Network sharing in Windows 11 allows you to access files and drives from one computer to another over the same Wi-Fi or LAN network. While the feature is powerful, many users face issues where shared drives do not appear in the Network section. In this guide, you will learn how to properly enable network sharing, share a drive, and fix all common problems step by step.
Step 1: Set Your Network Profile to Private
Windows 11 disables sharing on public networks for security reasons, so the first and most important step is changing your network type.
Open Settings → Network & Internet → click your connected Wi-Fi or Ethernet → set Network profile = Private.
If the network is set to Public, your PC will never appear to other devices.
Step 2: Enable Network Discovery and File Sharing
Network discovery allows your PC to be visible to other devices, and file sharing allows access to shared drives.
Open Settings → Network & Internet → Advanced network settings → Advanced sharing settings.
Under Private networks, turn Network discovery ON, enable Set up network connected devices automatically, and turn File and printer sharing ON.
Under Public networks, also turn Network discovery ON and File and printer sharing ON.
Under All networks, turn Public folder sharing ON, keep File sharing connections set to 128-bit encryption, and turn Password protected sharing OFF (recommended for home networks).
These settings allow smooth access without requiring usernames and passwords.
Step 3: Share a Drive in Windows 11
Now you can share a full drive or partition.
Open File Explorer → click This PC → right-click the drive you want to share → select Properties.
Open the Sharing tab → click Advanced Sharing → check Share this folder.
Click Permissions → select Everyone → allow Read (or Full Control if you want write access) → click OK.
Click Apply and OK again.
Your drive is now officially shared on the network.
Step 4: Ensure Required Windows Services Are Running (Very Important)
This is the most common reason shared drives do not appear in the Network section.
Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
Check these services one by one and make sure they are set to Automatic and Running:
• Function Discovery Provider Host
• Function Discovery Resource Publication
• SSDP Discovery
• UPnP Device Host
• Server
• Workstation
If any service is stopped, start it and apply the settings. Restart your PC after this step.
These services allow Windows to announce your PC and its shared resources on the network.
Step 5: Enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP (Fix for “Not Showing in Network”)
Windows 11 often fails to list PCs due to NetBIOS being disabled by default.
Open Settings → Network & Internet → Advanced network settings → More network adapter options.
Right-click your active adapter → Properties → double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (IPv4) → click Advanced → open the WINS tab → select Enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP → click OK and restart your PC.
This improves device visibility in the Network browser.
Step 6: Test the Share Using Direct Access (Always Works)
Even if your PC does not appear in Network, the share may still work.
Press Win + R and type:
\\localhost
or
\\PC-NAME
or
\\IP-ADDRESS
If the shared drive opens, your network sharing is working correctly. This confirms that the issue is only with the Network display, not with sharing itself.
Step 7: Map the Network Drive (Best Permanent Solution)
Microsoft recommends mapping drives instead of relying on the Network view.
Open File Explorer → right-click This PC → Map network drive.
Choose a drive letter → enter
\\PC-NAME\SharedDriveName
Check Reconnect at sign-in → click Finish.
The shared drive will now appear like a local drive every time you start your PC.
Step 8: Optional Fix – Enable SMB 1.0 (Only If Needed)
If nothing works, you can enable SMB 1.0 for compatibility with older systems.
Open Control Panel → Programs → Turn Windows features on or off → enable SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support → restart your PC.
This step is safe for home networks but not recommended for public networks.
Why Shared Drives Sometimes Do Not Appear in Windows 11
Windows 11 has reduced reliance on the traditional Network browser. Even when sharing works perfectly, the Network section may not update correctly. This is a known behavior, not a configuration mistake. Direct access and mapped drives are now the most reliable methods.
Final Conclusion
By enabling network discovery, sharing your drive correctly, starting required services, and using direct access or mapped drives, you can reliably share drives on Windows 11 without errors. If \\localhost or \\PC-NAME works, your setup is already correct—even if Network view does not show it.
