The computer does not see computers on the network. Computer does not see WiFi network

Sometimes there are situations when it seems that the network is configured, and the terminal is connected to a wired or wireless network, and the parameters are set correctly, but still the local computer does not see the computers on the network or even the currently active networks. The reasons for this can be quite a lot, as well as ways to eliminate such problems. Consider the most common.

Why can not the computer see the network?

To begin with, when installing a connection using a wired connection, you should first check whether the cable is firmly inserted in the network card of the local terminal or in the distributing computer unit (laptop or router) in the case of wireless networks based on Wi-Fi.

These are problems of a physical nature, on which one should not focus attention. Let's consider cases when the computer does not see a network of any type and, accordingly, the terminals connected to them, connected with some parameters and settings of such connections.

Just want to pay attention to the fact that computers connected to a network of any type and are currently in a mode of reduced power consumption (hibernation or sleep), the local terminal also does not perceive, considering them disabled.

Problems with wireless networks

Let's start with wireless networks. If the local computer does not see a WiFi network active at the moment, there are several reasons for this situation, of which the following are the most common:

• Improper configuration of access to networks on a single computer;
• Incorrect router settings;
• Disabled or faulty Wi-Fi module (or network adapter);
• Missing or incorrectly installed network device driver;
• Blocking the connection by an antivirus, built-in Windows Firewall or a third-party firewall.

Most of the points apply not only when the computer does not see the WiFi network. This applies equally to wired connections (except for router settings).

To fix the problem, you must first turn on the Wi-Fi-module (on laptops for this, there are combinations of function keys with the Fn button). On routers you need to enter the advanced settings and check if the wireless connection is turned on. If this does not work, you may need to change the channel (the easiest way to do this is with the help of the automated utility Insider for Home.

Sometimes disabling encryption (authentication section) can help. To correct the situation, set the value of Open System. Finally, the problem can be the length of the key (the "WPA Preliminary Key" section). If its length exceeds 20 characters, the router with such a key can not work.

As for IP addresses and other settings, the properties of the default TCP / IP protocol must be set to automatically receive them. In the "Task Manager" you can try to reinstall the network adapter drivers and the corresponding controllers. You can also use special driver update programs, for example Driver Booster.

The computer does not see computers on the network: setting up group names

However, even if you set the correct settings, the situation may not change. Let's take an example when a computer does not see a local network. Most specialists associate this problem with incorrect group name assignments, because Windows (most often XP) does not provide a list of available local groups when creating a new connection, and by default establishes its own new group (WORKGROUP).

The method for eliminating the error consists in renaming the group and the name of the local computer in it. To do this, enter the terminal name section in the Control Panel or in the computer properties menu, click the "Edit" button and specify exactly the same name for the group and local computer as on the target terminal.

Using Static IP Addresses

Another problem that a local computer does not see computers on the network can be that it does not automatically receive IP address settings and server settings on a single terminal.

To change them, you need to enter the active network connection menu and select the TCP / IP properties setting (v4 or v6). Here for each terminal, you need to register IP addresses, subnet mask values , gateways, preferences of the preferred and alternative DNS servers, and uncheck the proxy line for local addresses.

After that, by clicking the "Advanced" button we move on to the new parameters window and in the WINS tab at the bottom we activate the line for enabling NetBIOS via TCP / IP.

Configuring System Services

Another way to verify the connection is to use the administration section where the "Services" item is selected. The easiest way to get access to it is through the console "Run" (Win + R), where you enter the services.msc command.

Here we use the line of services and applications, where in the additional services section on the right we find the line of the computer browser. Make sure that the startup type is set to automatic. If you specify another parameter, change it to activate the component.

Solving problems with the firewall

Finally, the problem that a local computer does not see computers on any type of network can be associated with a lock that is independently installed by antivirus software that deems the connection unreliable or a firewall. With antiviruses, this situation is very rare, but you can try to disable the firewall.

To deactivate the standard Windows firewall, use the Security Center section in the Control Panel, where the firewall is turned off. If a third-party software is installed on the system, it is also recommended to deactivate it.

If you do not plan to disable the firewall, you can try to create a new rule for TCP / IP and add the appropriate connection or port to the exception list.

A few words at a time

That's all, as for eliminating the main errors associated with network connections, and ways to eliminate them. Here, the problems of viral exposure and various malfunctions of individual "iron" components or the lack of general access to individual terminals were not considered. But in terms of correct installation of the basic settings, these methods help in almost all cases.