Creating a stable and fast local network in a modern apartment or small office is no longer the preserve of system administrators. Local area network Not only does it allow you to share files between computers, but it also enables document printing from any device, media streaming to TVs, and centralized smart home control. The operating system Windows 10 This process has undergone significant changes compared to previous versions, which often causes difficulties for users.
The main node of your infrastructure is WiFi router, which acts as an IP address distributor and default gateway. Proper configuration of this device is the foundation without which further software configuration on computers is pointless. Errors during the physical connection or basic router setup can result in computers seeing the internet but "ignoring" each other on the local network.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the entire process in detail: from checking the physical connection to fine-tuning access rights through group policies. You'll learn how to make Windows 10 stop treating your home network as public and unsafe, and instead turn it into a trusted space for data exchange. The key is to synchronize the workgroup and disable power saving features on network adapters.
Checking the physical connection and basic router configuration
Before delving into the depths of operating system settings, you need to make sure that the hardware is in good working order. Wireless network The network must be organized so that all devices are in the same broadcast domain. This means that all computers you plan to connect must be connected to the same router, regardless of whether they use WiFi or Ethernet cable.
Go to your router's web interface by entering the gateway address in your browser (usually it's 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1). Make sure the function DHCP servers DHCP is active. This service automatically assigns unique IP addresses to each connected device. If DHCP is disabled, you'll have to manually assign addresses to each PC, which increases the risk of errors and address conflicts.
⚠️ Note: Some ISPs provide routers with blocked access to LAN ports between clients (client isolation). If you are unable to configure the network, contact your ISP's technical support or replace the equipment with your own.
It's also worth checking the frequency range. Modern routers operate in the following ranges: 2.4 GHz And 5 GHzTo ensure maximum compatibility and transfer speeds for large files, it's advisable for all devices to be connected to the same frequency, preferably 5 GHz if the distance to the router is short. Dual-band routers can create two different networks, and devices on different bands may sometimes "not see" each other due to isolation settings.
Changing the network profile to private
When you first connect to a new network, Windows 10 assigns it the "Public" profile by default. In this mode, the system minimizes your computer's visibility to other devices for security reasons. To use the local network, you must change this status to "Private."
To do this, click the network icon in the system tray (near the clock) and select "Properties" under the name of your WiFi network. In the settings window that opens, find the "Network Profile" section and switch the radio button to "Private." This will allow the system to discover your PC and allow file sharing.
- 🔒 The public profile blocks incoming connections and hides your PC from others.
- 🏠 The private profile opens ports for local communication and discovery.
- 🌐 The domain profile is used only in corporate networks with a domain controller.
If the network icon in Control Panel -> Network and Sharing Center displays a map with several unknown devices, then the profile has been changed correctly. If it says "Public Network," repeat the process. Sometimes you need to restart the network adapter using the command netsh interface set interface name="Wi-Fi" admin=disabled and subsequent inclusion.
Setting up sharing options
After changing the network profile, you need to enable specific services responsible for visibility and data exchange. Go to "Control Panel" -> "Network and Sharing Center" -> "Change advanced sharing settings." This is where you'll find the key switches required for the network to function.
In the "Private (Current Profile)" section, make sure "Turn on network discovery" and "Turn on file and printer sharing" are enabled. It's also recommended to check "Allow Windows to manage HomeGroup connections." These settings open the necessary ports in the Windows Firewall.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Network discovery | Turn on | Allows the PC to see other devices |
| File sharing | Turn on | Allows reading/writing files |
| Access to printers | Turn on | Provides access to local printers |
| Password-protected access | Disable (for home) | Simplifies login without entering username/password |
Disabling password protection significantly simplifies life on your home network, allowing you to access shared resources without constantly entering your login credentials. However, if you have strangers on your network or are concerned about your WiFi being hacked, it's best to leave this option enabled and create a separate user with limited rights to access shared folders.
☑️ Check access settings
Creating a shared folder and setting access rights
Now that the network layer is configured, you need to create a resource that other computers will use. Select the folder you want to share, right-click it, and select "Properties." The "Access" tab is the one you're looking for.
Click the "Advanced Settings" button and check the "Share this folder" box. Next, click "Permissions." Here you can fine-tune who can do what with files. For a home network, the "Everyone" group is often sufficient, granting full permissions (modify, read, and full control).
⚠️ Note: Granting full permissions to the "Everyone" group means anyone who connects to your WiFi will be able to delete or modify files in this folder. Use strong WiFi passwords.
It's also important to check the "Security" tab in the folder's properties. Even if you've enabled access through the "Sharing" tab, NTFS may block read access at the file system level. Add "Everyone" or a specific user to the group list and ensure that they have both read and execute permissions checked.
What to do if the folder is not visible?
If the folder is open but not visible on the network, try adding the path manually. Open File Explorer and enter \\computer-IP-address\Folder_Name in the address bar. If access is possible, the system will remember the path. Also, check the Function Discovery Resource Publishing service—it should be running.
Troubleshooting common computer visibility issues
It often happens that all the settings are correct, but the "Network" section in File Explorer is empty, or the computers can't see each other. In Windows 10, the SMB 1.0 service is responsible for detecting old and new protocols. Although Microsoft recommends disabling it due to vulnerabilities, it may be necessary in heterogeneous networks (with older PCs or NAS).
You can enable support via Control Panel -> Programs and Features -> Turn Windows features on or off. Find "SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support" in the list and enable both the client and server. A reboot is required afterward.
- 🛑 Check the Discovery Manager service - it should be running.
- 🛑 Make sure your antivirus isn't blocking local connections.
- 🛑 Make sure computer names are unique and written in Latin characters.
- 🛑 Make sure that all PCs are set to the same workgroup (usually WORKGROUP).
Another common issue is power-saving WiFi adapters. Windows may disable the module to save power, which interrupts the connection. Go to Device Manager, find your wireless adapter, open its properties, and in the Power Management tab, uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power."
Advanced Setup: Static IP and Hosts
For stable network operation, especially if you plan to connect to shared resources using IP addresses, it's recommended to assign addresses to devices. A dynamic IP address may change after a router reboot, causing file links to stop working. It's best to set up a static lease in the router itself, binding the IP address to the MAC address of the network card.
An alternative method is to edit the file hosts on each computer. This allows you to specify user-friendly names instead of numeric addresses. The file is located at C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hostsOpen it with Notepad as administrator and add lines like this:
192.168.1.50 media-server
192.168.1.51 office-pc
Now you can access resources by name, for example \\media-server, which is much more convenient and reliable. This is especially relevant for setting up a network-attached storage (NAS) or media server that needs to be accessible at all times.
How to reset network settings in Windows 10?
If all else fails, you can perform a hard reset. Go to Settings -> Network & Internet -> Status -> Network Reset. The system will remove all network adapters and restore factory settings. You will need to reboot and re-enter your WiFi password.
Why does the speed on my local network drop?
Speed may drop due to interference in the air (microwaves, neighboring routers), using the 802.11g/n standard instead of ac/ax, or because one of the clients is running in power-saving mode. Also, check for background downloads.
Is it possible to connect computers via the Internet?
Yes, this can be done using VPN technologies (such as Tailscale or ZeroTier) or by setting up port forwarding on your router (not recommended due to security risks). A local network via a router is the fastest and most secure option indoors.