Many users are familiar with the situation of urgently needing to transfer gigabytes of data, but don't have a flash drive or network cable at hand. Local area network Between two laptops solves this problem elegantly, allowing for high-speed transfers without the need for unnecessary wires. Modern operating systems, such as Windows 10 and 11, offer built-in tools that make this process accessible even to beginners.
There are several ways to establish a connection: through an existing router, setting up a direct laptop-to-laptop connection, or using the Mobile Hotspot feature. The choice of method depends on your infrastructure and goals—whether it's co-op gaming, remote control, or simply document sharing. In this article, we'll cover all the options in detail, focusing on connection security and stability.
The main advantage of wireless networking is its mobility and the lack of need for additional equipment. You don't need switches or patch cords if the building has Wi-Fi coverage or simply working network adapters. Let's look at how to set it up. peer-to-peer connection and what nuances should be taken into account for maximum performance.
Selecting the connection type and preparing the equipment
Before you begin configuring the software, you need to determine the topology of your future network. If both devices are within range of a single router, the task is significantly simplified—they are already in the same physical environment. Otherwise, if there's no router or you're in the field, you'll have to create a direct connection, with one laptop acting as an access point.
Make sure both devices have the latest drivers for the wireless adapter. Outdated software often leads to unstable operation or complete invisibility of devices. You can check the driver status in Device Manager by finding the section Network adapters.
- 📶 Via router: Both laptops are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (the most stable option).
- 💻 Direct connection: One laptop distributes Wi-Fi, the second one connects to it (Ad-Hoc or Hotspot mode).
- 🔗 Mixed type: One device is connected to the router via cable, the other via Wi-Fi (requires bridge configuration).
⚠️ Please note: When creating a direct network without a router, the signal range may be limited to 10-15 meters, and the data transfer rate will depend on the quality of the receiving device's antennas.
It's also worth checking that the Wi-Fi module is enabled on both computers. Sometimes users forget that airplane mode is activated on one of the laptops or the adapter is physically disconnected. To check, press the key combination Win + A and make sure the wireless network icon is blue.
Setting up sharing and network settings in Windows
The key to preventing computers from "seeing" each other is the correct network profile. Windows treats new connections as public by default, preventing outsiders from seeing your device. You need to change the network type to "Private" on both laptops.
To do this, go to your network settings, click on your Wi-Fi connection properties, and select the "Private" profile. This will open ports for local discovery and allow file sharing. Without this step, all further sharing settings will be useless.
Next, you need to enable network discovery. Go to Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Change advanced sharing settingsHere you need to enable the following options:
- 🔍 Enable network discovery.
- 📂 Enable file and printer sharing.
- 🔐 Allow Windows to manage HomeGroup connections (if applicable).
It's also important to disable password protection if you're in a trusted environment and want to simplify access. However, if you're transferring sensitive data over this network, it's best to leave password protection enabled and use the same accounts with the same passwords on both devices.
Establishing a direct laptop-to-laptop connection without a router
If a router isn't available, one of the laptops should act as an access point. In Windows 10 and 11, this is accomplished through the "Mobile Hotspot" feature. This is a modern equivalent of older ad-hoc networks, offering greater stability and easier setup.
On the first laptop, open the settings via Start → Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile hotspotIn the "Sharing" section, select your connection source (for example, Ethernet if you have a cable, or simply create a new network). Set a network name and a strong password, then toggle the switch to the "On" position.
⚠️ Note: Some antivirus programs may block the creation of a virtual access point. If your laptop doesn't see the created network, temporarily disable the firewall in your third-party antivirus to test.
On the second laptop, find the created network in the list of available Wi-Fi connections and sign in using the specified password. Once successfully connected, the system will ask you about the network type—be sure to select "Yes" to make it private. Both devices are now on the same local network.
What to do if the hotspot does not turn on?
If the Mobile Hotspot feature doesn't activate, your Wi-Fi adapter driver may not support this technology or you may have an outdated version installed. Try updating the drivers from the manufacturer's website or using the command line to create a network: netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=Name key=Password
Setting up shared folders and transferring files
Once the connection is successfully established, you can begin exchanging data. The easiest way is to share a folder. Create a new folder on your drive, right-click it, and select "Properties." Go to the "Sharing" tab and click "Advanced Settings."
In the window that opens, check the box next to "Share this folder." Click "Permissions" and ensure that "Full Control," "Modify," and "Read" permissions are set for the "Everyone" group or a specific user. This will allow the second laptop to not only read but also write files to this folder.
| Action | Menu Path / Command | Necessary rights |
|---|---|---|
| Open network folders | IP address or \\PC_Name |
Reading |
| Setting up access | Folder Options → Access | Administrator |
| IP check | cmd → ipconfig |
User |
| Network reset | Settings → Network → Reset |
Administrator |
To access the shared folder from another laptop, open File Explorer and enter in the address bar \\ followed by the IP address of the first computer (for example, \\192.168.1.55). You can find out the IP address by entering the command in the command line ipconfig and finding the IPv4 address line.
☑️ File Transfer Checklist
Solving visibility and access issues
A common issue is that the ping works, but folders don't appear in the Network Neighborhood. This may be due to the discovery service. Click Win + R, enter services.msc and locate the "Discovery Feature" and "Computer Discovery Resource Publishing" services. Make sure they are running and the startup type is set to "Automatic."
Another critical issue is Windows Firewall settings. Sometimes the system blocks incoming connections even on private networks. Go to "Windows Defender Firewall" → "Allow an app" and make sure the "File and Printer Sharing" options are checked in the "Private" column.
If you're using different versions of Windows (for example, Windows 7 and Windows 10), you may encounter issues with the SMBv1 protocol. On newer systems, it's disabled by default for security reasons. Enabling it is possible, but not recommended Due to vulnerabilities, it's best to use third-party file managers or configure SMBv2/3 correctly.
Alternative methods of data transfer via Wi-Fi
If standard Windows tools seem too cumbersome, you can use specialized software. Programs like ShareIt, Feem or Snapdrop They create their own file transfer environment, bypassing complex Windows access settings. They often work faster and require minimal user interaction.
Cloud storage is also worth considering if both laptops have internet access. Uploading a file to the cloud on one device and downloading it on the other is also a method of "connection," albeit an indirect one. However, for large amounts of data (over 50 GB), a local Wi-Fi network remains the undisputed leader in terms of speed.
For advanced users, an excellent solution is to use an FTP server. By installing a lightweight FTP server on one laptop, you gain a powerful tool for managing the file system of another device, with the ability to interrupt and resume downloads.
Is it possible to play online games through a created hotspot?
Yes, most LAN games will work, as they use a local IP address. However, ping may be higher than with a wired connection, which is critical for fast-paced shooters.
Why is the Wi-Fi transfer speed lower than stated in the specifications?
Actual speed is always lower than theoretical due to protocol overhead, interference, and distance. Furthermore, the speed is equal to the speed of the slowest device in the pair.
Is it safe to transmit passwords over such a network?
If you use standard WPA2/WPA3 encryption when connecting, your traffic is secure. However, in public places, it's better to use a VPN or specialized encryption protocols (SFTP instead of FTP).