Network discovery is a setting that affects whether your computer can see (find) other computers and devices on the network and whether other computers on the network can see your computer. That's why we recommend using the network sharing setting instead.

Similarly, you may ask, what happens if I turn on network discovery?

Network Discovery is a Windows setting that determines whether other computers and devices connected to the network can see and communicate with each other. When enabled on your PC, you'll be able to see other computers and devices connected to the same network.

Subsequently, question is, why would you turn off network discovery? Network discovery allows Windows 10 to find other computers and devices on a network. Network discovery is turned off when you're connected to public networks that shouldn't be trusted and you don't allow your PC to be discoverable on those networks.

Similarly, you may ask, what is network discovery used for?

Network discovery is the process that allows computers and devices to find one another when they are on the same network. It is the initial step system administrators take when they want to map and monitor their network infrastructure. This process is sometimes also referred to as topology discovery.

Is network discovery necessary?

Yep, as long as they are mapped. No is not required, just DNS connectivity to the DCs. It will be good to have network discovery for accessing printers and other shared items.

Related Question Answers

Can I turn on network discovery?

Open the Control Panel and select "Network and Internet". Select "Network and Sharing Center". Select "Change advanced sharing settings" near the upper-left. Select "Turn on network discovery.

How do I fix network discovery is turned off?

8 Ways to Fix Network Discovery Is Turned off on Windows 10
  1. Restart PC.
  2. Choose the Right Sharing Mode.
  3. Change Dependency Services Settings.
  4. Allow Network Discovery in Firewall Settings.
  5. Run Troubleshooter.
  6. Disable Antivirus and Firewall.
  7. Update Network Adapter.
  8. Reset Network Settings.

What is WiFi network discovery?

Network discovery is what allows computers and other devices to be discovered on a network. With network discovery, a system will send out messages over the network looking for devices that are discoverable. Having network discovery enabled makes it easy for you to share network resources between the systems you want.

How do I turn off network discovery and file sharing?

If you want to disable network discovery, click the dot next to Turn off network discovery. While here, you can also turn on or off file and printer sharing as well. When you're ready, click Save changes and close the Control Panel and Settings windows.

Should my home Internet be public or private?

If you are referring to a network to which you are connected, a private network is safer as generally there will be much less opportunity for a hacker to reach your device. Since WiFi networks are generally private networks, connecting to such a network is generally safe from attack from the Internet.

Why does my home network show as public?

If the switch is OFF, then Windows believes you are on a public network. Your computer cannot connect to printers or other computers, and nothing can connect to your computer. If the switch is ON, then Windows believes you are on a private network. This is the normal setting for home or office networks.

Does network Discovery affect WIFI?

There is no need to on Network Discovery for Internet Access, Network Discovery is a network setting that affects whether your computer can find other computers and devices on the network and whether other computers on the network can find your computer.

How do I stop network sharing?

Stop sharing network folder using Computer Management
  1. Open Start on Windows 10.
  2. Search for Computer Management and click the top result to open the console.
  3. Expand the Shared Folders branch from the left pane.
  4. Click the Shares item.
  5. Right-click the folder and select the Stop Sharing option.
  6. Click the Yes button.

How does network sharing work?

Network sharing enables access to information by more than one person through more than one device at the same or at different times. By connecting a device to a network, other users/devices in the network can share and exchange information through this network. Network sharing is also known as shared resources.

Is it OK to turn off network discovery?

If you're connected to a network in a public location and you decide to turn on network discovery but leave network sharing turned off, the network discovery setting will be on for every public network you connect to from then on. This wouldn't be safe. That's why we recommend using the network sharing setting instead.

How do I permanently turn on network discovery?

Turn on Network Discovery in Network and Sharing Center.

Resolution

  1. Open Control Panel, select System and Security, and then select Windows Firewall.
  2. In the left pane, select Allow an app or feature through Windows Firewall.
  3. Select Change settings.
  4. Select Network discovery, and then select OK.

Why do we need to turn off the Password protected sharing?

By default, password protected sharing is turned on in Windows 10. This means that only people who have a password-protected user account on their PC can access shared files, shared folders and shared printers attached to that PC. To give other people access, password protected sharing must be turned off.

Do you want your PC to be discoverable turn off?

Tip: You don't have to enable network discovery for private networks. If you don't use the feature at all though, you should turn it off. For private networks, you can enable network discovery. However, you should disable it if you don't plan to use it.