One Computer Does Not Show On My Home Network.

OzDrDj · 29 Feb 2024

I've had this problem for a long long time, and can't seem to solve it.
My home network has 10 Computers Connected, mostly 2 or 3 only at a time though. Whenever a machine is on, they will show up on my network locations, except for my Main PC.
Most of the Computers inside the home are Wired through the Lan, and the Computers in my Outside Bar and Garage are Wireless. All seem to work fine, just the Main PC will not show on the network.
I even got to the point Last week trying to fix this, that I wiped it completely, Reinstalled Windows 10 complete with a new name on the Network. Still, it doesn't show up. However, if I type the machines name into the address bar, there it is, I can access everything, it all works fine. It just will not show up on the Network Map.
I have tried all the obvious things.
Turn on Network Discovery...
Check if Required Services Are Running...
Flush DNS Cache and Network Reset ...
Reinstall Network Adapter ...
Enable SMB 1.0 Protocol ...
Is there something else I can check? As the Tree Said to the Lumberjack, I'm Stumped.

Try3 · 29 Feb 2024

You do not have a network problem. Your ability to see the other computers using 'if I type the machines name into the address bar, there it is, I can access everything, it all works fine' proves that.~~I suggest you check each setting on each computer using this.~~

No, you do not need this checklist after all since you have nothing to correct.
A consolidated network setup checklist for Windows 10 and 11 - my post #4 - TenForums

What you have is File explorer's chronic Network section bug.
It has existed for years.
You can fiddle around to your heart's content but the problem will come & go of its own accord.

Like many others, I have shortcuts for all my network locations & I never notice what File explorer's Network section is condescending to show me.
My linked checklist article explains how to create suitable shortcuts e.g.

One of mine is
\\Ton11\DataCentre
and another is
\\Ton11\DataCentre\VideoHub
where
Ton11 is the ComputerName
DataCentre is the ShareName I gave the folder I shared on Ton11
VideoHub is the name of a subfolder of DataCentre

All the best,
Denis

Samuria · 01 Mar 2024

Run this on all pc see if it sees it often it will kick it into life note the master browser NetBScanner - NetBIOS scanner
you should be able to connect via IP ie \\192.168.5.1\share

Hearsepilot · 01 Mar 2024

@OzDrDj

Have you tried configuring any of the machines services?

I always have PNRP, Peer Network Identity manager, Remote Access Connection Manager, SSDP Discovery, Network Connections and Wired Autoconfig all set to automatic and all my devices show. Don't ask for my thinking behind this it's what i've done for years and works for me.