How to Turn On or Off Network Discovery (Make this PC Discoverable)

By Timothy Tibbetts

on 06/15/2023

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Beginning with Windows 10 build 1803, the option to Make this PC discoverable or Network Discovery has been removed. Microsoft claims that the setting may return, but you can still turn Network Discovery on or off.

Here are the differences between on or off:

On - This state allows your computer to see other network computers and devices and allows people on other network computers to see your computer. This makes it easier to share files and printers.
Off - This state prevents your computer from seeing other network computers and devices and prevents people from other network computers from seeing your computer.

1: Turn On or Off Network Discovery (Make this PC Discoverable) in Command Prompt

The fastest way is to open an elevated Command Prompt or PowerShell.

On - netsh advfirewall firewall set rule group="Network Discovery" new enable=Yes
Off - netsh advfirewall firewall set rule group="Network Discovery" new enable=No

2: Turn On or Off Network Discovery (Make this PC Discoverable) With Classic Control Panel

One of the beautiful things about the Classic Control Panel is that you can find Settings that might be removed in Windows 10.

Open the Classic Control Panel and click on Network and Sharing Center.

Click on Change advanced sharing settings.

Expand either Private or Guest or Public.

Click on Turn on network discovery or Turn off network discovery.

Click on Save changes.

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