How to Turn On Network Sharing in Windows 11

Network sharing in Windows lets trusted devices reach shared files and printers on your private network. When another computer cannot see your PC, start with the network profile, then switch on discovery and sharing. Use the steps below in order, from the basic Windows 11 settings to the firewall checks that fix stubborn cases.

1. Set Your Network To Private First

This fixes Windows hiding your PC from trusted devices on your home network.

Select Start > Settings > Network & internet.

For Wi-Fi, select Wi-Fi, then select the Wi-Fi network you are connected to.

For Ethernet, select Ethernet.

Under Network profile type, select Private network.

Go to Start > Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Advanced sharing settings.

Under Private networks, switch Network discovery on, then switch File and printer sharing on.

Keep these options for trusted private networks, not public Wi-Fi.

Select Start > Settings.

In the Find a setting search bar, type manage advanced sharing settings.

Select Manage advanced sharing settings.

Under Private networks, turn on Network discovery and File and printer sharing.

4. Enable Discovery From File Explorer

Open File Explorer > Network.

If Windows shows the Network discovery is turned off banner, select the banner, then select Turn on network discovery and file sharing.

This turns on sharing from the place where the missing network PCs show up.

This makes one file or folder available to selected people on the network.

1.Open File Explorer.
2.Right-click or long-press the file or folder you want to share.
3.Select Show more options > Give access to > Specific people.
4.Select a network user, or select Everyone.
5.Complete the sharing prompts.

On the host PC, select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.

Next, select the printer.

Select Printer properties.

Open the Sharing tab.

Select Share this printer.

Confirm the Share name, then select Apply > OK.

Press Windows logo key + R.

Type services.msc, then select OK.

Open Function Discovery Provider Host > Properties.

If the service is not running, select Start.

Set Startup type to Automatic.

Repeat the same check for Function Discovery Resource Publication, SSDP Discovery, and UPnP Device Host.

After the services are running automatically, return to Advanced sharing settings and confirm that Network discovery remains on.

8. Allow Network Discovery Through Firewall

Open Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Firewall.

Select Allow an app or feature through Windows Firewall.

Then select Change settings.

Select Network discovery.

Select OK.

Open Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.

Select Advanced settings.

In Windows Defender Firewall, select Inbound Rules.

Locate File and Printer Sharing (SMB-In). On Windows 11 version 24H2 and later, Windows sets shares up with the File and Printer Sharing (Restrictive) group, so enable the (SMB-In) rule in that group.

Right-click or select and hold the rule, then select Enable Rule.

Leave File and Printer Sharing (NB-Session-In) off unless an old device on your network still needs it.

That rule opens NetBIOS ports 137-139, which SMB2 and later do not use, and Windows 11 version 24H2 stopped opening them by default.

Skip HomeGroup; Microsoft removed it from Windows 10 Version 1803 and later, and Windows 11 uses Give access to > Specific people for folder sharing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I turn on network sharing on public Wi-Fi?

No. Use network sharing on trusted Private networks. A Public network hides your PC and prevents file and printer sharing.

What is the difference between Network discovery and File and printer sharing?

Network discovery makes your PC visible on the network. File and printer sharing lets shared folders and printers be accessed when permissions allow it.

Why does Network discovery keep turning off?

Set Function Discovery Provider Host, Function Discovery Resource Publication, SSDP Discovery, and UPnP Device Host to Automatic, then allow Network discovery through Windows Firewall.

Can I use HomeGroup in Windows 11?

No. HomeGroup is not available in Windows 11. Share folders from File Explorer with Show more options > Give access to > Specific people.