How to Set Up a Wi-Fi Network Between Computers: A Complete Guide

Creating a local network between multiple devices is not just a technical whim, but a necessity for comfortable work in the modern digital space. Local Area Network (LAN) It allows you to instantly transfer large files, run multiplayer games without lag, and share a single printer across all devices in your home. Many users mistakenly believe that this requires complex cables or specialized server hardware, but in 99% of cases, a standard wireless connection is sufficient.

Wireless technology Wi-Fi Today, Wi-Fi provides sufficient bandwidth for most everyday tasks. Proper configuration allows you to transform disparate laptops and desktops into a unified ecosystem where resources are available on demand. In this article, we'll walk you through the setup process in detail, eliminating unnecessary theory and focusing on practical steps for Windows 10 and 11 operating systems.

It's important to understand that connection stability directly depends on the quality of your router and its location. Signal The wireless network must not be interrupted by concrete walls or metal structures, otherwise the data transfer rate will be critically low. Before starting setup, make sure all computers are connected to the same wireless network.

Preparing equipment and checking basic settings

The first step is to ensure physical connectivity. All computers to be connected must be connected to the same router. This can be a Wi-Fi Or a cable-Wi-Fi combination, the main thing is that they belong to the same subnet segment. If you're using a guest network on a router, make sure its settings don't prohibit communication between clients (AP Isolation).

You need to check your IP addressing. It usually works on a home network. DHCP server, which automatically assigns addresses. However, for stable operation of shared folders and printers, it's best if addresses don't change frequently. Make sure all devices are set to obtain IP addresses automatically unless you plan to assign them manually.

It's also worth paying attention to the network profile in Windows. For the system to "see" other devices, the network profile must be set to "Private" or "Home," not "Public."

Setting up network discovery in Windows

By default, the Windows operating system blocks your computer's visibility for security reasons. To allow communication, you need to change the sharing settings. Open Control Panel and go to Network and Sharing Center. Then select Change advanced sharing settings.

In the window that opens, you'll see profiles for "Private" and "Guest or Public." We're interested in the first option. You'll need to enable the following features:

• 🔍 Enable network discovery (and automatic configuration of connected devices).
• 📂 Enable file and printer sharing.
• 🔐 Allow Windows to manage HomeGroup connections (if available).

Once these options are enabled, the system will no longer hide your computer from your network neighbors. However, if you have a third-party antivirus program installed (for example, Kaspersky, ESET or Dr.Web), it may block the connection at its own level. In this case, you will need to create an exception in your antivirus's firewall settings for local networks.

Be sure to save your changes by clicking the "Save Changes" button. Windows may require administrator privileges to apply the new security rules.

Create a shared folder for file sharing

Once the computers "see" each other, you need to determine what exactly they will exchange. The easiest way is to create a special folder that is readable and writable by all network users. Create a new folder at the root of the drive or in Documents, and name it something like SharedData.

To configure access, right-click the folder and select "Properties." Go to the "Sharing" tab and click "Advanced." Check the "Share this folder" box. Click "Permissions" below.

In the list of groups and users, select Everyone (or Everyone). If such a group does not exist, add it manually. For this group, check the following boxes:

• ✅ Full access (if you need to edit files from other PCs).
• 📝 Change.
• 👁️ Reading.
• 🚫 Access Denied (leave blank if you want to allow work).

It's also important to check the "Security" tab in the folder's properties. The "Everyone" group should also be added there, with read and write permissions. Double-checking is essential, as Windows permissions operate on the principle of least privilege: if access is denied at the security level, network settings won't help.

What should I do if the folder won't open from another PC?

The problem often lies in the password. By default, Windows requires the username and password of the user account that created the folder. To remove this requirement, select "Turn off password-protected sharing" in the sharing settings (All Networks tab). However, this reduces the security level of the local network.

Connecting a network printer via Wi-Fi

One of the most popular features of a local network is the ability to print from any computer to a single connected printer. This eliminates the need to constantly switch cables or transfer documents via flash drive. First, the printer must be connected to one of the computers (the host) or have its own Wi-Fi module and IP address.

If the printer is connected to the host computer via USB, open "Settings" → "Devices" → "Printers & Scanners." Select the printer, click "Manage," and then "Printer Properties." Go to the "Sharing" tab and check the "Share this printer" box. Remember or create a descriptive network name.

On the second computer, go to the same Printer settings section and click "Add a printer or scanner." The system will begin searching. If the automatic search returns no results, click "The printer I want isn't listed." Select "Select a printer by name" and enter the path in the following format:

\\HostComputerName\PrinterName

Alternatively, you can find the computer in your network neighborhood, go to "Devices and Printers," and double-click the desired device's icon. Windows will automatically install the necessary drivers from the host computer.

Solving visibility and access issues

Despite proper configuration, users often encounter a situation where computers cannot see each other. The most common cause is Windows services. Click Win + R, enter services.msc and locate the discovery-related services. Ensure that the Function Discovery Resource Publishing and Discovery Provider Host services are started and running in automatic mode.

Another common problem is different workgroup names. By default, this is WORKGROUPYou can check and change this in the System Properties (command sysdm.cpl). The names of all computers on the network must be unique, and the workgroup must be the same.

⚠️ Important: In the latest Windows 10 and 11 updates, the SMBv1 protocol is disabled by default due to vulnerabilities. If you are trying to connect to a very old device (such as an old NAS or a 10-year-old printer), it may not work. Enabling SMBv1 is highly discouraged for security reasons; it is better to update the device's firmware or use alternative transfer methods.

It's also worth checking your firewall. Sometimes antivirus software or a system firewall blocks port 445, which is used for file sharing. Try temporarily disabling your firewall to diagnose the problem. If the network works after disabling it, add an exception rule for the private network.

Optimizing connection speed and stability

Wireless networks are susceptible to interference. For maximum file transfer speeds, ensure your computers are within range. 5 GHz, if your router supports dual-band mode. The 2.4 GHz frequency is heavily congested with neighboring routers, microwave ovens, and Bluetooth devices, causing packet loss and slower speeds.

The router's location is critical. Don't hide it in a metal enclosure or behind a thick concrete wall. The router's antennas should be pointed vertically. If the signal is weak, consider installing a repeater or using a system. Mesh to evenly cover the apartment.

For desktop computers where maximum performance is important (for example, when editing video from a network drive), it is still recommended to use a cable EthernetEven an old Category 5e cable will provide a stable gigabit connection, which is extremely difficult to achieve over Wi-Fi due to the nature of the radio channel.

⚠️ Note: Router interfaces and Windows settings may vary depending on the firmware version and OS build. If you can't find the menu item, check the official documentation from your equipment manufacturer or use the settings search.

How to find out the IP address of a computer on the network?

Open command prompt (type cmd in the search) and enter the command ipconfigFind the line labeled "IPv4 Address." This is your device's local network address.

Is it possible to play online via Wi-Fi?

Yes, most modern games support LAN mode over Wi-Fi. However, for first-person shooters (CS, Call of Duty), the latency (ping) can be higher than with a cable connection, giving wired players an advantage.

Why does access to a network folder disappear after a reboot?

Most likely, the host computer's IP address changed because the DHCP server assigned a new one. Solution: assign the IP address in the router settings (Static DHCP) or enter a static IP in the Windows network adapter properties.