File Explorer won't detect Network devices in Windows 10/11

Fix

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by Radu Tyrsina 

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Microsoft has confirmed that there are some bugs in the Windows 10 April 2018 Update. And while they have confirmed that they’re fixing a number of issues, some users need to fix them faster, on their own, before Microsoft does.

Many users have encountered a bug that leaves File Explorer unable to find network devices or even share files with other computers. Microsoft is investigating the problem, but there is a way to allow users restore functionality until the company solves this bug.

On their Community forums, a Microsoft agent describes the bug some people can get after the Windows 10 April 2018 Update (version 1803):

File Explorer cannot connect to other devices running version 1803.  When clicking the Network tab in File Explorer, other devices on the home network running version 1803 do not appear, and thus I’m not able to perform file sharing or access files on other devices on my home network.

How to fix the File Explorer bug

To fix the bug, you must change the default configuration of some Windows 10 services. First, you must be signed in with an admin account.

  1. Pres ‘Win key + R’ -> type services.msc in the Run dialog. Press enter. You will see a list with services available in Windows.
  2. You must change the settings of some services (see list below). Double click on each service and go to the section ‘Startup type’ -> select Automatic (Delayed Started) -> apply. Do this action for the same service. Here are the services that must be tweaked:
    • Computer Browser (Browser)
    • Function Discovery Provider Host (FDPHost)
    • Function Discovery Resource Publication (FDResPub)
    • Network Connections (NetMan)
    • UPnP Device Host (UPnPHost)
    • Peer Name Resolution Protocol (PNRPSvc)
    • Peer Networking Grouping (P2PSvc)
    • Peer Networking Identity Manager (P2PIMSvc)
  3. Reboot your PC and the bug should be fixed.

If the networking sharing functionality hasn’t been fixed, then follow the same steps and return to the original settings of the services above. If the fix worked, continue with the new settings until there is an official fix from Microsoft.

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Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina Shield

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time). For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web. Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they're looking for.