Organizing data exchange between devices within a single room often becomes an urgent need for users, be it a home office or a small company. Creation local network Wirelessly transferring files, playing online games, or using shared resources like printers and folders allows you to instantly share files, without the need for additional cables. Windows 10 offers flexible tools for this purpose, although the security settings interface can sometimes be confusing for inexperienced users.
Unlike wired connections, where you just plug in a cable, wireless environment Requires a thorough review of security settings and the correct configuration of access profiles. Configuration errors often result in computers simply not "seeing" each other, despite connecting to the same access point. In this article, we'll cover all the nuances, from basic checks to fine-tuning group policies.
To successfully implement the plan you will need Wi-Fi router, operating normally, and at least two computers running Windows 10. It's important to understand that the data transfer speed on a local network will directly depend on the quality of the radio signal and the standard supported by your wireless adapter. Therefore, before beginning work, it's important to ensure the connection is stable.
Checking basic connection parameters
The first and most critical step is to ensure the physical connection layer. All computers you plan to connect must be connected to the same Wi-Fi networkIf you have a dual-band router broadcasting both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, make sure the devices are on the same segment, although modern routers usually route traffic between bands correctly.
The next step is to check the assigned IP addresses. In a local network, each device must have a unique address within a single subnet. Typically, the router automatically assigns addresses via the protocol. DHCP, but sometimes a manual check is required. To do this, open the command prompt by entering cmd in the Start menu, and use the command ipconfigFind the line "IPv4 address": it should look something like 192.168.1.X or 192.168.0.X, where X is a unique number for each PC.
You also need to ensure that the network profile in Windows is set to "Private" and not "Public." By default, the system hides your computer from detection by other devices for security reasons when using a public profile. You can switch the network type through the Wi-Fi settings in the system tray or under "Network & Internet" in the system settings.
If the addresses are in different subnets (for example, 192.168.1.5 and 192.168.0.5), the computers won't be able to communicate with each other without complex routing. In this case, the easiest solution is to reboot the router or reset the network adapter to restore the correct settings.
Setting up network discovery and sharing
After confirming the physical connection, you need to allow the operating system to see other devices and be visible to you. To do this, go to "Control Panel" → "Network and Internet" → "Network and Sharing Center." In the left menu, select "Change advanced sharing settings."
Here you'll see the "Private" and "Guest or Public" profiles. Expand the "Private" tab and toggle "Turn on network discovery." Also, check "Turn on automatic configuration of connecting network devices." This will allow Windows to automatically open the necessary ports in the firewall.
☑️ Access setup checklist
Next, you need to configure file and printer sharing settings. Select "Turn on file and printer sharing." Without this option, even if the computer is visible on the network, attempts to access resources will fail. At the bottom of the window, you'll find the "All Networks" settings, where it's recommended to enable sharing so devices can read data from shared folders.
⚠️ Attention: Enabling passwordless sharing on public networks (such as cafes and airports) makes your data vulnerable. Only use this mode on trusted home networks.
Be sure to click the "Save Changes" button at the bottom of the page, otherwise all changes will be ignored by the system after you close the window. After this, we recommend restarting your computer for all network policies to apply.
Creating a shared folder for data exchange
Now that the network infrastructure is ready, you need to determine what data will be accessible to other users. The easiest way to do this is to create a new folder on the disk, for example, calling it "Shared," and configure special access rights for it. Right-click the folder, select "Properties," and go to the "Sharing" tab.
Click the "Advanced Setup" button and select the "Share this folder" checkbox. In the permissions list, you can add users or the "Everyone" group and assign them "Read" (view only) or "Modify" (full control, including file deletion) permissions. For a home network, the "Everyone" group, with full permissions, is often selected for convenience.
| Permission type | Description of action | Recommended use |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | The user can open and copy files | Photo archives, music, documents |
| Change | Full access: write, edit, delete | Working projects, general downloads |
| Full access | Enables folder permissions management | For administrators only |
| Special rights | Flexible customization of individual operations | Corporate environments |
There's also a simplified method via the "Sharing" tab in the folder properties, where you can select a user from the drop-down list and click "Add." This method is less flexible, but more intuitive for beginners. After setting permissions, the system may warn you about enabling network discovery—accept this prompt.
How to hide a shared folder from prying eyes?
You can add a dollar sign ($) to the end of a folder name when creating a share (e.g., Data$). This folder will be hidden during normal network access but accessible directly via the path \\IP address\Data$.
Mapping a network drive and accessing it via IP
To avoid searching for the shared folder each time through "Network Places," it's easiest to map it as a network drive. To do this, open "This PC," right-click an empty space, and select "Map network drive." In the "Folder" field, enter the path to the resource in the following format: \\Computer-IP-Address\Folder_Name.
Using an IP address instead of a computer name often solves name resolution issues on small networks without a DNS server configured. If the system prompts you for credentials, enter the username and password for the user account on the computer where the folder is located. Checking the "Remember credentials" box will save you from having to re-enter them each time you reboot.
If the connection is successful, a new drive with the specified letter will appear in "My Computer." It will work just like a regular hard drive. You'll be able to run files directly from it or copy data at high speed, limited only by your computer's processing power. Wi-Fi channel.
Solving common access problems and errors
Even with proper configuration, users often encounter situations where computers can't see each other or access is denied. One of the most common causes is a disabled "Function Discovery Resource Publishing" service. Check its status by entering "Services" in the search bar, finding this item, and ensuring it's running with the startup type set to "Automatic."
Another common issue is connection blocking by antivirus software or Windows Firewall. If you're confident your network is secure, try temporarily disabling your third-party antivirus software to test it. Also, make sure Network Discovery is enabled for private networks in your Windows Firewall settings.
⚠️ Attention: Windows 10 settings interfaces may vary depending on the build version (Home, Pro, Enterprise) and installed updates. Some items may have different names or be relocated.
Sometimes resetting network settings via the command prompt with administrator rights helps. Run the following commands in sequence. netsh winsock reset And netsh int ip reset, and then be sure to restart your computer. This will clear the DNS cache and reset the TCP/IP protocol stack to factory defaults.
Local interaction security
By sharing files, you potentially expand your attack surface. Using complex passwords for local accounts is highly discouraged if there are devices on the network without an on-screen keyboard (such as media players), but leaving passwordless logins in plain sight is also dangerous. The best option is to create a separate local user with read-only permissions for guest access.
If you're using Windows 10 Home, you won't have access to the Group Policy Editor, which allows you to disable the older SMBv1 protocol, which is considered vulnerable. In such cases, you should closely monitor system security updates. SMBv1 It is better to disable it, as ransomware viruses are often spread through it.
For increased security, you can also disable the "Network Discovery" feature when file sharing isn't required by switching your network profile to "Public." This will hide your computer from other devices within Wi-Fi range, even if they're in your home.
Why can't my computer see other devices on the network?
Most often, the problem lies with the network profile. If Windows considers your network "Public," it blocks discovery. Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Manage known networks, select your network, and change the profile to "Private." Also, check if the "Discovery Provider Host" service is enabled.
How do I find out the IP address of another computer on the network?
On the target computer, press Win+R, enter cmd, then the command ipconfigThe required line is "IPv4 address". Alternatively, you can enter in the command line arp -ato see a table of IP and MAC addresses of all devices your PC has recently contacted.
Is it possible to create a local network if there is no router?
Yes, you can create a computer-to-computer (Ad-Hoc) network using built-in Windows tools or the Mobile Hotspot feature. One laptop distributes Wi-Fi, and the other connects to it. However, the speed and stability of this connection will be lower than with a full-fledged router.
Why is the SMB protocol needed and which version should I choose?
SMB (Server Message Block) is a protocol responsible for file and printer sharing. Windows 10 uses SMBv2 and SMBv3 by default, which are more secure and faster. SMBv1 is outdated and full of vulnerabilities; it should be disabled in Windows components unless the network contains very old devices (such as Windows XP or older multifunction printers) that require it.