Connecting two computers to a local network via WiFi on Windows 10

Creating a local network between two devices is a basic skill that allows for quick file sharing, co-op gaming, or remote desktop control without the need for cloud storage.

In the operating system Windows 10 This process has become significantly more transparent, although it still retains a number of nuances related to security policies and network discovery settings.

You won't need any extra cables or complicated equipment if both laptops are connected to the same router, making the task a breeze even for a novice user.

Preparing equipment and checking drivers

Before you begin setup, make sure both devices are physically capable of supporting a wireless connection and are within a strong signal reception area.

It is critical that each laptop has the latest drivers installed for Wi-Fi adapter, as outdated software often blocks network discovery features.

You can check the status of the equipment through the Device Manager, where there should be no yellow exclamation marks next to the network controllers.

• 📡 Make sure both laptops are connected to the same access point (router).
• 🔌 Check that the wireless module is activated physically or software-wise (airplane mode is turned off).
• 🛡️ Make sure your antivirus software isn't blocking local connections in Public Network mode.

⚠️ Note: If one of the laptops is using corporate Wi-Fi with client isolation (AP Isolation), connection between the devices will not be possible without network administrator rights.

Sometimes the problem lies in the power saving settings, which turn off the adapter to save battery power, interrupting the connection.

To avoid such situations, it is recommended to temporarily connect both devices to a power source and check the power plan settings in the control panel.

Setting up network type and discovery

The foundation of a successful connection is the correct choice of network profile, which dictates the rules for interaction between the computer and surrounding devices.

By default Windows 10 assigns new connections to the "Public Network" profile, which strictly limits your PC's visibility to other users for security purposes.

You need to change this status to "Private Network" to allow the system to open ports for local data exchange.

To perform this operation, go to the network settings via the Wi-Fi icon in the tray or via the Start menu.

Find the name of your current connection and toggle the switch to the "Private" position, which will make your computer visible in the local environment.

After changing the profile, the system will automatically apply more lenient firewall rules for local addresses.

Now you can go to the network control centers, where you need to activate key sharing options.

In the Sharing options section, you need to enable network discovery and file and printer sharing for the current profile.

Don't forget to save your changes by clicking the corresponding button at the bottom of the settings page.

Manually configure IP addresses (if required)

In most cases, a modern router will distribute addresses automatically through DHCP server, and manual intervention will not be required.

However, if automatic distribution does not work or you connect computers directly without a router, you will have to enter the addresses manually.

The addresses must be in the same subnet, but differ in the last value to avoid conflicts with identical names on the network.

Computer 1: 192.168.1.10
Computer 2: 192.168.1.11
Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0

To enter settings, open the protocol properties. IPv4 in the adapter parameters.

Select the "Use the following IP address" option and enter the information that matches your network infrastructure.

The main gateway is usually the address of the router itself, most often 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1.

The correctness of the entered data can be checked using the command ipconfig in the command line.

Advanced sharing settings

Even after network discovery is enabled, the system may require a password to access resources, which is a standard security measure.

You can disable the password requirement if both computers are in a trusted home environment, although this reduces the level of security.

This setting is located in the same sharing options menu, at the very bottom of the list, under "All networks."

• 🔓 Disable password-protected sharing (for home).
• 🔐 Leave enabled (requires the same login/password on both PCs).
• 📂 Choose which folders will be available by default.

If you decide to leave password protection, make sure the user accounts on both computers have passwords.

Empty passwords in Windows 10 Network access is often blocked for security reasons, even if usernames are the same.

⚠️ Warning: Disabling password protection makes your shared folders accessible to any device connected to that Wi-Fi, which is dangerous in public places.

It's also worth checking that SMB 1.0 support is enabled if you're connecting very old devices, although this is rarely necessary for connecting two modern PCs.

For new systems, the standard SMB 2 and 3 protocols are sufficient and are active by default.

Opening access to specific folders

Now that the network is set up, you need to select the specific data you want to share between machines.

Create a new folder or select an existing one, right-click on it and go to properties.

You will need the "Access" tab, where you should click the "Advanced settings" button for flexible rights management.

Check the "Share this folder" box and click the "Permissions" button.

Here you can add a specific user or the "Everyone" group, granting them full access, change, or read-only rights.

Don't forget to also go to the "Security" tab in the folder properties and make sure that the required users with the appropriate rights are also present there.

Double-checking permissions in the Access and Security sections eliminates 90% of "Access Denied" errors.

After applying the settings, the folder will become accessible over the network via "Network Places" or File Explorer.

Diagnostics and troubleshooting

If the computers cannot see each other, first use the built-in Windows diagnostics by right-clicking on the network icon.

The system will automatically attempt to reset the adapter, renew the IP address, and check your firewall settings.

Often the problem is solved by simply rebooting the router and both laptops after making all the settings.

ping 192.168.1.XX

Use the command ping with the IP address of the second computer to test the physical connection.

If the ping works but the folders are not visible, the problem lies in the sharing settings or antivirus software.

• 🚫 Check if your antivirus is blocking your local network (Public mode).
• 🔄 Restart the Function Discovery Resource Publishing service.
• 🔌 Make sure both devices are in the same workgroup (usually WORKGROUP).

⚠️ Please note: Windows 10 settings interfaces may be updated, so the location of some items may differ slightly in different OS build versions.

Also make sure that the service Workstation And Server launched and operate in automatic mode.

You can check this using the command services.msc, finding the corresponding lines in the list.

Why can't the computers see each other after all the settings?

Most often, the problem lies in the "Public" network profile, which hides the PC, or in ports being blocked by a third-party antivirus. Also, check that the computer names don't overlap.

Should I disable Windows Firewall?

Disabling the firewall completely is not recommended. Adding an exception for the private network or allowing the app in the security settings is sufficient.

Is it possible to connect a PC without a router?

Yes, you can create a direct computer-to-computer connection (Ad-hoc network) or use the Mobile Hotspot feature on one of the laptops.

What is the data transfer speed on WiFi?

Speed ​​depends on the Wi-Fi standard (n, ac, ax) and the distance from the router. In the 2.4 GHz band, it will be lower (up to 40-50 MB/s), while in the 5 GHz band, it will be significantly higher.