Interconnectivity of PCs on the same network is important to ensure a seamless data stream among them. The local networks are common in offices and home setups that allow you to create a net of multiple computers syncing on a single network that can work together. When you cannot ping computers on the same network, it is a nightmare for you as it means you have lost connection. Not only can you not share data with the other computers, but you are no longer a part of the network.
The entire setup may get disrupted if you cannot ping the computers on the same network. Hence, we advise you to be more concerned about the error if you face it and get rid of it immediately. But how? Well, that is what we are going to discuss in this post.
Shall we begin?
Why Is a PC Unable to Ping Computers on the Same Network
While sharing your files with other devices on the same network, you may encounter multiple network errors. These errors include –
- Ping request timed out.
- Can’t see my computer and cannot ping a computer on network Windows.
- Cannot ping the local IP address
These are user error messages they have reported on multiple occasions, and all refer to a similar situation, i.e., they cannot ping a computer on the same network on Windows. Now, why does it happen? Several reasons cause the issue. Primary errors are interference due to third-party software like antivirus programs and VPNs.
Configuration of the server is another major factor that may require attention. Irrespective of the direct reason that has caused the cannot ping server issue on your PC, you can get rid of the error using the fixes listed below. Keep reading to find out how you use them!
Ways to Fix the Unable to Ping Computers on the Same Network Situation
The error is usually common on Windows 10; however, it has also been reported by Windows 11 users. The fixes below apply to both operating systems, so try them out.
Fix 1 – Try Disabling Your Third-Party Antivirus
If you use a security program other than Windows Defender, you may face a PC unable to ping error on your PC. The security software may not know all the allowed files and functionalities. As a result, it will block any data import or export, making it impossible for your PC to finish the transfer or establish the connection.
Fortunately, the antivirus software usually has a feature that allows you to deactivate it for a while. If sending the file is crucial, you can deactivate the firewalls and establish the connection.
Usually, all you have to do is –
Step 1 – Go to the icons tray on your taskbar to find the running antivirus program.
Step 2 – Right-click on the icon to find quick access features.
Step 3 – Click on Turn Off Real-Time Protection or, in different cases, the firewall.
Step 4 – Click on yes if the tool asks if you want to disable protection.
Step 5 – Try to ping a computer over the network.
If it works, send the file you want and restart your PC. In case you feel that this is a necessary feature that you want, you should uninstall the antivirus as you may not be able to use the feature.
Fix 2 – Change Your VPN
Using a VPN server often causes an error while trying to ping computers on the same network. That is because, with VPNs, you are anonymous on the network. The server cannot identify you as a part of the network, so you may not be able to connect with others.
The best way to deal with this is to try pinging other devices when you are not connected to a VPN server. If you are concerned about your privacy, you can use a VPN. However, the only condition here is that you use a decent one.
Free VPNs often become the main culprits and make your PC unable to ping other computers on the same network. That is why we recommend you either get rid of the free VPN you have been using or switch to Systweak VPN, which has quality servers and military-grade encryption.
In case it is just a matter of one time and you do not want to get rid of the VPN, you should toggle it off and disconnect it. The only thing with that approach is that you are no longer protected online. If you want an uninterrupted experience with a VPN, we suggest you use the Systweak VPN.
Read Also: Systweak VPN Review: Unlocking Safe and Secure Internet Browsing
Fix 3 – Restart Function Discovery Services
The services that allow your PC to discover and interact with new hardware and software over a network may be why you cannot ping computers on the same network. If there is a glitch with the Function Discovery Provider or Function Discovery host service, you may be unable to use the network sharing to interact with other computers. Hence. The best way to handle the situation is by restarting these services.
Here’s what you need to do –
Step 1 – Press Win+R to open the Run search.
Step 2 – Use the command Services.msc and hit enter.
Step 3 – In the list of services, spot the Function Discovery services.
Step 4 – Open the service using the double click and click on the Stop button.
Step 5 – Now press the Start button again to restart the service.
Perform steps 4 and 5 for the Function Discovery Provider and Host services, and your issues related to ping request timeout should be easily resolved.
Other than these 3 fixes, there are a few minor things that you must ensure –
- Ensure that the network is properly configured and there are no loose ends.
- Check the LAN you are using and ensure that it is intact.
- Always check the configuration to find that the computer is added to the server
- Make the PC a member of the same domain as other computers in the configuration
- Try resetting your network (simply disconnect and reconnect) to check if it is just a temporary connection glitch.
After all these things, you should now be able to connect with other computers on the same network. If you still cannot ping computers on the same network, you should try, and as the network administrator takes over it may be an issue with the way the network has been created.
Hope these functionalities help. That will be all for this one. Thanks for reading, good luck!
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