Few Windows 11 bugs are as confusing—and frustrating—as the message “Network discovery is turned off.” Even worse, this warning often appears at the same time the Network and Sharing Center refuses to open, making troubleshooting feel impossible. When this happens, your PC usually loses access to shared folders, printers, and other devices on your local network.

The good news? You can fix this issue yourself.

This comprehensive guide walks you through every proven method to restore network discovery, repair the networking stack, bring back the Network and Sharing Center, and get Windows 11 sharing features working again. Whether your issue is caused by corrupted system files, a broken shortcut, disabled services, outdated drivers, or incorrect adapter settings—this guide covers it all.

Let’s bring your network back to life.

1. Repair Windows 11 System Files & Reset the Networking Stack

When networking tools refuse to open or freeze, the most common causes are corrupted system files or a damaged TCP/IP configuration. Start with these repairs before changing any settings.

Step 1: Open an Elevated Command Prompt

1. Press Windows + X
2. Select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin)
3. Approve the UAC prompt

This ensures system-level commands can run without restrictions.

Step 2: Run System File Checker (SFC)

Type the command below and press Enter:

sfc /scannow

This scans Windows core files and automatically replaces anything corrupt.
If repairs are made, restart your computer before continuing.

Step 3: Reset Winsock

After the restart, reopen an elevated Command Prompt and run:

netsh winsock reset

Winsock controls how Windows communicates with network applications. Resetting it clears corrupt entries that commonly break network discovery and other networking tools.

Step 4: Reset the TCP/IP Stack

Run the following commands one at a time:

netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns

This:

• Reinstalls the IP stack
• Requests a fresh IP address
• Clears outdated DNS caches

A fresh network configuration often resolves hidden issues that prevent the Network and Sharing Center from loading.

Step 5: Restart Windows Again

Reboot your PC and test whether the Network and Sharing Center now opens normally. Also check whether network discovery warnings have disappeared.

2. Open the Network and Sharing Center Using Alternate Methods

Sometimes only the shortcut is broken—even when the tool itself is functional. Try launching it from different entry points.

Method 1: Open from Control Panel

1. Press Windows + R, type: control Press Enter
2. Navigate to Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center

If this works, your previous shortcut is damaged. Recreate it.

Method 2: Launch Directly with a Command

Press Windows + R and enter:

control.exe /name Microsoft.NetworkAndSharingCenter

This opens the module directly and bypasses broken shortcuts.

Method 3: Use Windows Settings

1. Press Windows + I
2. Go to Network & internet
3. Scroll to Advanced network settings
4. Look for the link to the classic Network and Sharing Center

If it opens from here, the core tool is working.

3. Start and Configure Required Networking Services

Network discovery and the Sharing Center rely on several background Windows services. If these services stop or fail to start, the panel may freeze or refuse to open.

Step 1: Open Services

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type: services.msc
3. Press Enter

Step 2: Enable Key Network Discovery Services

Find and configure the following:

Function Discovery Provider Host

• Startup type: Automatic
• Click Start if stopped

Function Discovery Resource Publication

• Startup type: Automatic
• Ensures your PC is visible on the network

SSDP Discovery

• Startup type: Automatic
• Supports UPnP device detection

UPnP Device Host

• Startup type: Automatic

DNS Client (Dnscache)

• Status should be Running
• Startup type must not be Disabled

Step 3: Restart Your PC

Reboot and test network discovery and the Network and Sharing Center again.

4. Turn On Network Discovery & File Sharing in Windows 11

If the Sharing Center opens but network discovery remains off, file sharing and device visibility will still fail.

Step 1: Open Advanced Sharing Settings

Press Windows + S and search:

Manage advanced sharing settings

Step 2: Enable Discovery & Sharing (Private Profile)

Expand Private and enable:

• Network discovery
• Automatic setup of network connected devices
• File and printer sharing

Use these settings only on trusted home or office networks.

Step 3: Choose Password Protection

Under All Networks:

• Turn off password protected sharing for open access
• Leave it on for security requiring user authentication

Step 4: Save & Verify

Click Save changes, then open File Explorer → Network to confirm your PC and other devices now appear.

5. Check Adapter Properties & Disable IPv6 (Optional)

Misconfigured adapter settings can break network discovery or cause the Network and Sharing Center to hang.

Step 1: Open Adapter Settings

Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center
Click Change adapter settings on the left.

Step 2: Enable File and Printer Sharing

1. Right-click your active adapter
2. Select Properties
3. Check File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks

Step 3: Optionally Disable IPv6

Uncheck Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6).

Some older routers and small networks work more reliably with IPv4 only.

Restart and test again.

6. Update or Reinstall Network Drivers

Outdated or corrupted network drivers can break discovery tools and cause the Network and Sharing Center to stop responding.

Step 1: Open Device Manager

Press Windows + X → Device Manager

Step 2: Update Your Network Adapter

1. Expand Network adapters
2. Right-click your primary Wi-Fi or Ethernet device
3. Select Update driver → Search automatically for drivers

Restart if an update is installed.

Step 3: Reinstall the Adapter

If issues persist:

1. Right-click the adapter
2. Select Uninstall device
3. Restart your PC

Windows reinstalls the driver automatically.

7. Perform a Full Network Reset (Last Resort)

If nothing else works, reset all networking components at once.

Step 1: Start the Network Reset

1. Press Windows + I
2. Go to Network & internet → Advanced network settings
3. Select Network reset

Confirm and let Windows reboot.

Step 2: Reconnect to Your Network

After restart:

• Reinstall adapters
• Reconnect to Wi-Fi
• Re-enter passwords

The Network and Sharing Center should now open normally, with network discovery fully restored.

Conclusion

“Network discovery is turned off” errors and a non-responsive Network and Sharing Center can disrupt everything from shared folders to printers and media devices. But with the right troubleshooting steps—ranging from SFC scans to service management and full network resets—you can quickly restore Windows 11’s sharing features and device visibility.

By repairing corrupted system files, enabling essential services, correcting adapter settings, updating drivers, and resetting the network stack when necessary, you ensure your PC continues to communicate smoothly with the rest of your network.

Keep your drivers updated, avoid unnecessary registry tweaks, and your Windows 11 networking should remain fast, stable, and discovery-friendly.