Why can I see only one PC in the network on both PCs but the other PC doesn't show up at all on either?

Seth Santiago 0 Reputation points
2024-03-12T22:59:58.1766667+00:00

After confirming both of my PCs have all the "File and Printer Sharing" "on," PC1 is able to see and access PC2, but not see itself, PC1. PC2 can see itself and not see PC1.

So Both PCs see PC2, but NIETHER PC see PC1.

Windows
Windows
A family of Microsoft operating systems that run across personal computers, tablets, laptops, phones, internet of things devices, self-contained mixed reality headsets, large collaboration screens, and other devices.
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Windows Network
Windows Network
Windows: A family of Microsoft operating systems that run across personal computers, tablets, laptops, phones, internet of things devices, self-contained mixed reality headsets, large collaboration screens, and other devices.Network: A group of devices that communicate either wirelessly or via a physical connection.
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  1. Karlie Weng 18,276 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2024-03-13T06:27:31.6+00:00

    Hello,

    When you say "File and Printer Sharing" is on, have you also enabled network discovery and file sharing for the private network on PC1? This can be done in:

    Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Advanced sharing settings. Ensure that:

    • Network discovery is turned ON.
    • File and printer sharing is turned ON for both public and private networks (or at least for the network profile you're using).

    Can you ping PC1 from PC2 and vice versa? Open Command Prompt on each PC and try pinging the other by its IP address or hostname to see if they can communicate at a basic network level.

    Is PC1 showing under the "Network" section in File Explorer (This PC > Network), or are you checking through other means like typing the network path directly?

    Are there any firewalls enabled on either PC that could be blocking incoming connections for network discovery or file sharing services? Check Windows Defender Firewall settings to ensure that rules for File and Printer Sharing are allowed for all network profiles.

    If the Answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it.

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