The Windows 11 24H2 update, released in late 2024, brought users exciting features and security enhancements worldwide. However, many have encountered a frustrating issue: network computers not showing up in File Explorer under the “Network” section.

This problem disrupts file sharing, printer access, and overall network connectivity, leaving users searching for solutions. If you’re facing this issue, you’re not alone—and thankfully, effective fixes are available.

This comprehensive guide will explain why Windows 11 24H2 fails to display all network computers and provide clear, user-friendly steps to resolve the issue.

Whether you’re a casual user or managing a small home network, this article will help you restore visibility and functionality to your network devices.

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Why Windows 11 24H2 Doesn’t Show All Network Computers

Before diving into the solutions, it’s helpful to understand the root causes. The 24H2 update introduced stricter security protocols and network discovery changes that can interfere with how devices appear on your local network. Here are the most common reasons:

  1. Network Discovery Settings Altered: The update may disable network discovery or adjust sharing settings, preventing devices from being visible.
  2. SMB Protocol Changes: Windows 11 24H2 enforces stricter Server Message Block (SMB) configurations, which can block older devices or misconfigured systems.
  3. Service Misconfigurations: Key services like Function Discovery Provider Host (FDPHost) or Function Discovery Resource Publication (FDResPub) may not start correctly.
  4. Firewall or Security Restrictions: Enhanced security in 24H2 might block network traffic needed for device visibility.
  5. IP Configuration Issues: Problems with DHCP or IPv6 settings can disrupt network communication.

Microsoft has acknowledged some network-related bugs in 24H2, but no universal patch has fully resolved this. That’s where our manual fixes come in.

How to Fix Windows 11 24H2 Network Computers Not Showing

Follow these proven solutions to get your network computers visible again. Start with the most straightforward steps and progress as needed.

Solution 1: Enable Network Discovery and File Sharing

Network discovery is essential for seeing other computers on your network. The 24H2 update might have disabled it, so let’s check and enable it.

  1. Open Settings: Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app.
  2. Navigate to Network Settings: Go to Network & Internet > Advanced Network Settings.
  3. Access Sharing Options: Click Advanced Sharing Settings.
  4. Turn On Network Discovery: Under the “Private” network profile (assuming your network is private), ensure Turn on network discovery is checked. Also, enable Turn on automatic setup of network-connected devices.
  5. Enable File and Printer Sharing: Check Turn on file and printer sharing below it.
  6. Save and Restart: Click Save Changes, then reboot your PC.

Check File Explorer’s Network section. If devices still don’t appear, proceed to the next step.

Solution 2: Restart Key Network Services

Windows relies on specific services to detect and display network devices. Misconfigurations after the 24H2 update can disable them.

  1. Open Services: Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
  2. Locate Services:
    • Find Function Discovery Provider Host (FDPHost).
    • Find Function Discovery Resource Publication (FDResPub).
  3. Set to Automatic:
    • Right-click each service, select Properties.
    • Change Startup type to Automatic.
    • If the service isn’t running, click Start.
  4. Apply Changes: Click OK, then restart your computer.

This ensures your PC can be discovered on the network. Still no luck? Let’s tweak some advanced settings.

Solution 3: Adjust SMB Settings via PowerShell

The 24H2 update tightened SMB security, which might prevent older devices from appearing. We’ll relax these restrictions safely for a local network.

  1. Open PowerShell as Admin: Right-click the Start button, select Terminal (Admin), and choose PowerShell.
  2. Run Commands:
    • Type 
      Set-SmbClientConfiguration -EnableInsecureGuestLogons $true -Force

      and press Enter.

    • Type 
      Set-SmbClientConfiguration -RequireSecuritySignature $false -Force

      and press Enter.

    • Type 
      Set-SmbServerConfiguration -RequireSecuritySignature $false -Force

      and press Enter.

  3. Restart Your PC: Reboot to apply the changes.

These commands allow guest logins and disable mandatory SMB signing, which can resolve visibility issues. Note: Use this only on trusted home networks, as it slightly reduces security.

Solution 4: Check IPv6 Settings

A lesser-known bug in 24H2 involves IPv6 conflicts. If your network primarily uses IPv4, disabling IPv6 might help.

  1. Open Network Connections: Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl, and hit Enter.
  2. Find Your Adapter: Right-click your active network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select Properties.
  3. Disable IPv6: Uncheck Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6), then click OK.
  4. Restart: Reboot your computer and check the Network section in File Explorer.

If this works but you need IPv6 later, re-enable it and test again after applying other fixes.

Solution 5: Reset Network Settings

If all else fails, resetting your network stack can clear out corrupted settings from the update.

  1. Open Settings: Go to Network & Internet > Advanced Network Settings.
  2. Reset Network: Scroll to Network Reset, click Reset Now, and confirm.
  3. Reboot: Your PC will restart, and you must reconnect to your Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

This wipes network configurations, so have your Wi-Fi password handy. Afterward, re-enable network discovery (Solution 1) and test.

Additional Tips to Enhance Network Visibility

  • Update Network Drivers: In Device Manager (devmgmt.msc), expand Network Adapters, right-click your adapter, and select Update Driver. Outdated drivers can cause issues post-24H2.
  • Check Workgroup: Ensure all PCs are in the same workgroup. Go to System Properties (sysdm.cpl) > Computer Name tab > Change to verify.
  • Ping Devices: Open Command Prompt and type ping [IP address] (e.g., ping 192.168.1.10) to confirm devices are reachable. If they respond but don’t show, the issue is discovery-related.

Still Not Working? Consider These Options

If none of these solutions work as of March 12, 2025, here are your next steps:

  • Roll Back to 23H2: Within 10 days of updating, go to Settings > System > Recovery > Go Back. This reverts to a stable version.
  • Check Microsoft Updates: Visit the Windows Update page for the latest patches addressing 24H2 bugs.
  • Manually Access Devices: Use \\IP_ADDRESS or \\HOSTNAME in File Explorer’s address bar to connect directly until a fix arrives.

Conclusion

The Windows 11 24H2 update’s network computer visibility issue can be a headache, but these steps can restore your network functionality.

Start by enabling network discovery, tweaking services and SMB settings, and resetting if necessary. Microsoft may release a broader fix, but these solutions should get you back on track.

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