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Knowledge document #549

Shared files and printers on a computer are not visible in home network

On a computer connected to the FRITZ!Box, shared files and printers on other computers in the home network are not displayed (for example in the Windows HomeGroup).

Simply proceed as described below. After each measure, check whether the problem is solved.

Note:All instructions on configuration and settings given in this guide refer to the latest FRITZ!OS for the FRITZ!Box.

1 Configuring the FRITZ!Box

Enabling the FRITZ!Box's DHCP server

In the factory settings, the FRITZ!Box automatically assigns the correct IP settings to all devices via DHCP. If you disabled the FRITZ!Box's DHCP server, re-enable it:

  1. Click "Home Network" in the FRITZ!Box user interface.
  2. Click "Home Network Overview" in the "Home Network" menu.
  3. Click on the "Network Settings" tab.
  4. Click the "IPv4 Addresses" button. If the button is not displayed, enable the Advanced View first.
  5. Enable the DHCP server and define the range from which the FRITZ!Box assigns IP addresses.

    Note:The FRITZ!Box has the IP address 192.168.178.1 (subnet mask 255.255.255.0) and assigns IP addresses from xxx.20 to xxx.200 in the factory settings.

  6. Click "OK" to save the settings.

Allowing wireless devices to communicate

  1. Click "Wi-Fi" ("Wireless") in the FRITZ!Box user interface.
  2. Click "Security" in the "Wi-Fi" ("Wireless") menu.
  3. Enable the option "The active wireless devices displayed below may communicate with each other" in the section "Additional Security Settings".
  4. Click "Apply" to save the settings.

2 Restarting the computer

  1. Restart all of the computers connected to the FRITZ!Box.

3 Connecting the computer without using guest access

The home network and shared files and printers on other computers cannot be accessed via LAN or Wi-Fi guest access. Therefore, make sure that the computer is not connected with the FRITZ!Box via guest access:

  1. Either: Connect the computer to the "LAN 1", "LAN 2" or "LAN 3" port.

4 Configuring the Windows network type

Windows distinguishes between different network types and changes its firewall settings depending on whether a network is configured as a private network (home network), work network, or public network. For security reasons, it is not possible to access shared files and printers in public networks.

Therefore, make sure that your computer is configured to connect to a private network:

  1. Click (Start) and then (Settings) in the Windows task bar.
  2. Click "Network & Internet" in the "Settings" menu.
  3. If you are using Windows 11, click "Properties" next to the entry for the network connection of the computer.
  4. If you are using Windows 10:
    1. Depending on how the computer is connected, select either "Wi-Fi" or "Ethernet".
    2. Click on the entry for the network connection to the FRITZ!Box.
  5. Enable the option "Private" in the section "Network profile type".

Now you can access shared files and printers on other computers.

Important:If a computer and its shared files and printers is still not visible, this is due to a firewall or the configuration of the operating system. Refer to Microsoft or the manufacturer of the firewall for information on how to set it up. You can find instructions on creating a homegroup on Microsoft's website, for example see HomeGroup from start to finish.

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