Sudden loss of file sharing with a direct Ethernet connection (no switch or router in use)

[stainlessteal]

I've set up a direct ethernet connection (not using a switch or router) between two windows 10 computers and was sharing files between them last night, but this morning while I was working with them, the file sharing stopped working. I can ping each computer from the other, but can't see the other computer through Windows networking. Firewalls are still off. Any ideas why this would happen?

 

[velvetviper]

Try these steps to fix file sharing over a direct Ethernet connection:

Enable Network Discovery & File Sharing – Go to Control Panel → Network and Sharing Centre → Turn on network discovery & file sharing.
Set Static IPs – Assign:

1. PC1: 192.168.1.1 / 255.255.255.0
2. PC2: 192.168.1.2 / 255.255.255.0

Disable Firewall Temporarily – If sharing works, allow File and Printer Sharing in Firewall settings.
Same Workgroup – Check in System Properties (sysdm.cpl).
Ping Test – Run ping 192.168.1.2 (from PC1) and ping 192.168.1.1 (from PC2).

Restart Services – Open services.msc, restart:

• Server
• Workstation
• Function Discovery Provider Host

Still not working? Try a different Ethernet cable or restart both PCs.