Network Computers No Longer Present in File Explorer on Windows 10 1803
March 27, 2018
Summary:
How to enable network computer appearance and access in File Explorer on Windows 10 Version 1803
Comments:
- This blog article provides the work-around details(How To) to return the functionality of viewing networked devices/computers in Windows 10 Version 1803 File Explorer’s Navigation pane ‘Network’ folder option (Editor Note: Windows Insider Build 17133[released Mar 27, 2018] is listed as ‘Feature update for Windows 10, version 1803’, thus article also applicable to installed Insider Builds 17133 and later)
- Changes made by Microsoft may prevent an end-users ability to view shared devices(computers) in File Explorer’s Navigation Pane ‘Network’ folder option.
- The inability to view networked devices/computers in File Explorers Navigation Pane ‘Network’ option appears to be related to deprecation of the HomeGroup feature. While not all end-users have or had previously used the Homegroup preferring standard network sharing methods, the end result of HomeGroup removal and/or under-the-hood feature and/or security changes may still be one of the underlying causes.
How To:
The steps to re-enable the ability to view and access shared devices/computers are shown below and requires changing a Windows 10 1803 Services settings item called ‘Function Discovery Resource Publication’
- Access the Windows 10 Run dialog box via the Start Menu/Windows System/Run option or by pressing the Win + R keys on the keyboard. Note: One can skip Step 1 and 2 and proceed to Step 3 if accessing the Services settings via search(Cllick/Tap the Windows Start Menu icon and enter ‘Services’ then click or tap on Services(Dekstop app)
- If using the Run dialog box – enter services.msc in the Run dialog box then press Return to load the Services dialog box window
- Scroll down in the Services window and select and double click/tap on ‘Function Discovery Resource Publication’ item(aka FDResPub) to access the service’s properties
- Change the ‘Startup type’ field entry from ‘Manual’ to ‘Automatic’
- In the same properties dialog box ‘Service status’ section click on Start (to start the FDResPub service)
- Once the status indicator shows ‘Running’ Click ‘OK’ to close the Properties dialog box, then close the Services window.
Revisions:
Mar 2, 2018: Initial Draft – Titled and written initially for Windows Insider Build 17112
Mar 8, 2018: Note added in ‘How To’ section Step 1, re-saved as 2nd Draft version
Mar 27, 2018: Initial Publish Date; Added graphic in How To section
Mar 30, 2018: Retitled/Republished for Windows 10 Version 1803; Added Editor Note – Comments