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Windows 10 firewall and network discovery

Anonymous
2024-12-24T22:12:09+00:00

Network discovery is blocked by the windows 10 firewall.

I need to know what services (specific names) I need to enable in the firewall to permit file sharing/discovery to work.

I have verified that it is firewall on/off that blocks.

I think this question was answered in the distant past for Windows 7 & it is likely the same or similar but those answers are no longer visible.

I can probably just turn the firewall off on a private network but it's not a configuration I like to use.

Probably have the same problem on a stubborn Windows 11 laptop that won't share either, so if you know the score for Windows 11 I can probably use it.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-01-07T15:38:21+00:00

    So there's no more simple checkbox for "make discoverable on network?" We need to go through all this to have computers on a private network see each other?

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-12-25T06:26:23+00:00

    Hello, Michael.Helm

    Merry Christmas! 🎄 Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a new year filled with peace, happiness, and success! ✨

    Thank you for your feedback. In Windows 10 and Windows 11, the Network Discovery and File Sharing features require specific services to be enabled in the Windows Firewall, please let me know if my understanding is wrong. Below are the names of the specific services you need to enable in the firewall:

    Firewall rules required to enable Network Discovery

    Allow network discovery:

    Allow the following inbound rules in Advanced Settings:

    Network Discovery (Netbios-UDP-In)

    Network Discovery (NB-Name-In)

    Network Discovery (NB-Datagram-In)

    Network Discovery (NB-Ss-In)

    Network Discovery (SSDP-In)

    Network Discovery (UPnPHost-In)

    The following outbound rules are allowed in the Advanced Settings:

    Network Discovery (NB-Name-Out)

    Network Discovery (NB-Datagram-Out)

    Allow file and printer sharing:

    Allow the following inbound rules in Advanced Settings:

    File and Printer Sharing (SMB-In)

    File and Printer Sharing (NB-Session-In)

    These rules can be enabled in the Advanced Settings of the firewall as follows:

    Specific steps to enable firewall rules

    Open Windows Defender Firewall:

    Press Win + S, type “Windows Defender Firewall” and select “Advanced Security Windows Defender Firewall”.

    Configure inbound rules:

    Select “Inbound Rules” on the left side.

    On the right side, click “New Rule...” Click “New Rule...”.

    Select “Predefined Rules” and then select “File and Printer Sharing” and “Network Discovery” from the drop-down lists.

    Add rules one at a time, making sure they are enabled.

    Configure outbound rules (if required):

    Select “Outbound Rules” on the left.

    Follow the same procedure as above to add relevant rules.

    Caution

    Ensure that the configuration applies to private networks:

    Ensure that these rules apply to the “private” network profile and not the “public” network profile.

    Verify the network configuration:

    Ensure that Network Discovery and File and Printer Sharing are enabled in the Advanced Sharing Settings of the Network and Sharing Center. “in Network and Sharing Center Advanced Sharing Settings.

    Notes for Windows 11

    For Windows 11, these configuration methods are basically the same as those for Windows 10.

    To access the advanced settings of the firewall: Open the firewall via search or system settings.

    Enable the same inbound and outbound rules: Add and enable the same items as for Windows 10.

    With these actions, you should be able to successfully enable network discovery and file sharing without having to completely disable the firewall, safeguarding the security and functionality of your network.

    If it doesn't work with the above methods, you may need to temporarily disable the firewall.

    Disclaimer: Temporarily turn off antivirus protection. However, keep in mind that if you do so, your device may be vulnerable to threats. on immediately once issue fixed.

    I look forward to your feedback.

    Happy holidays and happy new year!!

    Best Regards,

    Aaron| Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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