Network discovery is a feature in Windows 10 that allows a computer to identify and connect to other devices on the same network. With network discovery enabled, you can share files, printers, and other resources with other users on your network.

However, there may be times when you want to turn off network discovery. For example, if you’re using a public Wi-Fi network, you may want to disable network discovery to prevent other users on the same network from accessing your files and folders.

What Is Network Discovery?

Network discovery is a feature that allows Windows 10 to identify other devices on the same network. When network discovery is enabled, your computer can see other devices on the network and vice versa. This allows you to share files, printers, and other resources with other users on your network.

Network discovery works by using a protocol called the Link-Layer Topology Discovery (LLTD) protocol. This protocol is used to discover other devices on the same network and exchange information about the devices’ capabilities.

How to Turn Network Discovery On or Off on Windows 10

To turn on or off network discovery on Windows 10, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Open the Start menu and type “Control Panel” in the search box. Click on the Control Panel app to open it.

Step 2: In the Control Panel, click on “Network and Sharing Center.”

Step 3: On the left side of the Network and Sharing Center, click on “Change advanced sharing settings.”

Step 4: In the Advanced sharing settings window, scroll down to the “Network discovery” section.

Step 5: To turn on network discovery, select the “Turn on network discovery” option.

Step 6: To turn off network discovery, select the “Turn off network discovery” option.

Step 7: Click on the “Save changes” button to save your settings.

Note that if you turn off network discovery, your computer will not be able to identify other devices on the same network, and you will not be able to share files or other resources with other users on the network.