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Computer Browser Service Depends on Server Service [Failed to Start]
Make sure that Network Discovery is allowed
5 min. read
Updated onMarch 29, 2024
updated onMarch 29, 2024
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Key notes
Computer Browser Service is one ofseveral services on Windows 10and 11 that gives a list of all computers and shared resources on a network. Without it, you won’t be able to see those computers.
It runs on theSMBv1 protocolwhich is pretty old at this point, and Microsoft itself even recommends not using it. In fact, the company tells users to disable it. However, some networks still use it for connecting to other computers and seeing what’s going on.
What causes Computer Browser Service errors?
A Computer Browser Service error is actually pretty rare, so it’s a little difficult to pin down the exact reason why it happens. It involves parts of Windows that are old and not commonly used.
The following is a list of the potential reasons why this happens:
Because this error is so rare there aren’t many solutions out there. It’s a fairly rare issue to have. But what solutions do exist will have you going into either the Control Panel or Services app.
What can I do if the Computer Browser Service failed to start?
This problem affects certain Windows functions, so it can get a little confusing. But before you go into the complex solutions, try out the simpler tips below:
1. Double-check certain functions on Services
2. Ensure Network Discovery is allowed
3. Turn on the Computer Browser service
4. Enable the SMBv1 feature
There are tons of networking errors on Windows that cause service problems. For that reason, we’re only going to focus on two of them.
The first one revolves around what to do whenGoogle Chrome fails a download. This error can happen because of an overbearing anti-virus interrupting the service.
Or the Windows Attachment Manager isn’t working. The other one isError Code 0x800704cfwhich is a problem that prevents you from accessing a network for whatever reason.
Solutions for this can be complex as you may have to change the DNS settings or reset your machine’s proxy.
Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions about other network problems. Leave a suggestion about guides that you’d like to see or information on other Windows errors.
More about the topics:control panel,Fix network issues,Windows 11
Cesar Cadenas
Networking & Security Specialist
Cesar has been writing for and about technology going on for 6 years when he first started writing tech articles for his university paper. Since then, his passion for technology blossomed into a prosperous writing career. He first started writing about tech in the entertainment world and would later move on to write about smart life tech and social media. He was recently a Technical Writer for tech company Extron where he wrote user guides for audio and video equipment.
He has since moved on to being a freelance writer looking to have a career in copywriting and hopes to share his love and knowledge of technology with the world. Recently, Cesar has written for the cryptocurrency news site, BTCPro and helping people understand tech.
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Cesar Cadenas
Networking & Security Specialist
Cesar is a tech expert passionate about Windows, Microsoft, and anything surrounding the world of PCs.
