Windows 10 pc cannot discover windows 11 pc on private LAN

Mindert 0 Reputation points
2026-09-17T09:56:36.8033333+00:00

my windows 10 pc cannot see my windows 11 laptop on the network, vice versa is working fine. I started all the required services on my W10, following the available instructions.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Internet and connectivity
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  1. Hendrix-V 19,470 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-09-18T04:17:26.86+00:00

    Hi Mindert,

    Since the Windows 11 laptop can already see the Windows 10 PC, the network connection itself is likely working correctly. The issue may be related to how the Windows 10 device is locating and displaying other devices on the network rather than a complete connectivity problem.

    As an additional troubleshooting step, try accessing the Windows 11 laptop directly instead of relying on Network discovery:

    1, On the Windows 11 laptop, press Windows + R, type cmd, and run: hostname

    • Note the computer name.

    2, On the Windows 10 PC, press Windows + R and enter: \\ComputerName

    • Replace ComputerName with the name from the Windows 11 laptop.

    3, If the shared folders or device open successfully, create a shortcut to the network location and use it directly as a workaround.

    You can also verify basic communication by opening Command Prompt on the Windows 10 PC and running: ping ComputerName

    If the ping succeeds, it confirms the devices can communicate and points more toward a network discovery issue rather than a network connection problem.

    I hope this helps narrow down the cause. Let me know if you need further assistance, feel free to ask me by clicking "Add Comment" or "Add Answer" if you cannot add comment so your response will be visible. Thanks for your effort.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-17T09:56:54.96+00:00

    Since the required services on Windows 10 are already started, focus on the remaining items that affect discovery from the Windows 10 side:

    1. Set the network profile to Private on both PCs.
      • In Windows, a Public network hides the PC from other devices.
      • A Private network makes the PC discoverable and supports file and printer sharing.
    2. Turn on Network discovery and File and printer sharing on the Windows 10 PC.
      • Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Advanced sharing settings.
      • Under Private, select Turn on network discovery.
      • Select Turn on file and printer sharing.
      • Select Save changes.
    3. Test access directly from Windows 10 using Command Prompt.
      • Use: 
             net use <DeviceName>: \\<ServerName>\<ShareName>
      • If direct access works, the issue is with discovery in File Explorer rather than basic network access.
    4. If the Windows 11 laptop still does not appear, enable SMB 1.0/CIFS Client on the Windows 10 PC.
      • Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features > Turn Windows features on or off.
      • Check SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support.
      • Check SMB 1.0/CIFS Client.
      • Restart the PC.
      • This is a security-sensitive change, so use it only if the earlier steps do not resolve the issue.
    5. If the problem started after a Windows upgrade or if internet works but shared network devices still do not, use Network reset as a last step.
      • In Windows 10: Settings > Network & internet > Status > Network reset > Reset now > Yes.
      • After restart, network adapters are reinstalled and settings return to defaults.
      • Risk: VPN clients, virtual switches, and other networking software may need to be reinstalled or reconfigured afterward.
      • Network reset can also change known networks back to Public, so recheck the profile after the reset.
    6. If possible, try the same Ethernet or local network from another Windows PC.
      • If another PC also cannot discover the Windows 11 laptop, the issue is more likely with the network, router, or adapter rather than the Windows 10 PC.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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