How to Fix the Network and Sharing Center Not Opening Error

Learn how to fix the network and sharing center not opening error with clear steps, practical tips, and troubleshooting guidance for a reliable result.

Use commands to repair corrupted files on your computer

Step 1

Open the Command Prompt window with administrator privileges. Then enter the command sfc /scannow to perform a system scan.

This command checks core Windows files and replaces any corrupted files. If the system reports that the files have been repaired, restart your computer.

Step 2

Reopen the Command Prompt window with administrator privileges and enter the command netsh winsock reset.

This command resets Winsock to remove faulty entries that may be causing network tools and application discovery processes to malfunction.

Step 3

In the same window, enter each of the following commands and press Enter after entering each command.

netsh int ip reset

ipconfig /release

ipconfig /renew

ipconfig /flushdns

These commands remove faulty network information that may be preventing the opening of network components. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Open Network and Sharing Center using Control Panel

We open the Control Panel, then under View by: to, select Category .

Now you just need to click on Network and Sharing Center to access it.

Alternatively, you can open the Run dialog box and enter the command control.exe /name Microsoft.NetworkAndSharingCenter to open the Network and Sharing Center.

Restart network services on Windows

Step 1

Open the Run dialog box and type services.msc into the interface to access it. Next, in this interface, double-click on the Function Discovery Provider Host .

Step 2

Set Startup type to Automatic , then click Start if the service stops. This service helps find other devices on the network.

Step 3

Double -click on Function Discovery Resource Publication , set Startup type to Automatic , and start the service.

Step 4

Double-click on SSDP Discovery , then select Automatic and restart the service.

Step 5

Open UPnP Device Host , set Startup type to Automatic , and start the service.

Step 6

Continue searching for the DNS Client and check if it's in Running mode. Finally, restart your computer.

Enable Network Discovery and File Sharing

Step 1

To access it, type "Manage advanced sharing settings" into the search bar . Then, expand the "Private" section , enable "Network discovery ," turn on "Automatic setup of network connected devices ," and enable " File and printer sharing ."

Step 2

Expand All networks , then if you want anyone on the local network to be able to open the shared folder without entering the username and password, turn off Password protected sharing .

Update or reinstall your network driver

Step 1

Press Windows + X and then select Device Manager from the list.

Step 2

Expand Network adapters , then right-click on Wi-Fi or Ethernet and select Update driver . Choose Search automatically for drivers and follow the instructions.

If the update fails, tap the adapter again and select Uninstall device.