What Is the System Error 6118?

Windows 10/11 is a feature-rich operating system widely used for its convenience and versatility. Despite its popularity, like any software, it is not immune to occasional errors and glitches.

As of recent, we have received an influx of complaints concerning the System Error 6118. This issue occurs when the user tries to execute the Command Prompt net view to see all network devices. Amid the occurrence of this problem, users fail to see devices under the Network category in File Explorer. In this article, we will highlight the possible causes of this issue as well as provide with the suitable solutions to getting rid of the error.

When the affected user executes the c: \PS>net view command line in the CMD prompt, the resulting message reads:

“System error 6118 has occurred. The list of servers for this workgroup is not currently available.”

So, there are a couple of factors that are likely to cause this issue and they include:

• Strict third-party antivirus security suite
• Disabled Function Discovery feature
• Discrepancies caused by malicious software.

The message “System error 6118 has occurred. The list of servers for this workgroup is unavailable,” is vague and doesn’t help much in identifying the main cause of the issue. With that said, we advise trying out all the provided solutions chronologically to get rid of the problem. Are you wondering what to do about the “System error 6118 has occurred. The list of servers for this workgroup is unavailable” error. If so, check out the fixes below.

Solution #1: Disable Third-Party Software Security Suite

This measure helps identify whether or not the issue is caused by a strict third-party antivirus installed in your system. You must first deactivate the security suite and try to eliminate the action which triggers the error. If the issue is solved, you may then proceed and uninstall the entire antivirus suite.

Keep in mind that without a reliable security app, your system may be vulnerable to viruses and threats. After all, the built-in Windows Defender can miss complex malware. As such, we recommend that you use a trusted security tool like Outbyte Antivirus. This security app can detect even the most vicious viruses, malware, and spyware no matter how discreetly they operate in the background. It even checks the strength of your password, preventing your data from becoming vulnerable.

Solution #2: Activate the Function Discovery Service

If you need more tips on how to fix the “System error 6118 has occurred. The list of servers for this workgroup is unavailable” issue, you can enable the Function Discovery Service. To do that, follow these simple steps below:

1. Launch the Run dialog by simultaneously pressing Windows + R keys.
2. In the text field, insert “services.msc” (no quotes) and press the Enter key. The action will launch Services.
3. Find Function Discovery Provider Host services under the Services window and right-click on it to access and edit the Properties. Now, select the drop-down menu under Startup type and choose Automatic.
4. Then, maneuver to the Service status category where it indicates Stopped, and select Start.
5. Now, save changes by clicking on Apply, followed by OK.
6. Go back to the Services section and this time, find Function Discovery Resource Publication service.
7. Repeat the steps shown above.

When done, repeat the process that triggered the System Error 6118 to check if the issue has been resolved.

Solution #3: Enable Network Discovery

To ensure that Network Discovery is on, follow these steps below:

1. Bring up the Run dialog by pressing the Windows + R keys simultaneously.
2. In the text field, type “control” (no quotes) and press the Enter key to launch the Control Panel.
3. Now, navigate to View By in the Control Panel window and choose the Large Icons option.
4. Navigate to the Network and Sharing Centre feature before clicking on it to open.
5. On the left pane, select Change Advanced Sharing Settings. This will bring you to the Change Sharing Options for Different Network Profiles section.
6. Click the arrow beside the section labelled as Guest or Public.
7. The section will expand, displaying the Network Discovery section. Select the ‘Turn on network discover’ option.
8. Scroll down to locate and expand All Networks. Go to the File Sharing Connections section and confirm that the ‘Use 128-bit encryption to help protect file sharing connections (recommended)’ option is enabled.
9. Now, head over to the Password Protected Sharing component and enable the ‘Turn on password protected sharing’ feature.
10. When done, select the Save changes button for changes to take effect.

Now you can close all windows and get rid of the process that triggered the error in the first place.

Did the issue occur after you visited a dubious site or downloaded software from an untrustworthy source? If so, run a full system security scan from a trusted security suite to get rid of any malicious content.