How to set up a Wi-Fi network between two computers

Establishing local data exchange between two computers without the use of external drives is a challenge faced by many users. This allows for the rapid transfer of large files, the launch of online games, or the sharing of peripherals such as printers. Modern operating systems, particularly Windows 10 and 11, have built-in tools for this purpose, but setting them up often raises questions due to changing security policies.

There are several ways to establish a connection: through an existing wireless router, creating a virtual access point on one of the PCs, or a direct computer-to-computer connection (Ad-hoc). The choice of method depends on the availability of an active internet connection and equipment. In most cases, using a Wi-Fi router as a central hub remains the most stable and convenient option, even if the internet connection is temporarily down.

In this article, we'll detail the steps for all common scenarios. You'll learn how to properly change your network profile, configure sharing protocols, and troubleshoot common device visibility issues. Properly configured security settings will ensure your data is protected while you enjoy the speed of local transfers.

Selecting a topology and preparing equipment

Before starting software configuration, you need to decide on a connection scheme. If you have a working Wi-Fi router, both computers should be connected to the same wireless network. This is the classic infrastructure model, which ensures the best compatibility and speed. In this case, the router acts as a switch, routing packets between devices.

If your router is unavailable or faulty, you can use the "Mobile Hotspot" feature in Windows. One computer will broadcast Wi-Fi, while the other will connect to it as a regular access point. This method requires both devices to have working wireless adapters. It's important to understand that using a hotspot may result in slower speeds than a direct cable connection, but it's perfectly adequate for transferring documents and photos.

• 📡 Infrastructure mode: Both PCs are connected to the same router via Wi-Fi.
• 📶 Hotspot mode: One PC distributes the signal, the second connects as a client.
• 🔗 Direct connection (Ad-hoc): an outdated method that creates a computer-to-computer network without an access point.

Make sure both computers have the latest drivers for the wireless adapter. Network visibility issues are often caused by incorrect network stack functionality or outdated firmware versions from the chipset manufacturer. Check that the Wi-Fi indicator is lit and that available networks are visible in the connection list.

⚠️ Attention: When using public Wi-Fi networks in cafes or airports, the PC discovery feature should be disabled. A local network in public places exposes your data to potential attacks from other users of the same access point.

Setting up a network profile in Windows

The key to setting up local networking is the network profile type. By default, Windows assigns new connections to the "Public Network" profile, which hides your computer from other devices for security reasons. For home networking, you need to change this setting to "Private Network."

Changing the profile opens ports for discovery and file sharing protocols. Without this step, even with the correct sharing settings, the computers simply won't "see" each other in File Explorer. This procedure is performed separately on each connected computer.

To change the network type, go to the menu Start → Settings → Network & InternetIn the "Status" or "Wi-Fi" section, click the properties of your active connection. In the window that opens, find the network profile switcher and select "Private." The interface may differ slightly depending on your Windows version, but the logic remains the same.

After changing your profile, the system may ask you to confirm whether to allow device discovery. Accept the request. The operating system now considers you to be in a trusted environment, such as your home, and allows broader network interactions. This is a fundamental step, without which further configuration is pointless.

Enabling Sharing and Discoverability

The next step is fine-tuning the sharing settings. Windows provides flexible tools for managing which resources are available to other network users and how. We need to enable network discovery and file and printer sharing.

Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing CenterIn the left menu, select "Change advanced sharing settings." Here you'll see profiles for private, guest, and public networks. We're interested in the "Private (current profile)" section.

Enable the following options:

• 🔍 Enable network discovery: Allows the computer to see and be visible to other devices.
• 💾 Enable file and printer sharing: Allows access to shared folders.
• 🏠 Allow Windows to manage HomeGroup connections: optional, but useful for automation.

It's also worth paying attention to the "All Networks" section in the same menu. It's recommended to enable sharing here so that anyone on the network can access public folders. However, if you want to use password protection, make sure "Turn off password-protected sharing" is disabled if you trust everyone on the network, or enabled if authentication is required.

For home use, where all devices belong to the same family, it's often more convenient to disable password protection. This will allow you to open files without constantly entering your account login and password. If you decide to leave password protection enabled, you'll have to enter the remote computer's username and password every time you connect to its resources.

Expanding Shared Folders and Resources

After setting up the protocols, you need to determine what data will be accessible. You can share any folder on the disk, making it visible to the second computer. This is the most convenient way to organize file sharing.

Right-click the folder you want to share and select "Properties." Go to the "Sharing" tab and click "Advanced." Check the "Share this folder" box. In the "Permissions" section, you can fine-tune permissions: Full Control, Modify, or Read Only.

The nuances of NTFS access rights

Windows permissions consist of two levels: Share permissions and NTFS file system permissions. If access is denied at one level and allowed at another, the more restrictive denial takes precedence. For a home network, it's easiest to grant the "Everyone" group full permissions in both places to avoid confusion with "Access Denied" errors.

There's also the "Simple File Sharing" method, accessible via the "Sharing..." button in the folder's properties. It's easier to use: you select the "Everyone" user from the list and add them, setting the permission level. This method is preferred by beginners, as it minimizes the risk of misconfiguring security permissions.

Remember that to access a shared drive over the network, it must be located on a partition with the NTFS file system. If you're using the older FAT32 file system, your access control options will be severely limited. Also, make sure your antivirus software isn't blocking local connections, mistaking them for suspicious activity.

Connecting to a network resource

Once the settings on both computers are complete, you can begin connecting. If network discovery is working correctly, the computers should appear in the "Network" section of File Explorer. However, automatic discovery isn't always reliable, and manual address entry is often required.

To connect, open "My Computer" or "This PC." In the address bar of File Explorer, enter the second computer's IP address or network name. The syntax is as follows: \\192.168.1.5 or \\ComputerNameYou can find out the IP address by running the command line (cmd) on the target PC and entering the command ipconfig.

The first time you connect, the system may ask for your credentials. If you've disabled password protection, you should be logged in automatically. If password protection is enabled, enter the username and password of the user you want to use to log in to the remote computer. For continued convenience, you can check the "Remember credentials" box.

If the connection is successful, you will see a list of shared folders on the remote PC. For ease of use, we recommend mapping the network folder as a network drive. To do this, right-click the folder and select "Map as network drive," assigning it an available drive letter (e.g., Z:). The folder will now appear in "My Computer" as a regular local drive.

Diagnostics and problem solving

Despite its apparent simplicity, the setup process can encounter obstacles. The most common issue is computers not seeing each other on the network. This is often due to the discovery service or firewall. Check if the "Simple Service Discovery Protocol Discovery Resource Publishing" service is running.

Antivirus software can also cause problems. Third-party firewalls often have a "Public Network" mode by default, which blocks incoming connections even within the LAN. Try temporarily disabling the firewall to test this. If the network works after that, add an exception for the private network in the antivirus settings.

⚠️ Attention: Windows settings interfaces and Wi-Fi adapter driver parameters may be updated by the manufacturer. If you can't find the specified option, search for system settings or refer to the documentation for your specific router model or OS version.

Another common error is inconsistent computer names. No two devices on a local network can have the same name. Make sure your PC names are unique. You can change the name in "About" -> "Rename this PC." A reboot is required after renaming.

For a thorough diagnosis, use the built-in troubleshooting utility. Right-click the network icon in the system tray and select "Diagnose." Windows will attempt to automatically reset the network adapter, renew the IP address, and check the TCP/IP protocol settings. In complex cases, a full network reset via the command line may help. netsh winsock reset.

Why can't the second computer see the first, even though both are online?

Most likely, network discovery isn't enabled on the first computer, or the network profile is set to "Public." Also, check that your antivirus isn't blocking the connection and that the workgroup names (usually "WORKGROUP") match.

Is it possible to set up a network if the router only distributes internet via cable?

Yes, if one of the computers has a Wi-Fi adapter, it can distribute the Internet and create a local network using the Mobile Hotspot function, even if it receives the Internet via a cable.

What is the maximum Wi-Fi data transfer speed in a local network?

Speed ​​depends on the Wi-Fi standard (n, ac, ax) and signal conditions. Under ideal conditions, Wi-Fi 5 (ac) can achieve file transfer speeds of up to 40-60 MB/s, which is significantly slower than a gigabit cable but faster than USB 2.0.