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Why can I not see other PCs on my network?

Anonymous
2020-09-26T23:26:03+00:00

I have a small home network with two computers on the same WiFi connection. Both are Windows 10 and I log on to them with the same Microsoft account. They are both on the same workgroup. So pretty simple setup. I store files on my desktop that I often access from the laptop.

Lately, I had to restore my laptop to a factory image. After doing this, and the usual tasks of turning on discovery, file sharing, etc., I find that the newly restored laptop can no longer connect to, or ping, the desktop. The reverse does work however. I am able to see the laptop from the desktop but not vice versa. NOTHIng has changed on the desktop in terms of shared folders, permissions, etc. What else can I try? I had this working before the laptop reset!

I can verify I've done the following things:

* Both computers are on the same wi-fi network.

* Both computers are signed on using my Microsoft account.

* Network and file sharing i s turned on on both computers, as is network discovery.

* The desktop can see network folders on the laptop, just not vice versa.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Internet and connectivity

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  1. Anonymous
    2020-09-27T01:20:58+00:00

    If it's sharing with yourself I would just put the files in OneDrive signed in on all devices.

    You can also sync your Documents, Pictures and Desktop folders so the files update in real time:

    https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/116029-turn...

    Using Google Drive backup you get 15gb free storage and can sync all your User folders. I use both. I have Office 365 which gives me 1tb free OneDrive storage so i sync all my User folders on all devices which works to keep the latest files updated on all of my PC's and also safe and accessible in the cloud just like email.

    They've messed up file sharing that even trying everything that I listed - which is every possible fix that works - doesn't necessarily work any longer. It is a shame since HomeGroup worked so well, but they don't seem to care.

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  2. Anonymous
    2020-09-27T00:55:51+00:00

    Thank you Greg. If only the regular Microsoft folks were this helpful :)

    I had never HEARD of SMB1 before, which is curious since as I said things were working before.

    I do have one quick question: If I'm using the "Share with specific people..." and I'm the only user on both computers with my Microsoft Account, I just have to share it with myself, right? Because the folders are shared with my <username><email>. It used to be, in the past that the first time I set this up, I was asked to log in to the other computer, which I did with my MS credentials. But now, I'm not even being PROMPTED for a password.

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  3. Anonymous
    2020-09-27T00:27:23+00:00

    Keep me posted on your progress as I will be here to help until the case is resolved.

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  4. Anonymous
    2020-09-27T00:11:58+00:00

    I'll try those - thank you in advance! But as I said, it was all working a few days ago so I know it can work again. I would use OneDrive but frankly some of the files are of a confidential nature and I don't trust the cloud, or Microsoft to not access it.

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  5. Anonymous
    2020-09-26T23:57:51+00:00

    Hi Servo. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, and Volunteer Moderator, here to help you.

    Network sharing has been widely broken ever since they removed Homegroup, causing many to believe this was intentional to push us to OneDrive sharing. More about that option later.

    I'll give you everything possible to try for file sharing problems so at least something will work. If you need help performing any steps I am standing by here to help:

    See here for how to share files and printers over network after removal of HomeGroup in Version 1803:

    https://www.windowscentral.com/how-share-files-...

    https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/111783-shar...

    https://www.windowscentral.com/how-access-files...

    To troubleshoot sharing problems:

    https://www.lifewire.com/troubleshooting-window...

    https://windowsunplugged.blog/2018/03/27/networ...

    https://www.thewindowsclub.com/network-computer...

    https://superuser.com/questions/1202441/windows...

    If you cannot get past the password protected sharing prompt:

    https://www.isunshare.com/windows-10/fix-enter-...

    https://www.speedguide.net/faq/windows-is-askin...

    https://www.tenforums.com/network-sharing/61689...

    If Windows 7 is involved make sure if applicable you have the WIndows Update released to fix Windows 7 sharing issues here: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft...

    Test if turning off Controlled Folder access helps: https://www.thewindowsclub.com/controlled-folde...

    See these additional resources for when a PC does not show up on network:

    http://woshub.com/network-computers-not-showing...

    https://www.thewindowsclub.com/network-computer...

    https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-...

    You may want to change to sharing via OneDrive: https://www.computerworld.com/article/3256907/m...

    If you want to sign into the same OneDrive account on all PC's then you can sync files by parking them in the OneDrive folder. You can also sync Documents, Pictures and Desktop folders between them using Folder Protection Backup here: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/116029-turn.... This moves those User folders into the OneDrive folder, but it can be done for all User folders from their Properties > Location tab if desired as shown here: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki... .

    If you want to express your opinion on this to Microsoft use the Feedback Hub app in Start Menu where developers are tasked to process consumer feedback. They will not even see it here. This is a tech forums staffed mostly by volunteers trying to help others with your problems.

    If you want to post back a Share link from your Feedback here others who see this thread can vote it up and add to it.

    I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

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