Creating a local area network (LAN) within an apartment or house is a fundamental step for those who want to overcome the limitations of cloud storage and gain direct access to files, printers, and media libraries from any device. Windows 10 This process has undergone significant changes compared to previous versions, especially with the deprecation of the HomeGroup feature. Users now have to navigate advanced sharing and security settings, which often causes confusion for inexperienced PC owners.
The main difficulty is that by default, the system is configured for maximum protection, hiding the computer from detection on public networks. For devices to "see" each other via the Wi-Fi router, you need to change the network profile and activate a number of services. Correct configuration This will allow you to not only exchange documents between your laptop and desktop computer, but also stream video to your TV or connect a network printer without the hassle of wires.
In this article, we'll walk you through the entire process in detail: from changing your network type to fine-tuning SMB protocols and checking your firewall. You'll learn how to avoid common mistakes like seeing one computer but not the other, and how to ensure stable wireless data transfer speeds. The key is to synchronize workgroup names and use the same encryption protocols on all nodes.
Preparing equipment and checking the connection to the router
Before delving into the depths of Windows settings, you need to ensure that the physical connection is set up correctly. All computers that need to be part of the local network must be connected to the same router. This can be either a wired connection via Ethernet cable or a wireless connection using the standard Wi-Fi 802.11ac or newer.
Make sure each device has the latest network card driver installed. Network visibility issues are often caused by outdated software that doesn't correctly process multicast packets required for device discovery. Go to Device Manager and check for exclamation marks next to your network adapters.
It's also important to ensure that all devices are on the same subnet. The router usually assigns IP addresses automatically via DHCP, but if you have static addressing, make sure the first three octets of the addresses match (e.g., 192.168.1.x).
- 📶 Make sure all PCs are connected to the same SSID (name) of the router's Wi-Fi network.
- 🔌 Check the integrity of the cables if you are using a wired connection for desktop PCs.
- 💡 Reboot your router to clear any possible ARP table errors.
- 📝 Write down the IP addresses of your devices or reserve them in your router settings for convenience.
⚠️ Important: If your router supports the "Guest Network" feature, do not connect computers that should be on the same local network to it. Guest mode isolates clients from each other for security purposes.
Changing the network profile to "Private Network"
The most critical step in setup is changing the network profile. When you first connect to a new Wi-Fi network, Windows 10 assigns the "Public" profile by default. In this mode, the system blocks incoming connections and hides your computer from detection, thinking you're in a cafe or airport.
For a home network, you need to switch the profile to "Private." This action makes the computer visible to other devices and opens the necessary ports for file sharing protocols. Without this step, any further sharing operations will be useless.
To do this, go to Settings → Network & Internet → StatusIn the "Properties" section, click the "Properties" button under the active connection. In the window that opens, select the "Private" radio button. The system will now consider this Wi-Fi network trusted.
Repeat this procedure on all computers that need to participate in data exchange. If even one device remains in the "Public" profile, it will not be able to initiate connections to other computers, although it may theoretically be visible depending on firewall settings.
Configuring Sharing and Discovery Settings
After changing your network profile, you need to enable discovery features. Windows 10 has a centralized control center for these settings. Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center and select "Change advanced sharing settings" on the left.
Here you'll see three profiles: Private, Guest or Public, and All Networks. We're interested in the "Private (Current Profile)" section. This is where the switches for PC visibility and file access are located. Network discovery and file and printer sharing should be enabled.
It's also worth paying attention to the "All Networks" section. Here you'll find an important option called "Password-protected sharing." If you select "Disable," anyone who connects to your Wi-Fi will be able to access your shared folders without a password. This is convenient for home use, but unsafe. If you leave it "Enable," the system will prompt for the username and password of the user account on the target computer when attempting to access.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Impact on the network |
|---|---|---|
| Network discovery | Turn on | The PC becomes visible in the list of devices |
| File sharing | Turn on | Allows reading/writing data from other PCs |
| Password protection | On/Off (depending on the situation) | Requires authorization to access resources |
| Connecting a HomeGroup | Allow | Used for legacy compatibility features |
☑️ Sharing setup checklist
Advanced configuration of the SMB protocol and services
A common issue in Windows 10 is incompatibility between SMB (Server Message Block) protocol versions. Microsoft disabled support for the legacy SMBv1 protocol for security reasons, but some older NAS devices or printers may require it. However, for communication between modern PCs, it's important to ensure that SMBv2 and SMBv3 are enabled.
In addition, the service is responsible for detecting computers on the network. Function Discovery Resource PublicationIn some Windows builds, this service is disabled by default, which results in a situation where the ping works, but the computer doesn't show up in the "Network" section. You need to start this service and set the startup type to "Automatic."
To check the status of SMB protocols, use PowerShell. Launch the Command Prompt as administrator and enter the following command to check the status:
Get-SmbServerConfiguration | Select EnableSMB1Protocol, EnableSMB2ProtocolIf you want to enable resource publishing, run the command:
Set-ItemProperty -Path"HKLM:\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\FDResPub" -Name Start -Value 2⚠️ Note: Service interfaces and names may vary slightly between Windows 10 updates (e.g., 21H2 and 22H2). Always consult official Microsoft documentation if the standard paths don't work.
Should I enable SMBv1?
Enabling SMBv1 is highly discouraged due to vulnerabilities (such as WannaCry). Only do this if you have very old equipment (such as an MFP from 2008) that can't operate otherwise, and isolate this network from the internet.
Opening ports and configuring a firewall
Even with proper sharing settings, the built-in Windows Defender firewall may block connections. The system must allow incoming connections for the "Private" and "Domain" profiles. The primary ports used for file sharing are TCP 445, 139, and UDP 137, 138.
Typically, when you switch to the "Private" profile, the firewall automatically creates the necessary rules. However, if you're using a third-party antivirus (Kaspersky, ESET, Avast), it may be taking over network control. In this case, you'll need to look for rules in the antivirus interface, not in the standard Windows firewall.
To troubleshoot, you can temporarily disable your firewall (only on private networks!) and check if access is restored. If so, the problem lies with the filtering rules. Don't leave your firewall disabled permanently, as this creates a security hole.
- 🛡️ Make sure the "Private Network" profile is active in your firewall.
- 🔍 Make sure the "File and Printer Sharing" rule is allowed.
- 🚫 Third-party firewalls may block local connections without warning.
- ✅ When using an antivirus, configure the network as "Trusted" in its interface.
Accessing and troubleshooting shared folders
Once the technical part is set up, all that's left is to grant access to specific data. Create a folder, right-click on it, and select Properties → Access → Advanced settingsCheck the "Share" box and click "Permissions," adding the "Everyone" group with read and edit permissions.
Don't forget to also go to the "Security" tab and ensure that the "Everyone" user or group has read and execute permissions. It often happens that network access is allowed, but NTFS file system permissions block access.
To connect to a folder on another PC, open “This PC,” click “Map network drive,” and enter the path in the following format: \\Computer_Name\Folder or \\192.168.1.XX\FolderUsing an IP address is often more reliable, as it does not depend on the DNS service on the local network.
Why is the computer visible, but when I log in it requires a password, even though I didn’t set one?
This happens if password protection is enabled and the target PC doesn't have a user with the same login and password as your current device. Solution: Either create identical accounts, disable password protection in the Network and Sharing Center, or enter the target PC's administrator login and password.
How to set up a network if the router distributes different subnets (Dual Band)?
Modern routers can separate the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands into different subnets. Ensure that AP Isolation is disabled in your router settings and that both bands are operating in bridged or single LAN mode.
Is it possible to connect PCs with Windows 7 and Windows 10 into one network?
Yes, but this will likely require enabling SMBv1 support on Windows 10, which reduces security. It's better to configure static IP addresses and use a direct IP connection, bypassing automatic discovery.