How to find other computers in network on Windows 11

Windows 11 lets you see other computers in the same local area networks (LAN) to access remote resources, such as shared folders, printers, or applications.

If you have to access another computer’s resources, File Explorer is the primary application you should use on Windows 11. However, you first need to enable the feature to discover network devices in the network.

This guide will teach you the easy steps to quickly find other computers connected to the local network on Windows 11.

• Find network computers on Windows 11
• Enable Network Discovery on Windows 11 21H2
• Enable Network Discovery on Windows 11 22H2

Find network computers on Windows 11

To find computers in the network on Windows 11, use these steps:

1. Open File Explorer.

2. Click on Network from the left pane.

   

3. See the computers available in the network (discovery may take a few moments).

4. Double-click the device to access its shared resources, such as shared folders or printers.

Once you complete the steps, you can access the device resources (such as printers and files) as long as you use the correct account and password.

Enable Network Discovery on Windows 11 21H2

If you can’t see any computer in the network, you don’t have Network Discovery enabled on the device.

To enable Network Discovery on Windows 11 21H2, use these steps:

1. Open Settings on Windows 11.

2. Click on Network & internet.

3. Click the Ethernet tab.

   

   Quick note: If you have a wireless connection, click on Wi-Fi and the connection properties options to access the adapter settings.

4. Under the “Network profile type” section, select the Private profile type.

   

5. Open File Explorer.

6. Click on Network from the left pane.

7. Click the OK button (if applicable).

8. Click the message at the bottom of the ribbon and select the “Turn on Network Discovery and file sharing” option.

   

9. Click the “No, make the network that I am connected to a private network” option (if applicable).

After you complete the steps, you should now be able to see other computers in the local network through File Explorer on Windows 11.

Enable Network Discovery on Windows 11 22H2

Starting on version 22H2, the advanced sharing settings are only available through the Settings app. 

To enable Network Discovery on Windows 11 22H2, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.

2. Click on Network & internet.

3. Click the Ethernet tab.

   

   Quick note: If you have a wireless connection, click on Wi-Fi and the connection properties options to access the adapter settings.

4. Under the “Network profile type” section, select the Private profile type.

   

5. Click the “Advanced network settings” tab.

6. Under the “More settings” section, click on “Advanced sharing settings.”

   

7. Click the Private networks setting.

8. Turn on the Network discovery toggle switch.

   

9. Check the “Set up network connected devices automatically” option.

Once you complete the steps, File Explorer will show devices through the “Network” page.

The “Advanced sharing settings” page also includes the option to enable Network Discovery for public networks and even all networks. However, usually, you only need to allow discovery in a private network. You can also try these instructions to troubleshoot and fix Network Discovery.