How to play games over a local network via WiFi on Windows 10

Local parties with friends are experiencing a renaissance, and nothing can replace the thrill of playing together in the same room, even with a powerful online server. However, modern operating systems such as Windows 10, are configured for maximum security by default, which often blocks direct connections between computers on a home network. Users encounter situations where games simply cannot see each other, despite being connected to the same router.

The problem lies in network profiles and firewall settings, which require manual intervention to function correctly. LAN protocolsIn this article, we'll walk you through every step necessary to establish a stable wireless connection using only built-in operating system tools and standard network equipment. You'll learn which parameters are critical and where to find hidden settings.

First, you need to ensure that all devices are in the same information space. This means your laptops or PCs must be connected to the same wireless router. The key condition is to use one frequency range (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) without isolating clients on the router side. Without meeting this basic requirement, further configuration is pointless.

Checking network profiles and visibility

The first step in diagnostics is to determine the network profile type. Windows 10 The system divides connections into "Public" and "Private," and the latter is absolutely necessary for LAN gaming. In the public profile, the system hides the computer from other devices, considering the network potentially unsafe, for example, in a cafe or airport.

To change your profile, open the Start menu and go to Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-FiClick the name of your current wireless network and select "Private" in the "Network Profile" section. This will make your computer visible to other devices within range.

⚠️ Note: If you have multiple networks connected (for example, a home network and a guest network), make sure you change the profile for the network you are connecting to the game through.

After changing the profile, the system will apply the new firewall rules, opening ports for local data exchange. Sometimes you may need to reboot the network adapter or reconnect to the access point for the changes to take effect. Check the connection status to ensure it shows "Connected, Secure."

Setting up sharing options

Even with the correct network profile, discovery features may be disabled at the system level. You'll need to enable network discovery and file sharing, as many older games use these mechanisms to find hosts. Go to Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center.

In the left column, select "Change advanced sharing settings." Under "Private (current profile)," make sure the "Turn on network discovery" and "Turn on file and printer sharing" switches are checked. It's also recommended to enable automatic configuration of network devices.

• 🔍 Enable the "Turn on network discovery" option so your computer can see other devices.
• 📁 Enable "File and Printer Sharing" to transfer game packages.
• 🔐 Turn off "Password-protected sharing" if you trust all devices on your home network (this makes it easier to connect).

Save your changes by clicking the "Save Changes" button at the bottom of the page. The system may request administrator privileges to apply the new rules. After this, your computer will begin actively advertising its services on the local network, allowing game clients to find the server.

Working with Windows Firewall

Windows Firewall is the first line of defense and often blocks gaming ports. Even if the network profile is configured correctly, a rule blocking incoming connections can interfere with gaming. You need to ensure that the firewall is configured correctly for your game or platform (e.g., Steam or Hamachi) a permissive rule has been created.

Open Control Panel → System and Security → Windows Defender FirewallSelect "Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall." In the list that opens, find your game's executable file. Make sure the boxes next to the game name in the "Private" and, if necessary, "Public" columns are checked.

If the game is not listed, click the "Change settings" button, then "Allow another app" and specify the path to .exe The game launcher file. This is a critical step, as without explicit permission, the system will ignore incoming connection requests from friends.

⚠️ Note: Firewall interfaces may vary slightly between Windows 10 builds (versions 21H2 and 22H2). If you don't see the game you need in the list, try running it for the first time in Home Network emulator mode to let the system create the rule automatically.

What should I do if a third-party antivirus firewall is blocking the connection?

Third-party antivirus programs (Kaspersky, ESET, Avast) often have their own firewalls that ignore Windows settings. You'll need to temporarily disable network protection in the antivirus interface or add the game as an exception in the specific antivirus product's settings, not in the standard Microsoft firewall.

Setting up IP addresses and DNS

For stable operation of a local network, it is desirable that all devices are on the same subnet. Routers usually automatically distribute addresses through DHCP, and there are no problems. However, if automatic distribution is not working correctly, you can manually assign static IP addresses.

Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Configure adapter settingsRight-click your wireless connection and select "Properties." Find "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" in the list, select it, and click "Properties."

It's important to follow the addressing logic here. If the gateway (router) address 192.168.1.1, then computers need to be given addresses of the form 192.168.1.X, where X is a number from 2 to 254. The subnet mask is always 255.255.255.0.

Using the same DNS servers (for example, from Google 8.8.8.8) is not required for local play, but is recommended for network stack stability. Make sure the last digits of all computers' IP addresses are unique, otherwise address conflicts will occur and the network will crash.

Specific settings for older games

Many classic games such as Age of Empires II, Need for Speed: Underground 2 or Warcraft III, were written for operating systems like Windows XP and use outdated protocols, in particular IPX/SPX or old implementations TCP/IPIn Windows 10, these components are disabled or missing by default.

Running such games often requires installing additional libraries or using emulators. One popular solution is the program IPXWrapper, which emulates the IPX protocol over modern TCP/IP. Download the archive and unzip the files. ipxwr32.dll, ipxwr64.dll And ipxconfig.exe into the game folder.

You might also want to try running the game in compatibility mode. Right-click the game shortcut, select "Properties" → "Compatibility" tab. Check "Run this program in compatibility mode" and select Windows XP (Service Pack 3) or Windows 7.

Remember that all players must be running the same game version. If one player is running version 1.0 and the other is running 1.04, the connection will likely fail. Patches often change the network packet structure, making different versions incompatible.

Troubleshooting visibility and connectivity issues

If all the settings are correct but the game still can't see the server, try rebooting your network equipment. Routers can accumulate errors in the ARP table, which prevents packets from routing correctly within the local network. Unplug the router from the power outlet for 10-15 seconds, then plug it back in.

Another common cause is the "Client Isolation" feature in the router's settings. It's designed for guest networks and prevents devices connected to the WiFi from communicating with each other. Go to the router's web interface (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and check your wireless network settings.

• 📡 Make sure all devices are connected to the same SSID (network name).
• 🚫 Check that "AP Isolation" or "Client Isolation" is disabled.
• 🔌 Try reconnecting to the network by selecting "Forget network" and re-entering the password.

⚠️ Note: Some modern routers use "Smart Connect" technology, combining the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands under a single name. In rare cases, this can cause problems with older network cards. Try separating the networks in your router settings and connecting all computers to the same frequency.

You can use the command line for diagnostics. Click Win + R, enter cmd and press Enter. Enter the command ping [IP address of another computer]If you see the response "Timeout exceeded," there's no physical or logical connection (there's a problem with your firewall or profile). If you see packets with the response "Reply from...," the network is working, and the problem lies with the game settings.

Using network emulators (Hamachi, Radmin VPN)

If a direct connection via WiFi cannot be established due to hardware or provider limitations, you can use programs to create a virtual local area network. Radmin VPN or ZeroTier create a secure tunnel that appears to games as a regular LAN connection, even if the computers are physically located in different places.

These programs are especially useful when standard methods fail due to WiFi adapter drivers. Install the program on all computers, create a network, set a password, and connect. In the game, select the "Local Area Network" (LAN) connection type, not "Internet."

The advantage of such solutions is that they bypass most firewall issues by creating a virtual adapter that the system treats as trusted. However, it's important to note that this method adds a small amount of latency (ping) because traffic passes through the intermediary's servers.

Which LAN emulation program should I choose: Hamachi or Radmin?

Hamachi is a classic, but the free version is limited to 5 users and can generate high ping. Radmin VPN is completely free, has no user limit, and often offers a more stable experience for gaming. ZeroTier is a more professional solution with flexible settings, but requires account registration. For simple WiFi gaming, Radmin VPN is best.

Why does the game crash when a second player connects?

This may be due to insufficient WiFi channel resources or a DirectX version conflict. Try lowering the game's graphics settings. Also, make sure all PCs have the same version of the game installed and all necessary system libraries (Visual C++ Redistributable).

Is it possible to play over a local network if one PC is connected via cable and the other via WiFi?

Yes, this is possible if both devices are connected to the same router and are on the same subnet. Configuring profiles and the firewall in this case is similar to the instructions described above for a wireless connection.