To keep university data safe, the Office of OneIT is updating our computer safety rules. On June 16, 2026, we will turn off older network discovery paths on university-owned Windows computers.
What is changing?
- Your university-owned Windows computers will stop automatically searching your home network for other gadgets. This change protects university devices from outside threats, but it means you will notice some changes at home:
- Wireless home printers will look offline.
- Wireless screen sharing or casting to smart TVs that rely on mDNS (which broadcasts over the local Wi-Fi router to find devices) may not work automatically e.g., using Google Cast or Apple AirPlay to stream to Chromecast or Apple TV or ncasting directly from a web browser like Google Chrome or a media app to a Smart TV.
- Shared home network drives will disconnect (e.g., \\MyDevice).
How to prepare
Printers
You may be able to fix printing by linking to your printer manually using the IP address (a series of numbers like 192.168.1.50) instead of text names. You can also directly connect to the printer via a cable.
Casting
Try connecting to the device, press the Windows Key + K, find the device and connect. This workaround using Miracast discovery instead of mDNS.
Need Help?
Because these settings belong to your private home network, the OneIT Service Desk is unable to look at or troubleshoot these connections. The most reliable fix is to connect to the device via a cable/adaptor.
For easy guides on how to find your home printer’s IP address, try asking Google Gemini or checking your printer manufacturer’s help website.