Fixing the Network Discovery Is Disabled Error on Windows

Fixing the Network Discovery Is Disabled Error on Windows

Fix the Network Discovery Is Turned Off error on Windows by enabling essential services, allowing network discovery via the Windows Firewall, and enabling network discovery on your PC

Some Noticeable Information

To address the "Network discovery is turned off" error, there are various solutions available depending on the root cause. You can consider enabling the necessary dependency services using the Services tool, granting permission for network discovery through the Windows Firewall, or enabling network discovery within the Network and Sharing Center.

Step 1: Turn On Network Discovery's Dependency Services

Experiencing a "Network discovery is turned off" error while attempting to browse your network on your Windows PC? If this is the case, follow the steps below to resolve the issue. You will need to initiate the Network Discovery's dependency services, allow the feature through your firewall, and enable it.

To resolve the issue of not being able to use Network Discovery, you can check if the necessary services are running. Follow these steps:

1. Launch the Run dialogue by pressing Windows+R.

2. Type the following command in the dialogue box and hit Enter:

services.msc

Fixing the Network Discovery Is Disabled Error on Windows

In the right pane of the "Services" window, find the service named "Function Discovery Resource Publication." Right-click this service and choose "Start."

Fixing the Network Discovery Is Disabled Error on Windows

Similarly, find and start the following required services:

SSDP Discovery

UPnP Device Host

DNS Client

When you've started the above services, close the Services app and move to the next step.

Step 2: Allow Network Discovery Through Windows Firewall

If your Windows firewall is preventing Network Discovery's services from functioning, you can resolve the issue by whitelisting the feature. Follow these steps:

1. Open Control Panel on your PC.

2. Select "System and Security."

3. Under "Windows Defender Firewall," click on "Allow an App Through Windows Firewall."

Fixing the Network Discovery Is Disabled Error on Windows

On the page that opens, at the top, choose "Change Settings." In the list of apps and features, find "Network Discovery."

To the left of "Network Discovery," enable the checkbox. Then, to the right, enable the checkbox for "Private."

When you're done, at the bottom of the window, select "OK" to save your changes.

Fixing the Network Discovery Is Disabled Error on Windows

You've now successfully whitelisted Network Discovery in your firewall.

Step 3: Enable Network Discovery on Your Windows PC

Now that the dependency services are running and the feature is whitelisted in the firewall, you can go ahead and turn on Network Discovery on your Windows PC.

To do that, launch Control Panel on your PC. Then, head to Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.

In the left sidebar, click "Change Advanced Sharing Settings."

Fixing the Network Discovery Is Disabled Error on Windows

On the following page, in the "Network Discovery" section, enable the "Turn On Network Discovery" option. Then, at the bottom, select "Save Changes."

To allow file and printer sharing on the network, enable the "Turn On File and Printer Sharing" option as well.

Fixing the Network Discovery Is Disabled Error on Windows

Network Discovery is now activated on your Windows computer, allowing you to easily locate other devices within your network. Additionally, your PC can be effortlessly detected by other machines. Enjoy seamless sharing!

If you encounter any other network-related difficulties, consider resetting your entire Windows network to effectively resolve these issues.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I appreciate the clear and concise steps provided in this article to fix the "Network Discovery is Turned Off" error on Windows. The guide covers multiple solutions, addressing different root causes of the problem, which is helpful for users facing this issue. The instructions are well-organized and easy to follow, making it accessible to users of all levels of technical expertise.

Furthermore, I find it valuable that the article includes screenshots to accompany the steps, providing visual aids that enhance understanding. This makes it easier for users to follow along and accurately implement the solutions. The inclusion of additional tips, such as resetting the entire Windows network, demonstrates a comprehensive approach to troubleshooting network-related difficulties. Overall, this article serves as a useful resource for Gen Z users seeking to resolve the "Network Discovery is Turned Off" error efficiently.