Modern online games allow you to compete against opponents from all over the world, but nothing compares to the atmosphere of a local party when you and a friend are in the same room. However, many gamers face difficulties connecting two laptops via WiFi without a proper router or wired router. Often, the operating system's built-in features don't allow for easy "recognition" of each other in the game menu, requiring manual network settings.
In this article we will look at proven methods of organization local network (LAN) between two laptops. We'll cover both creating a computer-to-computer network without additional equipment and properly configuring an existing WiFi router to ensure a stable connection with minimal latency.
You'll learn how to avoid common mistakes when assigning IP addresses and which firewall settings can block connections. Understanding these basic principles will allow you to launch your favorite shooters, strategy games, or simulations, enjoying online gaming without lag or connection interruptions.
Select connection type: Router or direct connection
The first step is to determine the available hardware, as this will determine the setup method. The most reliable and productive option is to use WiFi router, to which both laptops are connected. In this case, the router acts as a traffic manager, automatically assigning addresses and managing data flows between devices.
If you don't have a router, you can set up a direct connection by turning one of your laptops into an access point. This method, known as Ad-Hoc network Hotspot mode, or "hotspot" mode, allows you to create a virtual communication channel directly between network adapters. However, it's important to note that in this scenario, one computer will act as a server, which may slightly impact its performance in resource-intensive games.
⚠️ Please note: When connecting directly without a router, data transfer speed is limited by the capabilities of the receiving device's WiFi adapter and the distance between the laptops. For demanding games with high graphics, it's best to use a wired connection or a high-quality 802.11ac router.
It's also important to consider the frequency range. Modern routers support both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. For online gaming, the 2.4 GHz band is preferable. 5 GHz, as it is less congested with neighboring networks and provides higher throughput, which is critical for transmitting game data in real time.
Setting up a network via a WiFi router
If you have access to a wireless router, the setup process is significantly simplified. Both laptops must be connected to the same WiFi network. Make sure the "Private network" profile is enabled on both devices, as Windows blocks detection of other devices in "Public network" mode for security reasons.
To test the connection, open a command prompt on the first laptop by typing cmd in the search and run the command ipconfigFind the line "IPv4 address" - it usually looks like 192.168.1.X or 192.168.0.X. Then, on the second laptop, try pinging the first one by entering ping 192.168.1.X (where X is the address of the first PC). If you see the response "Reply from...", then the physical connection has been established.
It is important that network discovery is enabled on both computers. Go to Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change advanced sharing settingsIn the "Private" profile, enable the "Turn on network discovery" and "Turn on file and printer sharing" options.
Setting up a direct laptop-to-laptop network (without a router)
When a router is unavailable, you need to create a makeshift local network. In Windows 10 and 11, this can be done using the Mobile Hotspot feature or by manually creating an Ad-hoc connection. The latter option is more reliable for older games that don't support modern discovery protocols.
For manual configuration, go to Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Manage known networksSelect "Create a new network" (if available) or use the command line to start a hosted network. In the command line with administrator rights, enter the command to create the network:
netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=GameNetwork key=Password123After creating the network on the first laptop, the second computer should find it in the list of available WiFi connections and connect using the specified password. The key here is to configure the IP addresses correctly, as without a DHCP server (router), addresses will not be assigned automatically.
☑️ Direct connection check
Manually configuring IP addresses and DNS
The most common reason why laptops can't see each other in-game is a conflict or lack of IP addresses on the same subnet. You'll need to manually assign static addresses. Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center, then click on the active connection and select Properties.
In the list of components, find "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)", select it, and click "Properties". Select the "Use the following IP address" option. For the first laptop, enter the address, for example, 192.168.1.10, subnet mask 255.255.255.0For the second laptop, use the address 192.168.1.11 with the same mask. The default gateway can be left blank or duplicated to the IP of the first computer.
Below is a table with recommended parameters for setting up static IP for a direct connection:
| Parameter | Laptop 1 (Host) | Laptop 2 (Client) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| IP address | 192.168.1.10 | 192.168.1.11 | A unique address on the network |
| Subnet mask | 255.255.255.0 | 255.255.255.0 | Determines the size of the network |
| Main gateway | 192.168.1.10 | 192.168.1.10 | Host computer address |
| DNS | 8.8.8.8 | 8.8.8.8 | Not required for LAN |
After applying the settings on both devices, be sure to run the command ipconfig /flushdns in the command line to flush the DNS cache and update network tables. This helps resolve name resolution errors if the game uses domain names instead of IP addresses.
What to do if addresses are not saved?
If Windows resets IP settings after a reboot, check if a third-party DHCP server or Internet sharing program (such as Connectify) is running on your computer, which may be taking control of the network adapter.
Setting up a firewall and game rules
Even with the correct IP addresses, Windows Defender can block game traffic. When you first launch a game on a local network, the system usually asks for permission to access. It's crucial to select "Allow access" for a private network.
If the prompt doesn't appear, you'll need to add a rule manually. Open Windows Defender Firewall from the Control Panel, go to Advanced Settings, and select Inbound Rules. Create a new rule, specifying the path to the game's executable file (.exe) and allowing the connection for all network profiles.
⚠️ Note: Some anti-cheat software in modern online games may block the creation of local servers or connections via virtual adapters. In such cases, you will need to disable the anti-cheat software or use special patches if the game allows it.
It's also worth checking whether third-party antivirus software (Kaspersky, ESET, Avast) is blocking the connection. These programs often have a "Firewall" module that, by default, considers local connections suspicious if they haven't been previously classified.
Launching the game and troubleshooting
Once the technical preparations are complete, you can launch the game. In the multiplayer menu, select "LAN," "Local Network," or "Network" mode. If the game requires a server, create one on the first laptop. The server should appear in the list of available servers on the second device. If it doesn't, use the "Connect by IP" function and enter the host address (e.g., 192.168.1.10).
A common issue is game version desynchronization. Make sure both laptops have the same client versions, patches, and mods installed. Even a single version number discrepancy can prevent you from connecting to the server.
If you have a connection but experience lag (high ping), try lowering the game's graphics settings, especially those that affect the draw distance and number of objects, as WiFi has limited bandwidth compared to cable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to play online via WiFi if one laptop is connected via cable and the other via wireless?
Yes, this is possible if both devices are on the same local network (behind the same router). The router automatically routes traffic between the wired (LAN) and wireless (WLAN) interfaces. The main thing is that both adapters are on the same subnet.
Why can't my laptop see another laptop in the network environment?
Most often, the problem lies in the network profile. If the network is marked as "Public" on at least one computer, Windows hides the device. Also, check the "Function Discovery Resource Publishing" service in the Services section (services.msc).
What is the maximum range for playing over a direct WiFi connection?
In Ad-Hoc (computer-to-computer) mode without an access point, a strong signal typically lasts up to 10-15 meters in an unobstructed room. Obstacles significantly reduce the range.
Do you need internet to play on a local network?
No, a classic LAN game doesn't require an internet connection. Devices simply need to be able to see each other. However, some modern games require initial online authorization or license verification before launch.