If your Sharp Network Scanner Tool Lite suddenly stops transferring scans to your computer, the issue often isn’t with the scanner — it’s with your network configuration. By default, Windows categorizes new networks as Public for security reasons. This restrictive setting can block file-sharing traffic and communication between your scanner and computer.
Public network profiles are designed for unsecured environments like coffee shops or airports. They automatically limit access to key services such as SMB file sharing, which is how most Sharp scanners deliver scanned files to your PC.
The Simple Fix: Change Your Network to Private
The solution is surprisingly easy and takes less than a minute. Here’s how to do it:
- Open Settings → Network & Internet.
- Click on your active network connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
- Scroll down and look for Network Profile Type.
- Change it from Public to Private.
Once you do this, Windows and Norton Security automatically loosen restrictions on local traffic, allowing scanners, printers, and other devices to connect seamlessly.
Why the Private Network Setting Works
A Private network tells Windows that your connection is secure and trusted, such as a home or office LAN. This enables:
- File and printer sharing over SMB protocol (ports 137–139, 445).
- Device discovery for tools like Sharp Network Scanner Tool Lite.
- Easier communication between PCs, printers, and scanners on the same subnet.
Security software like Norton Smart Firewall also recognizes the Private profile and applies a more permissive rule set, while still protecting your system from external threats.
Bonus Tip: Keep Your Network Secure
While the Private setting is ideal for home and office networks, you should switch back to Public whenever you connect to unfamiliar Wi-Fi. This ensures your shared folders and scanning ports stay protected on open networks.
To keep your settings consistent, you can even lock the Private profile so Windows doesn’t revert to Public after restarts or network resets.
Final Thoughts
If your Sharp scanner isn’t communicating with your PC, don’t rush to reinstall drivers or replace the machine. Simply changing your Windows network from Public to Private can instantly resolve the issue — restoring full scanning functionality and saving hours of troubleshooting.
