Creating a local area network (LAN) between two computers without the use of unnecessary wires is a task that only seems difficult at first glance. In the age of cloud storage and instant messaging, many forget that direct file exchange via local network It's often faster, more secure, and doesn't require internet access. It's the ideal solution for transferring gigabytes of data, collaborating on projects, or setting up a game server within a single apartment.
Modern operating systems like Windows 10 and 11 have built-in tools for implementing this feature, but they are often disrupted by security updates or incorrect router settings. You don't need to be a system administrator to establish a connection, but you will need to carefully navigate several configuration steps. The main goal is to ensure that devices "see" each other in the network environment and allow data exchange.
In this article, we'll cover all the details: from checking basic Wi-Fi settings to setting access rights to specific folders. We'll eliminate unnecessary complications and focus on proven methods that work in most home and office scenarios. If you're willing to spend 15 minutes, you can forget about flash drives for transferring movies or documents between PCs.
Equipment requirements and preliminary preparation
Before moving on to software configuration, you need to ensure that the physical infrastructure is ready for operation. The foundation of your network will be Wi-Fi router, to which both computers must be connected. It doesn't matter whether you use built-in wireless modules in laptops or external USB adapters on desktop computers; the main thing is a stable signal.
A critical condition is that both devices are in the same subnetsThis means they must be connected to the same wireless interface on the router. If you have a dual-band router broadcasting both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, make sure both PCs are connected to one of them, or that the client isolation feature is enabled on the router (which, however, should be disabled more often).
⚠️ Attention: Some ISPs or router settings may enable the "Wi-Fi Client Isolation" feature. If this option is enabled, devices connected via wireless network will not be able to see each other, even if they are in the same group. Check the wireless security settings in the router interface.
It's also worth knowing your computers' IP addresses in advance or making sure they receive them automatically. For a stable home network, it's best to use dynamic address assignment via DHCP server router, but if there are frequent failures, you can enter static addresses manually.
- 📡 Two computers with working Wi-Fi adapters.
- 📶 One working wireless router with access to the admin panel.
- 🔌 The same workgroup names on both computers (WORKGROUP by default).
- 🔐 Known login credentials (login and password) for logging in to both PCs.
Make sure both computers have up-to-date network card drivers installed. Network visibility issues often occur because Windows installs a default driver that doesn't handle discovery protocols correctly.
Configuring network settings in Windows
After checking the hardware, we move on to the operating system. The first step is to set the network profile to "Private Network." By default, Windows considers new connections public and blocks the device's visibility to protect it from prying eyes. We need to tell the system that we're in a secure home environment.
Open "Settings" from the Start menu and go to "Network & Internet." Select "Wi-Fi" and click the name of your current connection. In the window that opens, find the network profile switch and set it to "Private." This will make your computer visible to other devices and enable discovery services.
Next, you need to check the workgroup name. Although this requirement has become less stringent in modern versions of Windows 10 and 11 thanks to new discovery protocols, matching workgroup names is still a good practice and eliminates many potential errors. By default, the system uses the name WORKGROUP.
To check or change the name, right-click "This PC," select "Properties," and find the "Advanced system settings" link. In the window that opens, go to the "Computer Name" tab and click "Change." Here you'll see the PC name and workgroup name. Make sure the workgroup name is spelled the same on both computers (case isn't important).
☑️ Check network settings
It's also important to ensure network discovery is enabled. Go to Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change advanced sharing settings. In the "Private" profile, "Turn on network discovery" and "Turn on file and printer sharing" should be enabled.
Configuring resource sharing
Now that the computers "see" the network, you need to grant them access to specific data. You can share entire drives, individual folders, or even connected printers. Windows permissions are built at both the NTFS file system and network sharing levels, so you need to check the settings in both places.
Select the folder you want to share with the second computer. Right-click it, select "Properties," and go to the "Sharing" tab. Click "Advanced." Check "Share this folder" and click "Permissions."
In the list of groups and users, select "Everyone" (or add a specific user on a second computer) and set the necessary permissions. For simple file sharing, "Read" and "Modify" permissions are sufficient. If you want files to be viewed but not deleted, leave only "Read" permissions.
⚠️ Attention: If you grant access to system folders or the root of a drive, exercise extreme caution. Granting full permissions to modify system files can lead to operating system instability or data vulnerability if one of the network nodes is compromised.
There's also a "Security" tab in the folder's properties. Make sure a user or group with read/write permissions is present there. It's common for network access to be open, but NTFS permissions block access. This is a common error that's easy to overlook.
What to do if the folder won't open?
If you see an error when trying to access the computer, check whether your antivirus or firewall is blocking the connection. Try temporarily disabling your third-party antivirus to test this. Also, make sure you've entered the correct password for the account on the first computer on the second PC.
The procedure is similar for printers: go to "Devices and Printers", right-click on the desired device, select "Printer properties" → the "Sharing" tab and check the "Share this printer" box.
Comparison of connection methods: HomeGroup and classic sharing
Different versions of Windows have used different approaches to networking. Users often get confused by the terms, especially after Microsoft deprecated the HomeGroup feature in Windows 10 version 1803. Understanding the differences will help you avoid searching for instructions that don't work.
Previously, HomeGroup allowed you to quickly create a network with shared access to photos, videos, and documents, protected by a single password. This method has now been replaced by classic sharing using Microsoft account passwords or local accounts. This is more secure, but requires a bit more setup.
Below is a table comparing the main characteristics of the methods for organizing communication between PCs, so you can understand which approach is used in your system.
| Characteristic | HomeGroup (Obsolete) | Classic Public Access | OneDrive / Cloud |
|---|---|---|---|
| Status in Windows 10/11 | Removed | Up to date and supported | Relevant |
| Internet addiction | Not required | Not required | Required |
| Transfer speed | High (local) | High (local) | Depends on the tariff |
| Security | Medium (common password) | High (accounts) | High (encryption) |
Today, we use the classic method with access rights settings. It gives you complete control over who can do what with your files. Furthermore, this method is universal and works across different versions of Windows, and often allows you to connect from Linux or macOS if the SMB protocol is configured correctly.
Finding computers and troubleshooting visibility issues
It often happens that all the settings are correct, but in the network environment (\\network) computers aren't displayed. This doesn't mean the network is down. Windows 10 and 11 often hide computers from the discovery list to speed up performance, but direct access via IP address still works.
To connect to another computer, you need to know its IP address. Click Win + R, enter cmd and in the black command prompt window, enter ipconfigFind the line "IPv4 address"—it's a set of numbers like 192.168.1.XX. Write this address down.
On the second computer, open File Explorer and in the address bar, enter two backslashes and the IP address of the first computer, for example: \\192.168.1.55Press Enter. If the settings are correct, the system will ask for a username and password. Enter the credentials for the account on the first computer (the one you shared the folder with).
- 🔍 Check the Function Discovery Resource Publishing service - it should be running.
- 🛡️ Make sure your firewall allows private network connections.
- 🔄 Restarting the router often solves problems with IP address assignment.
If you encounter an error when entering your password, check that the account password isn't blank. The default Windows security policy prevents network logins with blank passwords. Either set a password or (not recommended) change the security policy in Local Policies.
Organizing access to a printer over a network
A situation where the printer is connected to a single computer (or directly to the router), but printing is needed from both, deserves special attention. Network printing is one of the most commonly used features in the office and at home. Setting it up is similar to sharing folders, but there are some nuances to consider when using the drivers.
On the computer to which the printer is physically connected (the host computer), make sure it is shared. On the client computer, go to "Devices and Printers" and click "Add a printer." The system will begin searching. If the printer is found, simply select it. Windows will attempt to download the necessary drivers from the internet.
If the automatic search yields no results, select "The printer I want isn't listed" and specify the printer by name or IP address. You may need to manually launch the driver installer if the computers are running different operating systems (for example, one is running Windows 10, the other is running Windows 7).
⚠️ Attention: For successful network printing, the host computer must be turned on. If the printer is connected via USB to a laptop that you turn off or take with you, printing from the second computer will be impossible. In such cases, it's best to consider purchasing a printer with a built-in Wi-Fi module.
To check for proper functionality, print a test page. If the document is queued but not printed, try clearing the print queue and restarting the print spooler service (Print Spooler) on both devices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect two computers directly without a router?
Yes, this is possible by creating a wireless ad-hoc network or using direct Wi-Fi if the adapters support Wi-Fi Direct technology. However, in Windows 10/11, creating an ad-hoc network through the graphical interface is hidden and requires using the command line (netsh wlan), which is more complex than using a router.
Why am I asked for a password when accessing a folder even though I'm on my network?
This is standard security behavior. Even on a local network, Windows requires authentication. You need to enter the username and password of the user on the computer whose resources you're accessing. If the user accounts on both computers are identical (the same username and password), login may occur automatically.
How to increase file transfer speed over Wi-Fi?
Speed depends on the Wi-Fi standard (n, ac, ax) and interference. For maximum speed, ensure both devices are operating in the 5 GHz band, using an 80 MHz channel, and have a direct line of sight to the router. A wired connection (Ethernet) will always be faster and more stable than a wireless one.
Is it safe to keep sharing enabled all the time?
If you're on a trusted home network with a strong Wi-Fi password (WPA2/WPA3), the risks are minimal. However, if outsiders might connect to your Wi-Fi, it's best to disable network discovery or use a guest network. Always use strong passwords for user accounts.