Local area network (LAN) multiplayer gaming is experiencing a renaissance, with many gamers choosing to play with friends in the same room using a wireless connection. However, Windows 10 It often treats public networks as unsafe, blocking detection of other computers by default. This creates the illusion that the feature is not working, although the problem lies solely in the network profile.
For a successful launch LAN sessions It is necessary that all devices are in the same IP address range, and that the firewall does not block incoming connections. Modern routers and adapters of the standard 802.11ac or ax Provide sufficient throughput, but require proper software configuration. In this guide, we'll cover every step of the setup, from profile selection to port forwarding.
Checking and configuring your network profile
The first step is to change the network type from "Public" to "Private." In the public profile, the system hides your computer from other devices, making it impossible to detect hosts in games. Switching to a private profile tells the system you're in a trusted environment, such as your home.
To perform this procedure, open the system settings from the Start menu and go to the Network and Internet section. Select the tab Wi-Fi in the left menu, then click on the name of your current wireless network. In the properties window that opens, find the "Network Profile" section and set the switch to Private.
⚠️ Important: Make sure you're on your home network. Switching your profile to "Private" on public Wi-Fi at a cafe or airport could expose your laptop to attackers.
After changing the profile, the system will automatically update the rules firewall, allowing file sharing and printer access, which is critical for gaming protocols. If the switch is unavailable or blocked by group policies, you may need to edit the registry, but in 95% of cases, the default settings are sufficient.
Setting up sharing and discovery
Even with the correct network profile, discovery features can be disabled at the Network and Sharing Center level. Windows 10 has a flexible sharing settings system that controls PC visibility and the ability to accept incoming connection requests.
Open Control Panel, go to Network and Sharing Center, and select Change advanced sharing settings. Here, you need to enable the following options for the "Private (current profile)" profile:
- 🔍 Enable network discovery
- 🖥️ Turn on file and printer sharing
- 🔐 Allow Windows to manage HomeGroup connections
It's also important to scroll down to the "All Networks" section and enable the "Turn off password-protected sharing" option. While this reduces security, it's often necessary for local gaming sessions to avoid constant login prompts when attempting to connect to the host.
Windows Defender Firewall Configuration
The built-in firewall is the primary barrier that can block gaming ports. Even if network discovery is enabled, a specific application (e.g., Minecraft or Counter-Strike) may be blocked by inbound rules.
To check this, type in the search Firewall and open "Windows Defender Firewall." Click "Allow an app or feature through firewall." Find your game or platform (Steam, Epic Games) in the list and make sure the checkboxes are checked. Private and, if necessary, Public.
If the game is not listed, click "Change settings", then "Allow another app" and specify the path to the executable file .exeFor advanced users, it is recommended to create a rule for a specific port if the game uses a non-standard protocol.
☑️ Firewall Check
Comparison of connection methods: IPv4 and IPv6
In modern networks, Windows 10 uses the TCP/IPv6 protocol stack by default, along with IPv4. However, many classic LAN games and emulators still rely exclusively on IPv4. A priority conflict or missing addressing in one of the protocols can result in the server being invisible.
| Parameter | IPv4 | IPv6 |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility | High (classic games) | Average (new engines) |
| Addressing | 32-bit | 128-bit |
| Status in Windows | Main for LAN | Additional |
| Difficulty of setup | Low | High |
It is recommended to make sure that in the properties of the wireless adapter (available through ncpa.cpl) the checkboxes are set opposite both protocols: Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4) And Internet Protocol version 6 (TCP/IPv6)Unchecking IPv6 can sometimes help eliminate lag in older games, but it can disrupt modern Windows features.
Troubleshooting visibility and ping issues
It's common for computers to be connected to the same router but unable to see each other. This could be caused by the router's client isolation feature or incorrect DNS settings. It's also worth checking that all computers are in the same workgroup.
Check the workgroup name in the System section (called by the combination Win + Pause/Break or through “Options” -> “About system”). The default is WORKGROUPIf the name is changed on one computer, for example, to OFFICE, visibility in the network environment will disappear, although directly entering the IP address may work.
⚠️ Note: Some routers have a feature called "Wi-Fi Client Isolation." If enabled, devices cannot communicate with each other, even if they are on the same network. Check the wireless settings in the router's web interface.
For diagnostics, use the command line. Enter cmd, then run the command ping [IP address of another PC]If packets are lost, the problem lies with the physical connection or WiFi drivers. If packets are transmitted but the game can't see the server, the problem lies with the firewall or ports.
ping 192.168.1.15 -tThis command sends a continuous stream of packets, which helps assess connection stability over time. Sharp spikes in ping (jitter) may indicate interference in the WiFi channel or an overloaded router.
Optimizing WiFi for gaming
A wireless connection is inherently less stable than a wired one. For a comfortable online gaming experience over WiFi in Windows 10, it's important to minimize latency. Use the range 5 GHz, if the router and adapters support this standard, since it is less loaded than 2.4 GHz.
Make sure your wireless adapter drivers are updated to the latest version. Manufacturers frequently release patches that improve performance with gaming data packets and reduce power consumption, which can impact connection stability. It's also a good idea to disable power saving mode for your WiFi adapter in Device Manager.
In the adapter properties, find the "Power Management" tab and uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power." This will prevent brief connection interruptions when the adapter attempts to enter sleep mode.
What should I do if the game requires DirectPlay?
In Windows 10, DirectPlay is disabled by default. To enable it, go to Control Panel -> Programs and Features -> Turn Windows features on or off. Find the "Legacy Components" branch and check the box next to it. DirectPlayThe system will require a reboot.
How to find out your IP address on the network?
Open command prompt and enter the command ipconfigFind the "Wireless LAN adapter" section. Your address will be listed in the line IPv4 address, usually it looks like 192.168.xx
Is it possible to play via WiFi from a mobile phone?
Yes, if the game has cross-platform support or an emulator. Your phone must be connected to the same WiFi network. However, mobile operating systems (Android/iOS) have stricter security policies, and you may need a third-party app to emulate a keyboard or create a virtual joystick.