Windows 11 networking not reliable

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PhilANZ

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#306329 13-Jul-2023 14:58

That shouldn't be a surprise, but it's annoying. Our network is very simple - two laptops - could not be more simple. But most times there's a major update, we end up with one being being unable to see the other.

Eventually we manage to work through the various suggestions and get it working again.

I have disliked Windows since v2 (v7 was OK), but it occurred to me that someone more knowledgeable than me (everyone here) might get a clue from something I just clicked as possible giving s clue. Even though one machine can't see the other, TreeComp still works.

We've been using Treecomp for a long time and have stayed with it through various versions of Windows. Whatever Windows changes, it keeps on trucking along. Somehow I can still see the other machine through that - just not through any Windows tools.

Does that suggest anything specific in our Windows settings that might need tweaking?

Thanks

SpartanVXL

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#3103682 13-Jul-2023 15:46

You will have to be a bit more specific with the word ‘see’. Windows file sharing uses SMB, by default just punching in the \\ipaddress into explorer will bring it up if it’s accessible.

If it’s network discovery then bar a bug in it showing up just having it on with password protected sharing off should show up other machines on your network.

PhilANZ

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#3103736 13-Jul-2023 16:16

Thanks - but suddenly it's working (almost) again.

xpd

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#3104003 14-Jul-2023 13:36

Also a lot of updates re-enable some security features such as Firewall.

XPD / Gavin

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altered-ego
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#3104174 14-Jul-2023 20:49

Like Android, Windows has many ways to achieve the same thing & there are many related that could impact each other.

Make sure your home network is set to "private" & not public.
Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi | Ethernet > select connection currently connected to home network > toggle public/private
Open File Explorer & select "Network Neighbourhood" Do you get a yellow bar to enable file sharing?
Disable the firewall & see if the machines can "see" each other again? Remember to enable again after testing.
Disable all AV & see if the machines can "see" each other again? Remember to enable again after testing.
If both devices are using Wi-Fi, have you got Wi-Fi isolation mode enabled on your router?
Are both devices using the same DNS server?
Can you ping the other hostname / IP address
Does the router show both devices connected to the home network?
Does the problem remain with both devices connected via LAN cable?

By default, if both devices are on the same LAN segment & are on a "private" network, they can see each other, no fancy clicking required.

Please keep this GZ community vibrant by contributing in a constructive & respectful manner.

gzt

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#3104178 14-Jul-2023 21:09

Major updates sometimes disrupt networking for a period during installation. There were an unusual number of updates Wednesday morning NZ.

old3eyes

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#3104505 15-Jul-2023 20:36

There was an 22h2 update this week that screwed with some people's internet working. By removing it things went back to normal.

Regards,

Old3eyes