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
    2015-06-11T15:04:10+00:00

    Another user succeeds with the "NwCategoryWizard" key. I'm miffed. I don't have one. :(

    1. Open registry editor
    2. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Network\NwCategoryWizard
    3. Changed the "Show" key from 0 to 1

    In fact, I don't have a "NwCategoryWizard" key ANYWHERE in my ENTIRE registry.

    Ah me. Glad others are fixing the problem. I still have it. My Bluetooth exists and will not operate. I've even gone so far as to write hard-copy letters, sent by certified mail, and have received no response from tech support at my warrantied location, or from the manufacturer of the laptop.

    I give up. They win. I bought Bluetooth, they have my money, I do not have my Bluetooth. The corporation ate it.

    Oh and by the way ... why is this thread marked as "answered" when every response to it is about a user trying to find an answer IN THE ABSENCE OF THERE BEING AN ANSWER?

    Jeepers :(

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  2. Anonymous
    2015-06-25T04:05:16+00:00

    After reading all 9 pages of posts leading up to here, marcocnl had the answer.

    Follow the link listed in in his post (https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/gg252535(v=ws.10).aspx)

    The key NwCategoryWizard key didn't exist for me either, but the NewNetworkWindowOff key did.

    Found here:

    HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Network\NewNetworkWindowOff

    After reading that it's mere, unconfigured presence is all it takes to disable the Network Location Wizard I deleted the whole key.

    I told my laptop to forget the wireless network and reconnected now "Find devices and content" is back!

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  3. Anonymous
    2015-08-09T13:44:30+00:00

    In my case (fully patched Win 8.1) maximum UAC setting (Always notify) was the cause. I had to bring it one level down and then "Find Devices and Content" section magically appeared. What is more interesting is that the problem is also present in fully patched Windows 10.

    @MSFT - it is a real shame that after 2 years (first post is from 2013) the problem (I mean "Find Devices and Content" section not present when most secure UAC setting is on)  is still unresolved in your newest operating system. You should fix the problem with UAC privilege elevation in Immersive Control Panel as quick as possible.

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  4. Anonymous
    2015-08-09T14:33:49+00:00

    Upgrade to Windows 10.  Works really, really well. 

    Some folks experience a minor driver problem -- but it is almost always solvable by hunting around on the internet for a replacement driver.

    Windows 10 is really solid.  Prior to upgrading, I was using the preview version for many months.

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