Windows Network Suddenly Stops Working – Troubleshoot File/Printer Access (Easy Guide)

Windows Network Access Stops:

Troubleshoot for File/Printer Sharing

*Easy Guide for Windows 10/11

If your computer could access shared folders or printers yesterday—but suddenly can’t today—don’t worry! These steps will help you check and fix the most common things that might have gone wrong.

*For a more advanced troubleshooting tutorial, please visit/use our "Advanced Guide"

✅ 1. Make Sure "Network Discovery" Is Turned On

Why it matters: Your computer needs this turned on to find other devices like shared folders or printers.

How to check:

1. Click the Start button and type Control Panel.

2. Click Network and Sharing Center.

3. On the left, click Change advanced sharing settings.

4. Make sure these two are turned on:

   • ✔️ Turn on network discovery

   • ✔️ Turn on file and printer sharing

5. Click Save changes if anything was different.

Do this on your computer and any other computer you're trying to connect to.

✅ 2. Make Sure You’re on a “Private” Network

Why it matters: Windows treats private networks as safe. If it thinks you're on a public network (like at a coffee shop), it will block access to other devices.

How to check:

1. Click the Start button > click the Settings gear.

2. Go to Network & Internet.

3. Click Status, then click Change connection properties.

4. Set the network to Private.

✅ 3. Restart a Few Key Services

Why it matters: These background services help your computer see others on the network.

How to check:

1. Press the Windows key + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.

2. Scroll down and find these:

   • Function Discovery Resource Publication

   • DNS Client

   • SSDP Discovery

   • UPnP Device Host

3. For each one:

   • Right-click it

   • Click Properties

   • Set "Startup type" to Automatic

   • Click Start if the service isn’t running

   • Click OK

✅ 4. Check Your Firewall

Why it matters: Your firewall can block file and printer sharing.

How to check:

1. Open the Control Panel

2. Go to System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall

3. On the left, click Allow an app through Windows Defender Firewall

4. Make sure these are checked for the Private network:

   • Network Discovery

   • File and Printer Sharing

✅ 5. Check File Sharing Support (SMB)

Why it matters: Some older devices use a feature called SMB to share files. It may need to be turned on.

How to check:

1. Press Windows key + R, type optionalfeatures.exe, press Enter

2. Look for SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support

3. If it’s not checked, check it

4. Click OK and restart your computer

⚠️ Only use this if you know you're trying to connect to an older device like a network drive or old printer.

✅ 6. Check IP and Connection Info

Why it matters: Your computer may not be connected to the network correctly.

How to check:

1. Click the Start button and type cmd, then press Enter

2. In the black window, type:

   ipconfig
   

3. Look for:

   • IPv4 Address: Should look like 192.168.x.x or 10.x.x.x

   • Default Gateway: Should not be blank

If it looks weird (like 169.x.x.x), restart your Wi-Fi router or contact your IT support.

✅ 7. Try Removing Saved Network Passwords

Why it matters: Your computer may be using the wrong saved password when trying to access another computer or printer.

How to fix it:

1. Open the Control Panel

2. Go to User Accounts > Credential Manager

3. Click on Windows Credentials

4. Remove any saved credentials related to the network computer or printer

5. Try accessing the device again—you may be asked for a username and password

✅ 8. Restart Everything (Yes, Really)

If nothing else worked:

• Restart your computer

• Restart the computer or device you're trying to connect to (like a shared printer or server)

• Restart your Wi-Fi router

Sometimes things just need a fresh start!

✅ 9. Do a Full Network Reset (Last Resort)

Warning: This will reset all network settings. Only do this if everything else failed.

Steps:

1. Click Start > Settings

2. Go to Network & Internet

3. Scroll down and click Network Reset

4. Click Reset now and then restart your computer

Still Not Working?

If you're still having issues with network sharing or printer access, it might require direct diagnostics.

📞 Pacific Northwest Computers offers remote and onsite support across:
Vancouver WA, Battle Ground WA, Camas WA, Washougal WA, Longview WA, Kelso WA, and Portland OR

We can help you get your network working again!!

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