Windows 10 is the most recent and finest version of the Windows operating system, which was originally offered in 2015 as a free upgrade for those who had previously installed Windows 7 or Windows 8. Despite the fact that this is a high-performing operating system, there are certain concerns that might arise, which we shall discuss today. In this edition of our troubleshooting series, we’ll look at the Windows 10 issue of being unable to view other machines on the network.
Windows makes it simple to connect to other people’s PCs by sharing the same network. This procedure is simple to set up, and you can simply transfer data between machines on the same network. However, occasionally the procedure may not finish completely, and you are unable to view or connect to other computers on the same network.
This problem can occur in any version of the Windows operating system and can be resolved in a variety of ways. That is why, in order to fix the problem, you must attentively read the rest of the text.
How to fix Windows 10 Can’t See Other Computers On The Network Issue
Solution 1: Several times restart your computer.
Despite the fact that this appears to be a simple IT recommendation, people have fixed problems this way, but it may take more than one restart. The computer had to be restarted because some of the elements in the chain that executes this procedure had become corrupt.
- Select the Shutdown option from the Start > Power menu at the bottom of the menu on your operating PC.
- If you’re using an Ethernet cable to connect to the Internet, remove it once your PC has completely shut down and left it unplugged for at least a few minutes before connecting it back in. Before plugging the cable back into the computer, restart your router and modem by pressing the Power buttons on each of them.
- By hitting the power button, turn the computer on normally.
Solution 2: Turn off Internet Protocol Version 6 on your computer.
This Windows network issue might occur if you have activated IPv6 but do not have a local gateway. Several users were able to address the problem by deactivating IPV6, but others were unable to do so. Your best chance is to test it out for yourself and see whether it works.
- Using the Windows logo key and the R key together, open the Run dialog box. Then click OK and put “ncpa.cpl” into it.
- Double-click on your active Network Adapter now that the Internet Connection window is open.
- Then go to Properties and look for the item for Internet Protocol Version 6 in the list. Click OK after deselecting the checkbox next to this entry. Restart your computer to verify the modifications and see if the issue reappears.
Solution 3: Disable any VPN connections that are currently active.
This is an important step since some customers have claimed that some Windows Updates have initiated a VPN connection, preventing homegroup from properly beginning. If you wish to have functional local connections, a VPN is always a no-no. To switch down Windows VPN, follow the procedures below:
- Click the Start menu button and then the gear icon in the lower-left corner of the Start menu to open the Settings app.
- Switch to the VPN section in the Network & Internet section of the Settings window.
- Locate the VPN connection that is currently active, click it, and then click the Remove button. Accept any dialog options that appear. Windows may throw you a curveball and force you to restart your machine to effect the changes. Examine whether you can now see and connect to other machines on the network.
Solution 4: Drivers and Command Prompt Tweaks need to be reinstalled.
You can attempt a variety of additional options to address your problem. Reinstalling networking drivers, as well as a few Command Prompt modifications that are simple to execute and maintain, should cure the problem.
- To launch the device manager console, type “Device Manager” into the search area.
- Expand the field “Network Adapters.” This will provide a list of all network adapters installed on the computer. Select “Uninstall” from the context menu when you right-click on the adapter you wish to remove. This will uninstall the device and remove the adapter from the list.
- When requested to remove the device, choose “OK.” This will uninstall the driver and remove the adapter from the list. Make sure you do this for each and every network driver you discover. All of these should be shown under Network Adapters.
- Find “Command Prompt,” right-click it, and choose “Run as administrator” from the menu.
- Restart your computer, and Windows should automatically reinstall the drivers. Check to see whether the issue has been resolved.
Solution 5: Getting Past the Firewall.
Some operating system functions may be restricted by your computer’s Firewall, resulting in this problem. If your Firewall prevents your computer from successfully connecting to a network, you will be unable to view the other machines on the network. As a result, we’ll enable this feature through the Firewall in this step. As a result:
- To open the Run prompt, press “Windows” + “R.”
- To open the original Control Panel interface, type “Control Panel” and hit “Enter.”
- Select the “View By:” option in the Control Panel, then the “Large Icons” button.
- Select the “Allow an app or feature via Firewall” option from the “Windows Defender Firewall” menu.
- Grant the admin authority to update these settings by clicking on the “Change Settings” button.
- For the “File and Printer Sharing via SMB Direct” option, be sure you tick both the “Public” and “Private” boxes.
- After you’ve saved your modifications, close the window.
- Check to see whether the other networks on the machine are now visible.
