Inconsistent results from Windows Networking

Snookred 36 Reputation points
2026-11-07T20:00:01.8366667+00:00

I operate several different Windows computers and rely heavily on Windows Networking. In order to describe this problem I have 4 computers running on my own private network. Three of the four are connected to the network via Ethernet RJ45 Adapters. One is connected via WiFi. There is also a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device connected to the network.

The device names are as follows:

  • Uranus Windows 11 Laptop
  • Neptune Windows 10 Desktop
  • Mars Windows 10 Desktop
  • Venus Windows 7 Laptop
  • MyCloud NAS

Using File Explorer the only computer that displays the expected view is Neptune. My intention is that all the computers are setup the same way. As far as I can tell that is true but given that this problem exists I must consider the possibility that some mistake/s exist. I made 3 screenshots that demonstrate the problem. A screenshot from Neptune follows:

NeptuneView

Compare this to Mars which follows:MarsView

Compare them to Uranus which follows:

UranusView

It does appear as though Mars & Uranus have the same deficiency but the one other computer that they detect are different.

It is also a little curious the the NAS named MyCloud only appears on Neptune when selecting Network is the File Explorer. However, the Y: drive that is assigned to it functions correctly on all the computers.

Hopefully, this is a somewhat simple problem known to those with the right kind of expertise. I've now spent an awful lot of time trying to find an answer.

Windows for business | Windows Client for IT Pros | Networking | Network connectivity and file sharing

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