Missing Network Settings - "Find Devices and Content"

Anonymous
2013-11-29T13:30:12+00:00

Windows 8.1 -Under all my various network adapters there is no  "Find Devices and Content" box.

I've tried various fixes. Changing homegroup etc. Nothing work.

Please provide some guidance

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Internet and connectivity

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Anonymous
2014-01-11T17:54:45+00:00

I am not sure if everyone is checking at the right place if they are connected to domain network and they have 8.1 because only 8.1 has this option. Windows 8 has a different way to share devices and content.

For chromecast troubleshooting:

https://support.google.com/chromecast/troubleshooter/2995236?hl=en&ref\_topic=3447927#ts=3081637,3249450

Where to find the option to share:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/turn-sharing-on-or-off

I have been using Windows since forever and have used Apple too, so switching to Mac / Apple is not going to help. Its just another OS with the same fundamentals. Go figure it out in a Apple store if you want a demo.

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-10-17T21:39:19+00:00

    I found this solution - which requires registry editing and I would only recommend if you are comfortable editing the registry - http://www.tinkertry.com/how-to-change-windows-8-1-network-type-from-public-to-private/

    yes, after a couple hours of searching i decided to give up on google and go into the registry. i found in

    *HK local machine>software>microsoft>windows nt>current version>network list>profiles>{GUID}”Category” *

    i changed the value to 1 from 0 and it seemed to force it on, had to do this on my wireless connections, my desktops with both win 8.1 and win 7 with wired connections didnt have a problem

    0 = PUBLIC

    1= PRIVATE

    You may have to disable/enable, but I was able to confirm thru network and sharing center that the change was made.

    This issue is a real pain when trying to figure out network issues. Way to go MSFT!

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-09-20T03:21:14+00:00

    I'm having the same issue!

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-09-16T14:27:14+00:00

    Hi,

    We are glad to hear that you were able to find a fix to the issue and I thank you for the information provided.

    Please feel free to contact us back, in case you face any other issues in future.

    The problem still has not been solved. I am also missing the "Find Devices and Content" switch. How do I get it back? It looks like this is a pretty widespread problem and nobody (not even MSFT) seems to have an answer how to restore the switch.

    I am NOT on a domain

    I am NOT on  work laptop

    I am using an administrator account

    I am NOT using Chromecast

    I have 2 PCs running Win 8.1. One PC is missing "Find Devices and Content" switch. The other PC the switch is present. So this is not a Win 8.1 "feature".

    I have successfully used the Homegroup Troubleshooter to switch the networks from public to private. But that is just a workaround to a stupid problem with Win 8.1. How can this be fixed so it works?

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  4. Anonymous
    2014-09-15T18:37:39+00:00

    This worked for me too!  THANKS!

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