Are you unable to find your WD My Cloud on your Windows 11 network? Relax! This is the sort of issue that has irked a good number of PC folks recently. So, you shouldn’t look down at yourself and curse for running into it. As always, I have gone into the details to jot down the 12 best tips and tricks to resolve the WD My Cloud issues on Windows PC.
How to Fix WD My Cloud Not Showing on Network on Windows 11
So, what causes the WD My Cloud to disappear? Well, its sudden disappearance occurs due to a number of factors such as –
- Network discovery disabled
- Misconfigured IP settings
- Outdated network drivers
- Incorrect SMB settings
- Device firmware issues
- Improper file-sharing setup
- Firewall blocking access
- Wi-Fi and LAN mismatch
- Antivirus interference
- Router configuration issues
Talking about the solutions to resolve this issue, tips like fixing the outdated network drivers, removing the firewall restriction, and taking control of the misconfigured settings often work. Besides, there are other viable solutions that have a reliable track record of fixing it.
1. Ensure Network Discovery is Enabled
If Network Discovery is disabled on your PC, Windows will not be able to detect devices like WD My Cloud on your local network.
For those unaware, Network Discovery allows your PC to recognize and communicate with other devices, making this setting essential for accessing network drives and shared files. If it’s disabled, WD My Cloud may remain invisible.
- Open the Settings app on your PC > Network & internet.
- Now, choose Advanced network settings > Advanced sharing settings.
- Under the Private network section, enable Network discovery and File and printer sharing by toggling them on.
- Then, save the settings and restart your computer to apply the changes. After restarting, check if WD My Cloud is now visible on the network.
2. Check the SMB Protocol Setting
It’s worth pointing out that WD My Cloud is heavily dependent on the SMB (Server Message Block) protocol to allow file sharing and device discovery. In some cases, this protocol may be disabled on your Windows PC, preventing network drives like WD My Cloud from being detected. Enabling SMB can restore proper connectivity.
- To get it done, press Win + R, type optional features, and press Enter to open Windows Features. Scroll down and check the box next to SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support.
- Click OK and allow Windows to install the feature.
- Then, make sure to restart your computer and check if WD My Cloud appears on the network after enabling SMB.
3. Disable IPv6
Bear in mind that IPv6 is a newer internet protocol that may cause compatibility issues with older network devices like WD My Cloud, which often rely on IPv4. Hence, disabling IPv6 can sometimes resolve network conflicts and improve device discovery.
- Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.
- Right-click your active network, select Properties, and uncheck Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6).
- Now, click OK.
- Next up, you have to restart your PC, and check if WD My Cloud is now detected on the network.
4. Assign a Static IP to WD My Cloud
WD My Cloud may frequently change its IP address due to DHCP settings, making it harder for Windows to consistently detect it. Assigning a static IP address helps ensure the device remains connected to the same network address at all times, improving stability.
- Log in to your router’s admin panel, locate WD My Cloud under connected devices, and assign a static IP address.
- Save the settings and restart your router and WD My Cloud if needed. Once done, check if the device appears on the network.
5. Restart the Router and WD My Cloud
Temporary network glitches or IP conflicts can prevent WD My Cloud from showing on the network. Restarting your router and the My Cloud device can resolve such issues by refreshing the network configuration and connections.
- Power off your router and WD My Cloud, unplug them from the power source, and wait for 2-3 minutes.
- Plug them back in, power them on, and allow them to fully reboot.
- Then, reconnect your devices to the network and check if WD My Cloud is now visible.
6. Turn Off Password-Protected Sharing
Note that password-protected sharing requires other devices to authenticate with a username and password before accessing shared files. If this feature is on, WD My Cloud may be inaccessible if the login credentials don’t match. Disabling it can improve accessibility.
- To do so, open Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Advanced sharing settings.
- Then, you have to expand the Private network section and turn off Password-protected sharing. Save the changes and restart your PC to see if the issue is resolved.
7. Set Network Profile to Private
It’s worth pointing out that the private network profile allows better device discovery and sharing compared to a public network. If your network is set to Public, Windows may block WD My Cloud from appearing on the network.
- Open the Settings app on your Windows device > Network & internet, select your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection, and set the network profile to Private.
- Reconnect to the network and verify if WD My Cloud is now visible.
8. Update Network Adapter Drivers
It always pays to have a close eye on the outdated or corrupted network adapter drivers can cause connectivity issues and prevent WD My Cloud from being detected. Updating the drivers can restore proper functionality.
- Right-click Start and select Device Manager. Expand Network adapters, right-click your adapter, and choose Update driver.
- Select Search automatically for drivers, and after updating, restart your PC to check if WD My Cloud appears.
9. Verify WD My Cloud’s Network Configuration
Incorrect settings on WD My Cloud, such as network mode misconfigurations, can cause connection problems. Verifying the network configuration ensures that the device is correctly connected to the network.
- Log in to the WD My Cloud dashboard by entering its IP address in a browser. Go to Settings > Network and check if DHCP is enabled.
- You can also try switching between DHCP and a static IP to stabilize the connection.
10. Temporarily Disable Firewall and Antivirus
Firewalls or antivirus software may block network connections, preventing WD My Cloud from appearing. Temporarily disabling them can help identify if they are causing the issue.
- On your Windows device, Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security > Firewall & Network Protection.
- After that, turn off the firewall for the Private network and check if WD My Cloud becomes visible.
- If it does, add an exception for WD My Cloud in the firewall settings and re-enable the firewall.
11. Enable WD Discovery Tool
WD provides the WD Discovery tool to help locate and map My Cloud devices on the network. This tool can be useful if Windows is unable to detect the device on its own.
- Download and install the WD Discovery tool from the official WD website. Launch the tool, sign in if required, and follow the on-screen instructions.
- The tool should automatically detect WD My Cloud and allow you to map it as a network drive.
12. Reset WD My Cloud
Resetting WD My Cloud can resolve any misconfigurations or network glitches by restoring the device to its default network settings. This process won’t delete your data but may fix connectivity problems.
- To begin with, press and hold the reset button on the back of the WD My Cloud device for about 4-5 seconds.
- Release the button and wait for the device to reboot. After the reset, reconnect WD My Cloud to your router and check if it appears on the network.
Wrapping up…
There you have it! I hope these solutions have worked in fixing the issue and made your WD My Cloud visible on your Windows 11 network. If one method fails to yield the desired result, I’d recommend you try combining multiple fixes, such as enabling network discovery and updating your network drivers. For additional troubleshooting, you can also contact WD support.
