Creating a local area network between two or more computers wirelessly is a task that often arises when you need to quickly transfer large amounts of data, organize file sharing, or launch a network game. Unlike internet transfers, a local connection WiFi Provides significantly higher speeds and isn't dependent on your ISP's bandwidth. Modern operating systems, such as Windows 10 and 11, have built-in tools to implement this feature, but standard security settings often block direct connections by default.
To successfully implement a computer-to-computer connection, you don't need any complex equipment; it's enough for both devices to be within the range of the same wireless network or connected to the same router. Local area network (LAN) allows you to share documents, multimedia, and even use one PC's resources, such as a printer or disk space, on another. In this article, we'll cover all setup steps in detail, from checking drivers to fine-tuning the firewall.
It is worth noting that the stability of the connection directly depends not only on the software, but also on the quality of the signal routerIf the devices are in different rooms with thick walls, the speed may drop, but the underlying operating principle remains the same. Below, we'll look at proven methods that will help you establish data exchange in minutes.
Hardware and software requirements
Before you begin setup, you need to make sure your hardware meets the minimum requirements. First and foremost, both computers must be equipped with working wireless adapters. These can be either built-in modules in laptops or external ones. USB adapters For desktop PCs. It's important to keep your drivers up-to-date, as older versions may not properly support local network modes.
The second critical requirement is using the same operating system or compatible versions of Windows. While data exchange is possible between different operating systems, for beginners, it's easiest to work with the same operating system, such as Windows 10, on both devices. Also, make sure network discovery is enabled on both computers.
⚠️ Attention: Third-party antivirus programs (Kaspersky, ESET, Avast) often have their own built-in firewall, which can block local connections even if Windows settings allow access. If problems occur, try temporarily disabling the protection or adding the network to the exceptions list.
The third aspect is the network type. For proper operation, both computers must be connected to the same WiFi access point. If you plan to connect the PCs directly without a router (Ad-Hoc mode), the adapter requirements become more stringent, and we'll cover this method separately. For standard home use, it's sufficient for both devices to "see" the same router.
Setting up a network profile and discovery
The first step in the setup process is to change the network profile from "Public" to "Private." By default, Windows treats new WiFi networks as public and hides your computer from other devices for security reasons. To allow the connection, you need to change this status. Go to the menu Settings → Network & Internet → Status and click on the properties of your connection.
In the window that opens, select the "Private" profile. This confirms to the system that you are in a trusted environment and automatically enables the necessary discovery services. Without this step, computers will not physically "see" each other in the list of available devices, even if they are connected to the same router.
Next, you need to enable network discovery. Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing CenterIn the left menu, select "Change advanced sharing settings." Here, expand the "Private" tab and enable the following options:
- 📡 Enable network discovery (check the box "Turn on automatic configuration of connected devices").
- 📂 Enable file and printer sharing.
- 🔓 Allow Windows to manage HomeGroup connections (if used).
After making your changes, be sure to click "Save Changes." Your system is now ready to communicate with other nodes on your local network. If you're using Windows 11, the interface may differ slightly, but the process remains the same: searching for "Advanced sharing settings" in the Start menu search will speed up the process.
Creating a shared folder and setting access rights
Once the network infrastructure is set up, you need to determine what data will be available for sharing. The easiest way is to create a new folder on the disk, for example, and name it Exchange or Shared_Files, and configure special permissions for it. Right-click the folder, select "Properties," and go to the "Access" tab.
Click the "Advanced Setup" button and check the "Share this folder" box. Below, in the "Group Permissions" section, you can fine-tune user permissions. For a home network, it's usually sufficient to select the "Everyone" group and allow full access or read-only access, depending on your needs.
⚠️ Attention: Granting full permissions (Modify, Write, Delete) to the "Everyone" group means anyone who connects to your WiFi can delete files in this folder. For increased security, create a separate user with a password.
Don't forget to also check the "Security" tab in the folder's properties. It should list permissions for the "Users" or "Everyone" group. If the desired group isn't listed, click "Add" and enter All (or Everyone (for the English version) and confirm the action. This is a system-level NTFS protection that works in parallel with network settings.
☑️ Check access rights
Connecting to another computer by IP address
It often happens that automatic discovery doesn't work correctly, and computers don't appear in the network neighborhood. In this case, the most reliable method is a direct connection via IP addressFirst, you need to find out the IP address of the target computer. To do this, open the command prompt on the second PC (enter cmd in the search) and run the command:
ipconfigFind the line "IPv4 Address". It will look like this: 192.168.1.X or 192.168.0.XWrite down these numbers. Now go to the first computer, open File Explorer, and in the address bar (at the top, where the folder paths are displayed), enter two backslashes and the IP address, like this: \\192.168.1.45. Press Enter.
If all settings are correct, a window will open displaying the contents of the remote computer's shared folders. For ease of use, you can right-click the desired folder and select "Map network drive." This will create a virtual drive (e.g., Z:) in "My Computer" that will function like a regular flash drive, but the data will be stored on a different device.
The system may request a login and password. In this case, you must enter the user's credentials. second computer (the one whose files we're opening). If the second PC doesn't have a password, Windows may block the connection for security reasons. In this case, you'll need to either create a password or change the security policy (section below).
Resolving access and password issues
One of the most common issues is requiring a password, even if you want to share it publicly. Windows prevents guests from logging in by default. To fix this, go back to Network and Sharing Center → Change advanced sharing settings. At the very bottom, find the "All Networks" section.
Here you'll find the "Password-protected sharing" option. Select "Turn off password-protected sharing." This will allow you to connect to shared resources without entering your credentials, which is convenient for a home network, but less secure in an office or cafe.
Another common error is "Windows cannot access...." This is often caused by a disabled SMB 1.0 service or blocked ports. Make sure the "Function Discovery Resource Publishing" service is enabled on both computers. Also, check that the "File and Printer Sharing" rules are allowed in your firewall.
| Error | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| 0x80070035 | The network path was not found. | Check PC name, enable SMB 1.0, check IP |
| Access denied | Incorrect rights or password | Disable password protection, check NTFS permissions |
| Computers are not visible | Network profile "Public" | Change your profile to "Private" and enable detection. |
How to enable SMB 1.0 support?
To work with older devices or in some cases where Windows stability is required, enable the SMB 1.0 protocol. Go to Control Panel → Programs and Features → Turn Windows features on or off. Find "SMB 1.0/CIFS file sharing support" in the list, check the box, and click OK. A reboot will be required. Be careful: this protocol is considered obsolete and less secure.
Setting up a direct connection (Ad-Hoc) without a router
If you don't have a router but need to quickly transfer files, you can create a direct computer-to-computer connection via WiFi. In Windows 10 and 11, this feature is implemented via a mobile hotspot. On the first PC, go to Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Hotspot.
Turn on the hotspot and remember the network name and password. Now, on the second computer, find the created network in the list of available WiFi connections and connect to it using the password you specified. Once connected, both devices will be on the same local network, and you can use the methods described above (via IP address or Network Places).
This method is also useful for gaming over a local network without internet access. Transfer speeds in Ad-Hoc mode may be lower than through a full-fledged router, as the wireless adapter operates in both transmit and receive modes simultaneously, which places additional strain on the hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect computers if one has Windows 10 and the other has Windows 7?
Yes, this is possible. However, on Windows 10, you may need to enable SMB 1.0 support, as Windows 7 uses it by default, and newer versions of Windows disable it for security reasons. Also, make sure both PCs have the same workgroup name (WORKGROUP by default).
Why does the speed drop when transferring files over WiFi?
Speed depends on the WiFi standard (802.11n, ac, ax), distance to the router, number of obstacles, and airwave congestion. For large data volumes (over 50 GB), an Ethernet cable is recommended, as it ensures stable speeds without packet loss.
Is it safe to leave sharing enabled all the time?
If you're on a home network behind your router with a password-protected WiFi connection, the risk is minimal. However, if you frequently connect to public networks, it's best to disable "Network Discovery" or switch your network profile to "Public" immediately after use.
How do I find out another computer's IP address if it's not showing up?
You can use the command ping computer_name In the command line, if you know the PC's network name. Or, view the list of connected clients in your router's interface (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 in the LAN/DHCP section).