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
    2014-01-15T17:06:19+00:00

    Yes, downgrade it, if its blocking you (many people seem to be facing this). BTW, if you thought I am from Microsoft IT, then you are mistaken. I am not representing Microsoft, so, NO, this is not an official Microsoft solution. Just my opinion.

    If you really want to fix it, you can try finding the right registry settings, but that's going to be another uphill task.

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-01-17T04:10:41+00:00

    The setting to find devices and content is under homegroups. also, if you have any other adapters disable them, i had a TAP-Windows v9 adapter, and once I disabled it, i could use my chromecast.

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-01-17T12:40:55+00:00

    In Homegroup I see the message:

    "To help keep your stuff safe, sharing and the ability to see other PCs and devices on this network is turned off.

    To change this setting, open Connections on PC settings, tap or click the current network connection, and then turn on Find devices and content."

    Nothing else, no control, nothing.

    And, off course, when we go to the indicated place, there is no such option there.

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  4. Anonymous
    2014-01-17T19:49:07+00:00

    EMontanhole;

    First off - thanks for pushing this. I'm running a Surface 2 Pro and having the exact same issue as you are. It blows my mind that this is a known issue and the best MSFT can do is give us the runaround...

    I've not found a solution to turn on "Find devices and Content", but I found a workaround that has allowed me to find devices on my networks.

    I went to Windows Firewall and followed the link to Allow an app or feature through Windows Firewall. I looked at the settings, and saw that Network Discovery was turned off. I changed the settings to allow Network Discovery on Private networks, and am good to go.

    Not sure if you've tried this or not, and also not sure if this directly addresses your problem, but I thought you might be interested.

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