How to connect two computers to a local network via Wi-Fi in Windows 10

Creating a local network between two Windows 10 computers is often necessary for quickly transferring large files, sharing a printer, or organizing gaming via a local protocol. Modern routers allow you to accomplish this task without running additional cables, using the standard Wi-Fi interface and built-in operating system tools. This eliminates the need to purchase switches or long patch cords, making the process as convenient as possible for home users.

The setup process does not require in-depth knowledge of networking technologies, but it does require care when entering security parameters and naming devices. Microsoft has implemented device detection mechanisms in its operating systems that can be restricted by default for data protection purposes. Understanding the logic behind network profiles and access permissions will allow you to create a stable connection that will work automatically every time your device is turned on.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the entire process, from checking your hardware to opening shared folders. You'll learn how to properly configure network profiles, enable necessary services, and troubleshoot common visibility errors. Following this guide will ensure your PC will see each other and will be able to exchange data at the maximum speed available on your wireless connection.

Checking equipment and preparing for setup

The first step is to ensure both computers are connected to the same wireless network. This is a fundamental requirement, as the router acts as a switch, directing traffic between devices. If one laptop is on the guest network and the other on the main network, or if they are connected to different frequency bands with client isolation, the connection will fail.

⚠️ Important: Ensure that the "Make this PC discoverable" option is enabled on both devices. Without this step, Windows will ignore connection requests from outside the network, considering it public and unsafe.

It's also worth checking your wireless adapter drivers. Outdated software may not work correctly with new encryption protocols or detection features. Go to Device Manager and make sure the network adapter is working correctly. For stable operation, it's recommended to use the standard 802.11n or newer, as older versions may not support the required data transfer rates.

Check the IP addresses of the devices. They should be in the same subnet, typically 192.168.1.x or 192.168.0.x. If the addresses are significantly different (for example, 10.0.0.x and 192.168.1.x), the devices are in different logical segments and won't be able to "see" each other without configuring routing.

Setting up a network profile and discovery

The Windows 10 operating system assigns a network profile to each new connection: "Private" or "Public." To create a local network, it is critical that both computers select the profile. "Private"In the public profile, the system blocks incoming connections and hides the computer from other devices for security purposes.

To change your profile, open your network settings via the Wi-Fi icon in the system tray or go to Settings → Network & Internet. In the Status section, click your connection properties and toggle the switch to Private. This will allow discovery by other devices and make your computer visible to them.

Next, you need to enable network discovery. Open Control Panel, go to Network and Sharing Center, and select Change advanced sharing settings. Here, you need to enable the following options in the "Private" profile:

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

Save the changes. The operating system is now ready to communicate with your network neighbors. If you plan to transfer files without entering a password each time, you can disable password protection in this menu. However, this reduces security and is only allowed on trusted home networks.

Setting up shared access to folders and files

Once the computers "see" each other, you need to determine what data they will exchange. Windows doesn't grant access to the entire hard drive by default, which is a good security measure. You need to create a folder or select an existing one, and share permissions with other network users.

Right-click the selected folder, select "Properties," and go to the "Sharing" tab. Click "Advanced" and check "Share this folder." Here you can also specify the share name that will be visible on the network; it may differ from the actual folder name on the disk.

Setting access rights is an important step. Click the "Permissions" button. By default, the "Everyone" group is set to read-only. If you want other computers to be able to write, modify, or delete files, select the "Everyone" group and check "Full Control" or "Modify."

Security nuances with full access

Granting full access to the "Everyone" group means anyone who connects to your Wi-Fi network will be able to modify files in this folder. Use complex Wi-Fi passwords or create separate Windows users with passwords for more granular control.

There's also a "Security" tab in the folder properties. Make sure "Everyone" or the specific user is listed in the groups and users list and has the appropriate permissions (Read & Execute, Write). It often happens that "Access" is set to "Access," but "Security" (NTFS permissions) are set to "Deny," which blocks access at the file system level.

Mapping a network drive and port forwarding

For easy access to shared files, we recommend mapping the network folder as a separate drive in My Computer. This eliminates the need to manually search for the computer in your network environment and set the path each time. The system will treat the remote folder as part of the local file system.

Open "This PC," go to the "Computer" tab in the top ribbon, and select "Map network drive." In the window that opens, select the drive letter (e.g., Z:) and enter the path to the resource in the "Folder" field in the format \\ComputerName\Folder or \\IP address\Folder.

\\192.168.1.55\SharedFiles

If the system prompts you for credentials when connecting, enter the username and password for the user account on the computer where the folder is located. Check "Remember credentials" to avoid entering them each time you reboot.

Using an IP address instead of a computer name is often more reliable, as name resolution services (NetBIOS) can be unstable on wireless networks. If connecting using a name fails, try using a numeric address.

Solving visibility and access issues

Despite proper configuration, users often encounter computers that cannot see each other in the network environment. One common cause is a disabled discovery service. In Windows 10, this is the responsibility of services that should be running automatically.

Click Win + R, enter services.msc and find the "Function Discovery Resource Publication" service. Set the startup type to "Automatic" and start it. Do the same for the "Discovery Resource Publication" service.

⚠️ Note: Windows settings interfaces and service names may vary slightly depending on the build version (Home, Pro, Enterprise) and system updates. If you don't see the option, check the official Microsoft documentation for your specific OS version.

Another common problem is being blocked by an antivirus or firewall. Third-party antivirus programs (Kaspersky, ESET, Avast) often have their own built-in firewalls, which can block the local network, classifying it as "Public." Go to your antivirus settings and find the "Network" or "Firewall" section, adding your home network to the trusted list.

• 🛑 Check if your antivirus is blocking local connections.
• 🔄 Make sure both PCs are in the same workgroup (usually WORKGROUP).
• 🔌 Restart the router and both computers after making all the settings.

It's also worth checking for SMB 1.0 protocol support if one of the computers is running an older Windows operating system (7 or XP), although this is rarely necessary for a Windows 10 + Windows 10 setup. You can enable support for older protocols in "Turn Windows features on or off."

Alternative methods and creating a home group

The classic folder sharing method is the most universal, but the HomeGroup feature was deprecated in Windows 10. However, there are alternative ways to organize collaboration that may be more convenient in certain scenarios, such as quickly sharing photos from a phone or temporarily transferring documents.

One such method is Nearby Sharing. It allows you to transfer files via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct without complex network setup. To do this, enable this feature on both PCs in the system settings (System → Sharing). This is convenient for one-time transfers, but not suitable for creating a permanent network drive.

For more advanced users, there is the option of using third-party software such as Hamachi or Radmin VPNThese programs create a virtual local area network (VLAN) over the internet. This is an ideal solution if computers are physically located in different places but need to function as if they were right next to each other.

If you just need to transfer a file and don't want to mess around with settings, you can use the built-in "Shared Folder" feature in File Explorer, but use a cloud-based intermediary service or an FTP server running on one of your PCs. FTP is often more stable and faster when transferring large numbers of small files over Wi-Fi.

Why can't my computer see another computer on the network?

Most often, the problem lies in the "Public" network profile on one of the devices, which is blocking detection. The "Detection" service may also be disabled, or your antivirus software may be blocking local traffic. Ensure both computers are in the same workgroup.

How to transfer a file larger than 4GB?

The FAT32 file system doesn't support files larger than 4 GB. Make sure the drive you're copying data to is formatted as NTFS. If the drive is external, you'll need to format it first, saving the data elsewhere.

Do you need a static IP for a local network to work?

For a one-time connection, no. However, for a persistent network drive, it's advisable to configure a static IP on the server computer (where the files are stored) or reserve an address in the router so that the folder path remains consistent after a reboot.

Is it safe to give full access to a folder?

On a home network with a strong Wi-Fi password, it's relatively safe. However, this is strictly prohibited in public places (cafes, hotels). Always use complex passwords for Windows accounts.