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
    2014-12-16T18:44:41+00:00

    Apparently they have no idea how their own software works. :(

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-12-16T19:32:40+00:00

    OK, here's what I've discovered so far about this "Find Devices and Contents" problem:

    1. I do not know what causes FDAC to disappear, but once it does, apparently it's gone forever.
    2. The developer of the software, Microsoft, do not know the answer to 1) either.
    3. If I go into the Control Panel and create a new Windows profile with administrator rights, the new profile will have FDAC enabled. But you are still SOL on the old profile where it's disappeared.

    4) Sometimes Windows 8.1 suddenly and inexplicably goes **** up with BSOD.

    1. The developer of the software, Microsoft, do not know the answer to 4) either.
    2. The only fix Microsoft  has to offer is the rather blunt tool known as the "reinstallation of the OS".
    3. After freshly reinstalling Windows 8.1, miraculously, I have back FDAC. Also I have hours of time spent restoring everything from backup.

    In summary, one way to get back FDAC is to create a new profile and migrate everything from your old profile to it. Another way is to attempt a System Refresh. If you decide to go the latter route, it might be less painful to create a Custom Refresh Image which would increase the odds that some of your installed programs might come through the refresh intact.

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  3. Anonymous
    2015-01-04T14:28:28+00:00

    I have the same problem and tried everything in this thread except reinstalling OS. How disappointing no fix to this from Microsoft.

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  4. Anonymous
    2015-01-25T14:45:17+00:00

    I have the same problem, need to switch my network from public (as it was auto detected) to private to use homegroup network

    I used the homegroup troubleshooter, it fixed the problem and changed it to Private, which I have no idea what has been fixed and how, this is typical microsoft you do things and just pray it works.

    The issue still outstanding in microsoft's hands, I still do not see the Find devices and content as mentioned above , my Surface Pro has been updated successfully to 8.1 Pro.

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