I've Turned On Everything That Can be Turned On in the Network Setting (set to Private, Public is Off) But It Still Can't See the PC in the Next Room

Question

Hi Microsoft friends. If I ping using the Command Prompt it can see the other PC that's on the local network but for some reason it doesn't show on the Network on the Explorer window.

I've turned on everything that can be turned ON in the Network settings for both PCs (both are running Windows 11 Pro) and the networks are even in Private.

Is there a hidden setting I should set so both PCs can be networked (it's connected through the Fiber internet's modem which is also a hub for Ethernet and has built-in Wifi as well). The PC in the other room is connected via Ethernet while the other uses Wifi.

I'd love for the PC using the Wifi

Other recommendations are welcome like 3rd-party apps to make them network each other.

God bless.

***moved from Windows / Windows 11 / Files, folders, and storage***

Answer 1

Hello,

Based on our understanding of the issue, we recommend that you follow the steps outlined below:

1.Check whether the two devices are connected to the same LAN and can ping each other. Make sure there is no firewall or security software blocking file sharing or SMB protocol.

2.Turn on file and printer sharing on your laptop. Go to Control Panel -> Network and Internet -> Network and Sharing Center -> Change advanced sharing settings, make sure network discovery, file and printer sharing are enabled, and password-protected sharing is turned off (adjust as appropriate).

3.Make sure you are using an account with sufficient permissions to log in and access shared resources. On your laptop, right-click the folder you want to share, select Properties -> Sharing -> Add specific users or groups and grant appropriate permissions.

4.Make sure that the two computers are in the same workgroup or domain, which can be viewed and modified in the System Properties -> Computer Name tab.

Regards,

Zunhui

Answer 2

Hi, the strange thing is the PC on the next room can see my Windows account and files but on this computer, I can't see that PC in the next room. I pinged each other, they can both ping each other.

On both computers, I have these installed (which are known to make another not be seen in the network inspite of turning everything On in the Advanced Network settings:

Spybot

Avast

Malwarebytes

HitMan Pro

Only the PC next door has an additional app called Kaspersky.

I wonder why although both see each other if you Ping it, only one appear in the Network in File Explorer?

Thank again in advance.

Answer 3

Should I disable the Private Settings and enable only the Public Settings or vice-versa? This is only a home network.

Thank you.

Answer 4

For a home network, it's generally recommended to keep your network profile set to Private. This is because the Private profile enables certain features that are useful in a home environment, such as Network Discovery and file and printer sharing.So, in your case, I would recommend keeping the Private profile enabled and the Public profile disabled. This will allow you to take advantage of the features that are useful in a home network while still maintaining a reasonable level of security.