How To Fix ‘Network Discovery Is Turned Off’ Error In Windows 11

Network issues are the lifelong companions of the Windows operating system and Windows 11 is no exception. Although you can encounter several network-related errors on your Windows 11 PC, one of the most frequently occurring issues on Windows 11 is the ‘Network Discovery is Turned Off’ error.

Due to this error, your PC won’t be able to access the network-enabled devices which are on the same Wi-Fi network. Ideally, enabling the Network Discovery settings on Windows 11 should resolve the issue but sometimes it does not happen.

But worry not! There are other ways to get rid of this issue. In this comprehensive guide, we have put down four detailed methods to fix this annoying issue on Windows 11.
Let’s begin troubleshooting this error on your Windows 11PC!

Also Read: How To Run Windows 11 On Mac

Fix 1: Modify Advanced Sharing Settings in Windows 11

First of all, you need to launch the Control Panel on your Windows 11 PC. To do that you just need to press the Windows key and type Control Panel in the Search bar.

Next, head to Network and Internet Settings and then Network and Sharing Center.

Now, look for ‘Change Advanced Sharing Options’ in the left panel and tap it.

Next, you need to make sure that the Turn On Network Discovery option is enabled in the Private section. Also, don’t forget to tick the checkbox for Turn on ‘Automatic Setup of Network-Connected Services’.

Similarly, you need to enable the Turn on the ‘File and Printer Sharing’ option in the Find and Printer Sharing of Windows 11.

In the same context, move to the ‘Guest or Public’ tab and make sure to enable the switch next to ‘Turn on Network Discovery’ and ‘Turn on File and Printer Sharing.

As you might be aware, it is not advisable to turn on network discovery in Windows 11 while you’re connected to a public network. But it is essential to turn it on if you are connected to the public Wi-Fi at the moment. Also, don’t forget to turn it off once you finish doing the work.

After you are done tweaking the Advanced Sharing settings, press the Save Changes button.

Finally, reboot your Windows 11 PC and check whether the ‘Network Discovery is Turned Off’ error still prevails on your Windows 11 PC.

Also Read: How To Speed Up Windows 11 PC

Fix 2: Manage Windows Services to Fix Network Discovery Error is turned off in iOS 15

If the network discovery error is still not resolved even after you changed the above settings, let’s try a more feasible approach.

Launch the Run Dialog Box on your Windows 11 by pressing the ‘Windows+R’ shortcut. In the run dialog box type ‘services.msc’ and press the Enter key.

In the new window, double click the ‘Function Discovery Resource Publication’ option.
Now you need to modify the ‘Startup Type’ status to ‘Automatic’.

Next, move to the ‘Services Status’ and click on the Start button. Press ‘OK’ to confirm the changes.

Similarly, you need to make sure that the DNS client service is also set to ‘Automatic’ and set the status of this service to run.

Lastly, scroll down and click to open the ‘SSDP Discovery’ service. Here also you need to change the status to automatic from the drop-down menu and enable this service.
After making all the above changes, you need to restart your PC. Hopefully, the ‘Network Discovery is turned off error is resolved on your Windows 11 computer.

Also Read: How To Flush DNS Cache In Windows 11

Fix 3: Adjust Firewall Settings in Windows 11

If you’re still facing the issue, let’s try adjusting the Firewall settings to resolve this issue.
Hit the Windows key and type ‘Windows Firewall’ in the search bar of Windows 11. You’ll be taken to the Control Panel.

In the Control Panel, move to the ‘Windows Defender Firewall’ section to access firewall settings.

Search for the ‘Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall’ setting in the left panel of the window and click to expand the settings.

In the new window, hit the ‘Change Settings’ button located in the top right corner and look for the ‘Network Discovery’ settings. Enable this feature and don’t forget to check the “Private” and “Public” checkboxes.

Press the ‘OK button to confirm the changes. Restart the PC once again to see if the error vanishes.

Also Read: How To Share Files Via Nearby Sharing In Windows 11

Fix 4: Reset the Network on Windows 11

If you’re here, there are good chances that the ‘Network Discovery is Turned Off’ error is still bothering you. But don’t worry! You still have the last option left. To get rid of this setting forever, you need to reset the network on your Windows 11. Follow the steps below to do it:

Hit the Windows key and type Settings. In the settings, go to Network and Internet -> Advanced Network Settings -> Network reset.

Finally, click the ‘Reset Now’ button and that’s it! You Network is reset hence the hogging issue is gone. Restart the PC and you’ll see the error has been resolved.

Conclusion

So that’s how you can part ways with the ‘Network Discovery is Turned Off’ error prevailing on your Windows 11 PC. Most of the time, you’ll be able to fix the error with just the first method but if it does not happen you have three other options. Which of these fixes helped you resolve the network discovery error? Let me know in the comments below.

Also Read: How To Install Windows 11 On An Unsupported CPU?