Instructions to fix the error of not being able to access other computers in the LAN

LAN is a popular internal Internet network system today. However, in some cases, users still encounter the error of not seeing other computers in the LAN network on Windows 7 and Windows 10. Users want to find a way to fix the error of not seeing other computers in the LAN on Windows 7 and Windows 10, but not everyone can do it easily. 

Below, TipsMake will guide you to fix the error of not being able to access other computers in the LAN. Please follow this article.

Reasons for not being able to access other computers in the LAN

Do you understand what LAN is? LAN is essentially an internal internet system with high transmission speed, fast data transmission and no maintenance fee. For work, study or entertainment, using LAN is the optimal solution to share information and data with each other quickly and conveniently.

Instructions to fix the error of not being able to access other computers in the LAN Picture 1

At work or study, if you cannot access other computers in the LAN, then one thing is for sure, your work efficiency is not high, your study or entertainment is interrupted. So what is the cause of this access error? 

The main reason comes from your computer settings as Public Network (public connection). At that time, to avoid strangers accessing the computer, the computer protection system will turn off features such as file and printer sharing via LAN.

How to fix not being able to access other computers in the LAN in Win 7

Step 1: Click Start and select Control Panel.

Step 2: Click Network and Sharing Center in the Control Panel window. Next, click Network and Sharing Center.

Step 3: Currently, the Network and Sharing Center window appears on the computer, click on Change advanced sharing settings.

In case your network is in Home or Work mode, please follow the instructions below:

1: You select the network mode as Home or Work.

2: Click on Turn on network discovery to continue turning on the feature to find other computers on the same LAN.

3: Click Turn on file and printer sharing to share files and printers with other computers using the same LAN.

4: The final step is to click Save changes to save the settings.

Instructions to fix the error of not being able to access other computers in the LAN Picture 2

How to fix the error of not being able to access other computers in the LAN in Windows 10

1. Check LAN settings

Step 1: Click on the Network icon and select Network & Internet settings.

Step 2: Click Status – select connection properties.

Step 3: In the Network Profile section, switch to Private for your computer.

2. Enable Network discovery

Step 1: First, go to Network & Internet settings – select Status and click Sharing Options. 

Step 2: Next, click Private – click Turn on network discovery and Turn on file and printer sharing. Then, click Save changes to save.
 
Step 3: After setting up, open the Network section to check. If you see a complete list of computers, it is successful.

3. Turn off firewall 

Step 1: Select Control Panel - Then select Windows Firewall - Next select Turn Windows Firewall on or off.

Step 2: Next, select Turn off windows Firewall - Click OK to save.

Instructions to fix the error of not being able to access other computers in the LAN Picture 3

4. Check if the two computers are connected

Step 1: Press the Windows + R key combination to open the RUN dialog box. Next, type the command cmd and click OK in the dialog box that appears on the screen.

Step 2: In the cmd window, type the command ipconfig to check the IP address on your computer.

Step 3: To check the IP of the computer you need to connect to, you also do the same steps. Then remember the IP and return to the computer to type the ping command and the IP address of the computer you need to enter.

Step 4: If the computers are not connected to each other, you need to switch to the same WORKGROUP or same MSHOME.

Go to Computer - Then select Properties, click Change settings. When a new window appears, click Change - then check Workgroup. Then, enter WORKGROUP or MSHOME. The last step is to restart the computer and check if the machines are connected and you're done.

Above are the causes as well as instructions on how to fix the inability to access other computers in the LAN network in Win 7 and Win 10 simply and quickly. Don't miss the useful information shared by TipsMake. Wish you success. For any questions, please contact hotline: 19001903 for the best advice.

David Pac

Update 16 January 2025