Computer not visible in network folder

Question

I have 4 computers running Win10 21H2 on my home LAN. I have network file sharing enabled on each computer.
All the computers can see each other's network shares, except for one machine that's doesn't show in the "Network" icon from anywhere, not even from itself when locally clicking on the "Network" icon. The other 3 computers have their own names in the network icon showing up. If I type \hostname , I can access the shares on the broken machine just fine. I would like to be able to use the mouse, though.

I have tried every method at FIX: Windows 10 Network Computers Not Showing in Explorer. (Solved) - wintips.org - Windows Tips & How-tos except enabling SMB 1.0/CIFS support, as I think it's a security issue. None of the 4 computers have this enabled, and 3 of them can see each other's shares just fine in the GUI.

I'm using a wired Ethernet connection on all the computers. The network profile is set to Private on each one.

I'm really stumped by this one, and the experts at tenforums have been also.

https://www.tenforums.com/network-sharing/188106-one-computer-not-visible-others-network-icon.html

Could somebody from Microsoft please help with this ?

Answer 1

Hi, madbrain76

Welcome to Microsoft Community and thank you for sharing your concern with us today.

I understand that your computer not visible in network folder.

Some third-party security software may disable the network discovery function. Does your computer have third-party security software installed? If there is a suggestion, you temporarily uninstall.

If it doesn't work, press Win+I to open Windows settings, then select the network icon, select Ethernet on the left, and click your connection to change the private network to the public network at the top.

I hope the information provided is useful for you. If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to our support.

Best Regards

Clara Geng | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

Answer 2

Clara,

Thanks for responding. The only security software installed is Windows defender. The problem is reproducible without any third party security software installed.

The Ethernet network is already set to private.

Answer 3

Any further help with this would be appreciated. I'm seeing the problem on multiple computers now. I can't figure out why those computers can't even see themselves in the network folder.

Answer 4

Hi, madbrain76

Good day!

According to your condition currently, you could try the following steps:

1. Press Win +R, enter services.msc and press Enter.
2. Find the TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper service, click the right mouse button, and select Start.
3. After a while, you can see that the TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper has started, and check whether it can be used normally.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Best Regards

Clara Geng | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

Answer 5

Clara,

Thanks for your reply.

This service was already started.