The Windows File Explorer has been included and shipped with every generation of the Windows Operating System and has undergone many changes. The File Explorer that comes with Windows 11/10 is not just for browsing the local hard drive partitions. It can also be used to browse files and folders in a local or even a remote network. This makes it one of the most important components for Windows for regular and power users.
Can’t see other computers on network
Unfortunately, some users tend to report that File Explorer gets some issues while connecting to other devices on the Local Network. This is due to the fact that the Windows Service that supports this feature gets issues in triggering up. The name of this service is fdPHost and is called Function Discovery Provider Host. It is not to be confused with a similar service called Function Discovery Provider which has similar functionality.
About this service, Microsoft describes it as,
The FDPHOST service hosts the Function Discovery (FD) network discovery providers. These FD providers supply network discovery services for the Simple Services Discovery Protocol (SSDP) and Web Services – Discovery (WS-D) protocol. Stopping or disabling the FDPHOST service will disable network discovery for these protocols when using FD. When this service is unavailable, network services using FD and relying on these discovery protocols will be unable to find network devices or resources.
In simple words, the Function Discovery Provider Host service is essential for network discovery and sharing in Windows 11/10.
Explorer cannot connect to other devices on the local network
First of all, ensure Network Discovery and File Sharing are enabled on your system. Next, you need to ensure that the Function Discovery Provider Host service is correctly configured and running.
Hit the WINKEY + R button combination or search for Services in the Windows Search box. This will launch the Services window.
Now locate the service named Function Discovery Provider Host.
Right-click on it and click on Properties.
If the service is already running, stop it.
Then change the Startup Type to Automatic (Delayed Start) and then Start the service.
Click on Apply and then click on OK to save the changes.
Reboot the computer for the changes to take effect.
Now check if your issue is solved.
Read: Network Connections Folder is empty in Windows.
Why is my PC not showing on other computers in the network?
If your PC is not showing up on Network, make sure Network Discovery and File Sharing are enabled on your Windows 11/10 PC, your network is set to Private, your computer is in the same workgroup as other PCs and network services are running and set to Automatic (Delayed Start). If the issue persists, check for any firewall settings blocking Network Discovery and consider restarting both your router and computer to refresh network connections and resetting network protocols to their default settings.
How to see other PCs on network?
You may other PCs on your network in the Network section of File Explorer. Press the Win + E keys to open File Explorer. Click on Network in the left panel. You should see other computers and devices that are currently connected to your network under the Network section. If you don’t see any computers listed, ensure that network discovery and file sharing are enabled on your Windows 11/10 PC and that all PCs are in the same workgroup. If needed, click on ‘Change’ to modify the workgroup name and restart your computer.
Read Next: Enable or Disable Network Discovery or Sharing in Windows.
