Creating a local network between multiple computers is a task that every user with more than one device will sooner or later face. Whether it's the need to transfer a heavy movie from a laptop to a desktop PC or the desire to play a multiplayer game over a local connection, understanding the principles of how a network works LAN significantly simplifies digital life. In the age of cloud storage and messaging apps, a direct connection is often faster and more reliable, especially when transferring gigabytes of data.
Modern wireless technologies make it possible to organize such communication without unnecessary wires, using a standard Wi-Fi routerYou don't need to be a network engineer to perform basic setup, but knowing the key parameters and sequence of steps is critical. Mistakes during the sharing setup phase can result in computers simply not being able to see each other, despite being connected to the same access point.
In this article, we'll walk you through the entire process, from hardware testing to setting up port forwarding and shared folders. We'll also explore the nuances of operating system operation. Windows 10 and 11, which often change the logic of network protocols. For stable transfer of large files, it is recommended to use the 5 GHz band, as it provides throughput close to a wired connection. Get ready to dive into the world of IP addresses and SMB protocols.
Necessary equipment and infrastructure preparation
Before moving on to software settings, you need to ensure the physical foundation for the network is ready. The key element here is the router, which must correctly assign IP addresses to all connected devices. If your computers are on different subnets or one of them is connected via guest Wi-Fi, the connection will fail.
Make sure all computers you plan to connect are connected to the same router. This is a common misconception, as people often forget that a smartphone can be connected to a mobile 4G network, while a laptop can be connected to a home Wi-Fi network. Check the connection status in the system tray: the icon should display no exclamation points, which indicate a limited connection.
- 📡 Wi-Fi router with support for 802.11n/ac/ax standards to ensure sufficient data transfer speed.
- 💻 Two or more computers or laptops with working wireless adapters.
- 🔑 Wi-Fi network password if WPA2/WPA3 encryption is used (which is the security standard).
- 🆔 Unique names for each computer on the network to avoid addressing conflicts.
It's also worth checking your wireless adapter drivers. Outdated software can cause connection instability or prevent the computer from seeing other devices in the list of available devices. Open Device Manager and ensure the network adapter is working properly.
⚠️ Attention: If you are using a public Wi-Fi network (cafe, airport, hotel), setting up a local network will be impossible due to client isolation at the provider equipment level.
Setting up a network profile in Windows
The Windows operating system is configured for maximum security by default, which blocks your computer's visibility to other devices when you first connect to a new network. The system asks if you want to make your PC discoverable, and if you say no or ignore the request, it will remain on the "public" network.
To change this setting, you need to go to the Network and Sharing Center. In Windows 10 and 11, this is done through the Settings panel. Find the section for network status and change the profile from "Public" to "Private." The private profile allows incoming connections and opens ports for local traffic.
Path to settings: Settings → Network & Internet → Status → Connection propertiesAfter switching the profile, the system will automatically apply more lenient firewall rules. Your computer is now ready to respond to discovery requests from other devices on the same subnet. Without this step, even properly configured folders will remain inaccessible.
Enabling Sharing and Discoverability
Once the network profile has been changed, you need to enable specific services responsible for resource visibility. Windows has a dedicated menu where all network discovery settings are located. Here, we allow the computer not only to see other devices but also to broadcast information about itself.
Open the Control Panel and find the "Network and Sharing Center" section. On the left, select "Change advanced sharing settings." You'll see several profiles here (private, guest, all networks), but we're interested in the active private network.
- 👁️ Enable network discovery - allows the computer to see other PCs and be visible to them.
- 📂 Enable file and printer sharing — opens access to shared resources.
- 🔐 Use 128-bit encryption - It is recommended to leave it enabled for data security.
- 🚫 Disable password protection - optional, simplifies access but reduces security (more below).
Be sure to save your changes by clicking the appropriate button at the bottom of the page. Sometimes you may need to restart your computer or restart the Connection Manager service for all settings to take effect. Failure to do so may result in changes remaining only in the interface.
Advanced configuration of shared folders and resources
Now that the network foundation is laid, you can move on to creating the resources you want to share. This could be a folder containing movies, documents, or projects. The Windows sharing mechanism has two levels: basic and advanced, and for stable operation, it's best to use both.
First, select the folder you want to share. Right-click it, go to Properties, and open the "Sharing" tab. Click the "Sharing" button, select "Everyone," and add them to the list, setting read or read/write permissions.
| Access parameter | Description | Recommended value |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | The user can only open and copy files. | For media libraries and archives |
| Change | The user can edit and delete files | For work projects |
| Full access | Full control over the folder and rights | For administrator only |
| Disabled | Access denied | For system folders |
After setting up basic access, go to the advanced sharing settings (click the "Advanced" button). Check "Share this folder" and, under "Caching," select "No files or programs available offline" if you don't need syncing.
⚠️ Attention: Granting "Full Control" or "Modify" permissions will allow any network user to delete your files. Be careful when setting permissions for sensitive data.
The second level of settings is located in the "Security" tab. Here, it's important to ensure that the "Everyone" group or a specific user also has NTFS file system rights. It often happens that access is granted, but the system blocks write access due to security restrictions.
☑️ Checking folder settings
Connecting to network resources and troubleshooting
Once all the settings are complete, all that's left is to connect to the resources. Open File Explorer and go to the "Network" section. If everything is set up correctly, you'll see the names of other computers. The first time you connect, the system may ask for a username and password.
This raises an important issue with passwords. If both computers have Microsoft accounts or local passwords, Windows will prompt you to enter them. To avoid repeated prompts, you can either enter the same logins and passwords on both computers or disable password protection in the sharing settings (less secure).
If your computer is not visible in the list, try connecting directly using its IP address. Click Win + R and enter the address in the format \\192.168.1.XX, where XX is the address of the second computer. You can find out your IP with the command ipconfig in the command line.
- 🔍 Check the workgroup name: it must be the same on all computers (WORKGROUP by default).
- 🛑 SSDP Service: Make sure the UPnP device discovery service is running.
- 🔄 SMB 1.0 protocol: Older devices (NAS, printers) may require enabling this legacy protocol.
A common problem is IP address conflicts or router address changes. For a fixed network, it's recommended to configure a static IP or address reservation in the router's DHCP settings to prevent computer addresses from changing after a reboot.
What should I do if it says "No access"?
The problem is often rooted in the "Detection Provider Host" service. Try starting it manually through services.msc. Also, check if your antivirus software is blocking private networks.
Local network security and common mistakes
An open local network is convenient, but potentially vulnerable. If an intruder connects to your Wi-Fi, they can access your shared folders. Therefore, it's critical to use a strong Wi-Fi password and WPA2/WPA3 encryption.
It's not recommended to completely disable Windows Firewall or antivirus software to "simplify" setup. It's better to create an exception for your private network. It's also a good idea to regularly update your router firmware, as vulnerabilities in network equipment can allow an attack on your entire home network from outside.
One common mistake is ignoring Windows updates. Microsoft periodically changes SMB security policies, and if one PC has a recent patch and another has an older operating system, they may stop communicating with each other. Make sure all network nodes are running the latest operating system.
⚠️ Attention: Windows settings interfaces may differ depending on the update version (21H2, 22H2, etc.). If you can't find the item, search for keywords in system settings.
Keep in mind that Wi-Fi data transfer speeds will always be lower than those over a cable, and depend on many factors, including distance, the presence of walls, and interference from neighboring networks. For mission-critical tasks that require high speed, a wired connection is still better.
Why can't computers see each other even though they have the same Wi-Fi?
The problem is most likely with the network profile. If the network is marked as "Public" on at least one computer, Windows is blocking incoming connections. Also, make sure the computer names are different and the workgroup is the same.
How do I find out the IP address of another computer on the network?
On the target computer, click Win + R, enter cmd and press Enter. In the black window, enter the command ipconfigFind the line "IPv4 address" - this is the address you need (for example, 192.168.0.15).
Is it possible to set up a network between Windows and macOS?
Yes, this is possible via the SMB protocol. On a Mac, go to Finder → Go → Connect to Server and enter the Windows PC's address. However, setting up access rights in this case may require additional account manipulation.