will appear indicating that your folder is now shared. Click Done to close the window.

By following these steps, you can enable Network Discovery and share files or folders on your Windows 11 PC, streamlining collaboration and file management within your local network.