File Explorer may not detect other devices or perform file sharing on the local network when running Windows 10 version 1803

Question

After installing the Windows 10 April 2018 Update (Windows 10 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.

Answer 1

Microsoft is aware of reports that devices running Windows 10 version 1803 cannot connect to other devices on their home network and is investigating the issue.

You can resolve this problem by setting some services to Automatic (Delayed Start) and restarting Windows:

1. Press the Windows Key and R at the same time to bring up the Run dialog.
2. Type services.msc in the Run dialog and press Enter.
3. For each of the following services, locate the service in list, right-click the service and select Properties.  Then set the Startup type to Automatic (Delayed Start) and select Apply.
   • 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)
4. Restart Windows.

Should you have any other concerns don't hesitate to post back.

Answer 2

Homegroup has been discontinued with the release of Windows 10 1803.Your best option is to use a basic peer to peer workgroup network with Public File Sharing and Permissions. Learn more:

https://www.kapilarya.com/homegroup-alternative...

https://www.groovypost.com/howto/connect-netowr...

and

https://www.groovypost.com/howto/share-files-st...

https://www.groovypost.com/howto/change-network...

Open Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Status

Scroll to the bottom

Click Network and Sharing Center

Click Change advanced sharing settings

Expand All Networks

Under Password protected sharing

Switch between 'Turn on password protected sharing and Turn off password protected sharing'

Then choose 'Turn off password protected sharing'

Then click 'Save changes'

Also:

Press Windows key + R

Type: optionalfeatures.exe

Hit Enter

Scroll down to SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support

Tick the SMB 1.0/CIFS Client

Untick SMB 1.0/CIFS Automatic Removal and

Untick SMB 1.0/CIFS Server

Click OK

Restart if prompted.

Additional troubleshooting steps you can attempt:

• shut all computer and network gear down.
• Try browsing to some of the computers manually, press Windows key + R, type: \computername, hit Enter
• Press Windows key + R

Type: services.msc

Hit Enter

1. Start the "Function Discovery Provider Host" and "Function Discovery Resource Publication" services, and then set them toAutomatic (Delayed Start).
2. When you open Explorer Network, enable network discovery when you are prompted.

Press Windows key + X > computer management-->shared folders--> choose the shared folder, right click it then click Properties > Share Permissions -->protection that everyone can read and execute, see folder contents and read permissions.

Add the machine to your Windows HOSTS file.

https://www.groovypost.com/howto/edit-hosts-fil...

See this thread for further tips:

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...

Note: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

Answer 3

this does not work

Answer 4

Hi Jestoni. I'm Greg, an installation specialist and 8 year Windows MVP, here to help you.

What's working most for network detection issues caused by Version 1803 is here: https://windowsunplugged.blog/2018/03/27/networ...

Go over these steps to make sure File Sharing is set up correctly: https://pureinfotech.com/setup-network-file-sha...

There are Changes to file sharing over a network in Windows 10: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/409269...

To troubleshoot sharing problems:

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

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

This is the latest fix that's working for Version 1803 breaking networks. Please try it and report back:

• shut all computer and network gear down then start again.
• Try browsing to some of the computers manually, press Windows key + R, type: \computername, hit Enter
• Press Windows key + R

Type: services.msc

Hit Enter

1. Start the "Function Discovery Provider Host" and "Function Discovery Resource Publication" services, and then set them to Automatic (Delayed Start).
2. When you open Explorer Network, enable network discovery when you are prompted.

If not then start over and set it up again: https://pureinfotech.com/setup-network-file-sha...

If it still fails go over these troubleshooting steps:

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...

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

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.

________________________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

Answer 5

Hi Jestoni,

In 1803, Microsoft removed the Homegroup functionality in that version from Windows 10, without any warning

Click the link below for an alternative to Homegroup, written by Kapil

https://www.kapilarya.com/homegroup-alternative...

________________________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.