Creating a local network between wirelessly connected devices is a basic task for sharing files or printers. Unlike a wired connection, Wi-Fi requires more careful security and device discovery settings so that computers can "see" each other. Modern operating systems, such as Windows 10 and 11, have built-in tools, but their operation often depends on proper router settings.
The main difficulty is that by default the system considers public networks to be potentially dangerous and blocks incoming connections. Local area network This feature won't work if the network profile is set to "Public." You need to change this status to "Private," which will open ports for data exchange. Without this step, any further folder sharing will be useless.
It's also important to understand that connection stability directly depends on the router's signal quality. If you plan to transfer large amounts of data or work with multimedia, make sure all computers are within range of a strong signal. 802.11ac or newer.
Checking router settings and IP addressing
Before configuring the operating system, you need to make sure that the router is correctly assigning addresses to all connected devices. A local area network is built on the basis of a protocol. TCP/IP, and each computer must receive a unique address within the same subnet. Routers typically use a range 192.168.0.x or 192.168.1.xIf devices are on different subnets, they will not be able to exchange data even if they have a Wi-Fi connection.
Check if the feature is enabled DHCP in your router settings. This is what automatically assigns IP addresses to connected devices. In rare cases where a static IP is required, addresses are assigned manually, but for a home network, it's best to rely on automatic assignment to avoid conflicts.
⚠️ Attention: Some router models have a feature called "AP Isolation." When enabled, devices connected via Wi-Fi are unable to see each other and can only access the internet. This option must be disabled in your wireless network settings.
You can use the command line to check your current IP address and gateway. Enter the command ipconfig and find the line "Default gateway"—this is your router's address, and "IPv4 address" is the address of a specific computer. Make sure the first three numbers in the address are the same for all computers.
What to do if the addresses do not match?
If one computer has the address 192.168.1.5 and the other has 192.168.0.12, they are on different networks. You need to either reconnect to the correct Wi-Fi network or reset the network settings on the router so that DHCP assigns the correct addresses again.
Setting up a network profile in Windows
The Windows operating system strictly separates network types for security purposes. When you first connect to Wi-Fi, the system often defaults to the "Public Network" profile, which hides your computer from other devices. To start sharing files, you need to switch to the "Private Network" profile.
You can do this through the settings panel. Go to the menu Start → Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-FiClick the name of your current wireless network and select the "Private" profile type. The system will then allow the device to be discovered on the network.
In older versions of Windows or when using specific Group Policy settings, the path may differ. In this case, use the Control Panel: go to Control Panel → Network and Sharing CenterThere you will see the active connection and be able to change its profile.
After changing the profile, it is recommended to restart the computer to allow discovery services to update their status on the local network. This is especially important for Windows 10 and 11, where network settings caching can be aggressive.
Enabling network discovery
The next critical step is enabling discovery services. Even with the correct network profile, data sharing may be disabled manually or by system policies. You'll need to access advanced sharing settings.
To do this, in the Network and Sharing Center, select "Change advanced sharing settings." Here you'll see three profiles: private, guest, and all networks. We're interested in the "Private (current profile)" section.
Enable the following options:
- 📡 Enable network discovery
- 📁 Enable file and printer sharing
- 🔐 Allow Windows to manage HomeGroup connections (if applicable)
We also recommend enabling "Turn off password-protected sharing" in the "All Networks" section if you want to simplify access within a trusted home network. However, if security is your top priority, leave password protection enabled and create identical accounts on all computers.
Expanding folders and drives for sharing
Once you've configured your network settings, you can start sharing resources. You can share a single folder or an entire drive. To get started, create a folder whose files you want to share with other users, or select an existing one.
Right-click the folder, select "Properties," and go to the "Sharing" tab. Click "Advanced" and check "Share this folder." Then click "Permissions."
In the Permissions window, you can set permissions for the "Everyone" group or a specific user. Typically, granting "Full Control," "Modify," and "Read" permissions is sufficient. This will allow other users not only to open files but also to write new ones or delete old ones.
☑️ Checking folder settings
There's also a "Security" tab in the folder's properties. Sometimes access is allowed, but the system blocks access due to NTFS file system restrictions. Make sure the "Everyone" user with the appropriate permissions appears in the list of groups and users on the "Safe" tab.
Comparison of connection methods
There are several ways to organize data exchange, and the choice depends on your needs. You can use built-in Windows tools, third-party software, or cloud services. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Below is a table comparing the main methods of organizing local interaction:
| Method | Speed | Difficulty of setup | Internet addiction |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMB (Shared Folder) | High (up to 50 MB/s) | Average | No |
| RDP (Remote Desktop) | Average | High | No |
| Cloud (Google Drive) | Depends on the channel | Low | Yes |
| FTP server | High | High | No |
For most home tasks, the optimal option remains to use the protocol SMB via shared folders. It's built into the system, requires no additional software, and provides direct data transfer over Wi-Fi.
If you need to control the desktop of another computer, it is better to use the protocol RDP or programs like TeamViewer, but they are already related to remote control, and not just to network file sharing.
Connecting a network printer
One of the most useful features of a local network is the ability to share a single printer across all computers. If the printer is connected to one PC via USB, it can be shared with the rest of the network.
On the computer to which the printer is physically connected, go to "Devices and Printers." Right-click the desired printer, select "Printer properties," and go to the "Sharing" tab. Check the "Share this printer" box and give it a meaningful network name.
On other computers, open "Devices and Printers" and click "Add a Printer." The system should automatically find the network printer. If the search doesn't return any results, select "The printer I want isn't listed" and manually specify the path, for example: \\ComputerName\PrinterName.
⚠️ Attention: The computer to which the printer is physically connected must be turned on for other users to be able to print. If this computer is turned off, the print queue will freeze.
Also, make sure the host computer has drivers installed for all versions of Windows used on the network. In the printer properties window, on the "Advanced" tab, there's an "Additional Drivers" button where you can download files for 32-bit or 64-bit systems.
Diagnostics and problem solving
Even with proper configuration, errors can still occur. Computers may not be able to see each other, or access may be blocked by antivirus software. First, check if the "Function Discovery Resource Publishing" service is enabled.
Click Win + R, enter services.msc and find the services related to Network Discovery in the list. Make sure they are running and the startup type is set to "Automatic."
Firewalls and antiviruses are often the problem. If you use a third-party antivirus (Kaspersky, ESET, Avast), its built-in firewall may be blocking your local network. Try temporarily disabling network protection or adding your Wi-Fi network to the trusted list in your antivirus settings.
It's also worth checking the DNS service. Sometimes computer names don't resolve to IP addresses. Try manually entering DNS servers in the IPv4 protocol properties: 8.8.8.8 And 8.8.4.4, although for a local network the correct operation of the DHCP router is more important.
Why can't computers see each other on the network?
Most often, the problem lies with the "Public" network profile or a disabled discovery service. Also, check that all PCs are in the same workgroup (usually WORKGROUP) and have different names.
How to find out the IP address of another computer?
Ask the owner of the second PC to enter the command in the command line (cmd) ipconfigYou're interested in the IPv4 address line. You can also find the address in the router interface's list of connected clients.
Is internet required for a local network to function?
No, the local network works regardless of whether you have access to the global network. The main thing is that the router is turned on and broadcasting a Wi-Fi signal, connecting devices together.
Is it safe to share without a password?
On a home network where all devices are trusted, this is acceptable. However, if neighbors or strangers can connect to your Wi-Fi, it's best to enable password protection or create a guest network for visitors.