Easy Method To Enable Or Disable Network Discovery On Windows 11
Network discovery is an important feature for network sharing setup. This feature allows your device to find other devices on the same network when you want to connect devices via network sharing.
This arrangement makes it easy to share files, printers and other resources. Whether setting up a home network or performing it in a corporate environment, you need to know how to enable or disable network discovery to use it properly.
In this detailed guide, you will learn everything you need to know about network discovery on Windows 11.
What is Network Discovery And How Does It Work?
Network Discovery can be understood from its name. Whenever you have to configure your system network sharing, network discovery must be enabled. Only when this function is enabled, other devices can be seen and accessed on the same network. Similarly, you can see other devices connected to the same network.
During network sharing, only when the Network Discovery function is enabled, you will be able to share devices, files and other content on your network.
For example, if you want to share a folder, Network Discovery makes this process easy. While managing Network Discovery, you are allowed to set your network as private or public. Mainly, Network Discovery is enabled on the local or private network only. When the Public network setting is enabled, network discovery is turned off automatically for security reasons. This type of arrangement keeps your device hidden from others.
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Methods To Enable Or Disable Network Discovery On Windows 11
Windows 11 OS offers several ways to disable or enable network discovery on Windows 11. But here in this guide, we are sharing the easiest ways to manage network discovery features that you should know before enabling network sharing.
Method 01 How to Enable or Disable Network Discovery Using Windows Settings
Windows settings app is the best option to enable or disable network discovery on Windows 11. Simply access the settings app, follow the instructions shared below and turn it on or off.
- Launch the Windows Settings application by pressing the “Win + I” shortcut key.
- Select the “Network & Internet” section >>> click the “Advanced Network Settings” from the right sidebar.
- Scroll download the page and click the “Advanced Sharing Settings” option from the “More Settings” section.
- Now you need to select the “Network Profile”.
- To enable Network Discovery, click the “Network Discovery” slider and turn it on. Also, you can turn on the “File and printer sharing”.
- To Disable Network Discovery on W11, click the Network Discovery slider and place it in the Off position.
IMPORTANT: If you are in a private network, you can enable and disable network discovery mode according to your preferences. For public networks, we recommend you keep network discovery set to off due to security reasons. If you want, you are allowed to switch on network discovery on a public network but don’t forget to analyze its security-related issues.
Method 02 Enable Or Disable Network Discovery On Windows 11 Using Command Prompt
If you are unable to access the Windows Settings app due to any reason or don’t want to navigate to different steps, enable or disable network discovery using commands. This is the fastest way to manage network discovery settings on a Windows 11 computer. Using a simple CMD, you can switch on and off this feature anytime.
To Manage Network Discovery On Windows 11 Using CMD:
- To check that network discovery is enabled, type the following commands, hit the enter key and verify the status.
netsh advfirewall firewall show rule name="Network Discovery
- Type or paste the following command and hit enter to enable Network Discovery using CMD.
netsh advfirewall firewall set rule group=”network discovery” new enable=yes
- Similarly, type or paste the below cmd to disable Network Discovery on your W11 PC.
netsh advfirewall firewall set rule group=”network discovery” new enable=no
- Done!!! Use the appropriate command according to your need and turn on or off Network Discovery on Windows 11 immediately.
Understand the Risks of Enabling Network Discovery
Now you know how to configure network discovery mode on the Windows 11 system using CMD and the settings app. But, you should also need to understand the possible risks after enabling network discovery so that you can take appropriate steps.
When you enable network discovery, your computer may be exposed to unauthorized access and potential security threats. Therefore, do not enable network discovery unless it’s not necessary.
In public or corporate networks, you can avoid unauthorized access by disabling network discovery. Even after disabling network discovery, it is important to take some important steps like using a firewall, antivirus software and strong passwords so that the network is not disrupted in any way.
CONCLUSION
These are the best methods to enable or disable network discovery on Windows 11 for network sharing. Once you know how to turn on or off network discovery and how to manage this function, you can establish a secure sharing network for different purposes.
if you have a wireless printer, read the guide and install wifi printer on your Windows 11 computer.