Why is my NAS not showing up in File Explorer network?
The Windows network browse list relied on SMB1, which is removed by default, so NAS units often no longer appear there. That's expected, not a fault. Access the NAS directly by typing \\NAS-name in File Explorer or mapping it as a drive, and enable network discovery via the Function Discovery services rather than reinstalling SMB1.
Last verified July 22, 2026 · 2 official sources checked Updated
A NAS missing from the File Explorer Network list is usually working fine — the browse list itself is what changed. Don't reinstall SMB1 to bring it back.
Why it disappeared
The old Network Neighborhood browse list was powered by the Computer Browser service, which depends on SMB1. Since Windows removed SMB1 by default, that service is gone, so devices no longer populate the list the legacy way. Microsoft's own guidance is to map drives instead of browsing, and not to reinstall SMB1.
Access the NAS directly
- In File Explorer's address bar, type
\\DiskStation(the NAS name) and press Enter. - Or map it as a network drive so it always appears under This PC.
Restore modern discovery (optional)
To make devices appear again using the modern WS-Discovery method, Microsoft recommends starting the Function Discovery Provider Host and Function Discovery Resource Publication services (set to Automatic, Delayed Start), and enabling network discovery when prompted. That's the safe replacement for the SMB1 browse list.
What not to do
Don't reinstall SMB1 just to see the NAS in the browse list — it reopens serious security exposure. Direct access by name or a mapped drive is the correct approach.
Fix the connection, then protect the data
Once you can reach the NAS again, make sure the storage underneath it is sound — the right drives, healthy and backed up.
Related questions
- Why does my NAS say "network path was not found"?
- Is it safe to enable SMB1 for an old NAS?
- How do I map a Synology shared folder as a network drive in Windows?
- What should I do when my Synology volume has crashed?
- What drive should I buy to replace a failed drive in SHR?
- Why can't Windows 11 see my Synology NAS?
Sources
Every technical claim on this page is checked against manufacturer and standards documentation. Dates are when each source was last reviewed.
- Microsoft Learn — SMBv1 not installed by default (updated 2025-06-18) — checked 2026-07-22
- Microsoft Learn — Detect, enable and disable SMBv1/v2/v3 — checked 2026-07-22