How to Create a Local Area Network Between Two Computers via Wi-Fi in Windows 10: A Complete Guide

Creating a local network between two computers via Wi-Fi in Windows 10 It allows you to quickly share files, play online games, or share a printer without wires or additional equipment. However, many users encounter problems: the network is not detected, access to folders is blocked, or IP addresses conflict. In this article, we'll look at all the working methods—from the classic ad-hoc networks before the regime access points, and we'll also set up shared access without any unnecessary fuss.

It is important to understand that Windows 10 supports two main Wi-Fi connection scenarios: when one of the computers distributes the Internet (mode Hosted Network), and when both devices are connected directly to each other (mode Ad-Hoc). The choice of method depends on your needs: for temporary file exchange, Ad-Hoc, and for a permanent network with internet access, access point mode. We'll cover both options and address common issues with firewalls, drivers, and network discovery settings.

1. Methods for connecting two computers via Wi-Fi: which one to choose?

Before you begin setup, decide on your connection type. This will determine network stability and available features:

• 🔄 Ad-Hoc network — direct computer-to-computer connection without a router. Suitable for file sharing or online gaming, but does not provide internet access from the main PC.
• 📡 Access Point Mode (Hosted Network) One computer distributes Wi-Fi, which the other connects to. This allows internet sharing, but requires network card driver support.
• 🖥️💻 Via a router — Both computers are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. This is the most reliable method, but requires additional router configuration (disabling client isolation).

If you need Share the Internet from one PC to another and simultaneously provide access to shared folders, select access point mode. It's enough for temporary file sharing without internet access. Ad-HocIf both computers are already connected to the same router, simply set up shared access—this is the easiest option.

2. Preparing computers before setting up the network

Before creating a network, please complete the following mandatory preparatory steps: both computers:

Update your Wi-Fi adapter drivers | Disable antivirus firewalls | Make sure both PCs are in the same workgroup | Remember the computer names (right-click "This PC" → "Properties")

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Check first working group - Both computers must be in the same location. By default, Windows 10 This WORKGROUPYou can check it like this:

1. Click Win + R, enter sysdm.cpl and press Enter.
2. Go to the tab Computer name and make sure the workgroup matches.

⚠️ Attention: If computer names contain Cyrillic characters or spaces, some network functions may not work correctly. Use Latin characters and the underscore character (e.g., PC_1).

Also make sure that on both PCs network discovery is enabledTo do this:

1. Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center.
2. Select on the left Change advanced sharing options.
3. Turn on network discovery and file sharing for the profile Private.

3. Creating an Ad-Hoc network (direct connection without a router)

This method is suitable if you need to temporarily connect two computers. without internet accessFor example, to transfer files or launch an old online game.

On one of the computers (which will be host):

1. Open Command line as administrator (Win + X → Command Prompt (Administrator)).
2. Enter the command to create the network:

   netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid="MyAdHocNet" key="12345678" keyUsage=persistent

   Where MyAdHocNet — the network name, and 12345678 — password (minimum 8 characters).

3. Start the network with the command:

   netsh wlan start hostednetwork

On the second computer, connect to the created network MyAdHocNet via the standard Wi-Fi menu. Once connected, check the connection with the command ping:

1. Find out the IP address of the first computer (ipconfig (in the command line).
2. On the second PC, run ping [IP address] (For example, ping 192.168.137.1).

⚠️ Attention: If the team netsh wlan start hostednetwork gives an error Failed to start hosted network, update your Wi-Fi adapter driver or check support Hosted Network via command netsh wlan show drivers (look for the line Hosted network support: yes).

4. Setting up access point mode (with Internet access)

If you need to not only connect computers, but also share the Internet To connect from one PC to another, use access point mode. This method requires the primary PC to be connected to the internet via Ethernet or another Wi-Fi adapter.

Setup steps:

1. Create a hosted network (as in the previous section):

   netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid="MyHotspot" key="password123"

2. Run it:

   netsh wlan start hostednetwork

3. Open Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings.
4. Find an internet connection (eg. Ethernet), right-click → Properties → Access.
5. Check the box Allow other network users to share your Internet connection and select the created network (Local Area Connection* X).

On the second computer, connect to the network MyHotspotAfter this, check the internet access and the connection between the PCs with the command ping.

5. Setting up shared access to files and folders

After establishing the connection, all that remains is to configure public access to folders or disks. This can be done through the folder properties or using the tool Additional sharing options.

To share a folder:

1. Right-click on the folder → Properties → Access.
2. Click Share and select a user All (or a specific user).
3. Set the access level (Reading or Reading and writing).

To access a shared folder from another computer:

1. Open Conductor and enter in the address bar \\[IP address] or \\[computer_name].
2. When prompted for authorization, use the credentials of the user who shared the folder.

⚠️ Attention: If you receive an error when connecting to a shared folder Access denied, check the settings security in the folder properties (tab Security). Add a user All with rights Full access.

6. Solving typical problems with a local network

Even after proper setup, errors may still occur. Let's look at the most common ones:

• 🔌 Network without internet access — Check that sharing is enabled in the properties of the main connection (see Section 4). Also, make sure that the IP addresses of the computers are on the same subnet (e.g. 192.168.137.X).
• 🚫 Unable to connect to shared folder - disable the firewall Windows or add an exception for file sharing (Control Panel → Firewall → Allow interactions...).
• 🔄 The connection keeps dropping - Update your Wi-Fi adapter driver or reduce the distance between the devices. In mode Ad-Hoc Stability depends on the power of the adapters.

If computers cannot see each other on the network, run diagnostics:

1. On both PCs, check that it is enabled. network discovery (see section 2).
2. Make sure both devices are on the same working group.
3. Try connecting by IP address instead of computer name (eg. \\192.168.137.1).

7. Alternative connection methods (if Wi-Fi doesn't work)

If setting up via Wi-Fi is difficult, consider alternative options:

• 🔌 Direct Ethernet connection - connect the computers with a cable crossover (or a regular patch cord if the network cards support it) Auto MDI-X). The setup is similar to Wi-Fi, but without the driver issues.
• 📶 Using a router — connect both computers to the same Wi-Fi network and set up sharing. This method is more reliable. Ad-Hoc and supports the Internet.
• 💽 Transferring data via external storage — If you don't need the network constantly, it's easier to copy files to a flash drive or external SSD.

To connect via a router:

1. Make sure both computers are connected to the same network.
2. Turn it off isolation of clients in the router settings (usually in the section Wi-Fi → Additional settings).
3. Set up folder sharing (see section 5).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

@echo off
netsh wlan start hostednetwork
exit