When you're on the private network, you can access or share files and folders between your computer along with other devices. Windows performs this by automatically discovering any new devices around the local network. However, Windows disables the network discovery feature by default for security reasons. So, if you are searching to access shared files to talk about files over the network, you need to show on network discovery.

Without activating the network discovery, you cannot begin to see the shared folders on your computer. Follow the below steps to setup network discovery on Windows 10.

Switch on Network Discovery

In Windows 10, you should use laptop computer Settings app to allow network discovery. Remember that the below options are only available for Windows 10 v1709 (fall creators update) and above. If you work with Windows 10 version that is less then v1709 then update your system to a newer version or follow the second alternative method.

1. Open PC Settings app by trying to find "Settings" within the start menu. You may also press the Win + I keyboard shortcut.

2. In the Settings app, go to "Network & Internet -> Status" page and then click the "Change connection properties" link under the Network Status section.

3. In the subsequent page, select "Private" radio option under Network Profile section.

4. Now, return to the Status page and you should see Private Network underneath the Network Status.

When you set a network to private status through the PC Settings app, the network discovery feature is turned on automatically. In the future, you can access all of the local shares. Other local PC's may also call at your shared folder and access them according to the share permissions.

(Alternative Method) Control Panel Options to Enable Network Discovery

If you work with Windows 7, Windows 8, or older version of Windows 10, you should use the user interface options. We're doing exactly the same thing, it just the user interface is a bit different.

1. Open "Control Panel" by searching for it in the start menu.

2. Within the User interface, set View By to "Category". Next, click the "Network and Internet".

3. Now, click the "Network and Sharing Center" link.

4. This site can have all of your connections. Ensure your connected network is placed to "Private Network". When the network is set to "Public Network" then change the network from Public to Private.

Important: If you don't know what you do, never turn on sharing on public networks.

5. Once you have confirmed you are well on a private network, click on the "Change advanced sharing settings" link around the left panel.

6. Here, expand the Private menu. Next, select the "Turn on network discovery" radio option after which choose the "Turn on automatic setup of network-connected device" checkbox.

7. Click the "Save Changes" button in order to save and use the changes.

That's it. Visit the network folder in File Explorer and you'll see any and all shared folders. Likewise, other PC's and devices in your network can see your shared folders.