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

Creating a local network between two computers is a fundamental skill that transforms disparate devices into a single ecosystem, allowing data exchange without the need for external storage. Modern operating systems, such as Windows 10 And Windows 11, have built-in tools to accomplish this task, but they are often hidden behind layers of security settings that block connections by default. Understanding how they work local network (LAN) opens up opportunities not only for file transfer but also for sharing peripherals.

A successful connection doesn't require complex cables if both devices are connected to the same router via wireless protocol. The key is to properly configure the network profile and allow access to folders or drives. In this guide, we'll cover all the details, from checking drivers to fine-tuning your firewall, so you can quickly establish information exchange.

It's important to note that connection stability directly depends on the signal quality of your router. If the distance between computers is large or the walls are heavily shielded, data transfer speeds may drop. In such cases, it's worth considering using Wi-Fi repeater or switching to a wired connection for desktop PCs.

Preparing equipment and checking drivers

Before you begin configuring the software, you need to ensure that the hardware is physically ready to work on the network. Both computers must be connected to the same access point, whether it's a home router or a corporate one. Access PointCheck that the Wi-Fi indicators on your devices are lit and that they can see your network.

Updating your network adapter drivers is crucial. Outdated software often causes conflicts and prevents other devices from appearing in the list of available devices. Go to Device Manager and make sure that your network adapter is up to date. Wi-Fi adapter The latest versions of software from the manufacturer are installed.

It's also worth checking whether the wireless module itself is enabled. Some laptops have a physical switch or key combination (e.g., Fn + F2) that software-based disables the radio module to save power. If the module is disabled, the operating system will not be able to detect any networks.

• 📶 Make sure both PCs are within range of the router's signal.
• 💻 Check that the network adapter is activated in Windows Device Manager.
• 🔄 Update your Wi-Fi module drivers to the latest stable version.
• 🔌 Make sure both devices are connected to a network that has internet access or is configured for local sharing.

⚠️ Note: If you're using a guest network on your router, client isolation may prevent computers from connecting to each other. For your local network, use the primary SSID.

After completing these simple steps, you can move on to configuring the operating system settings itself, where most of the problems for beginners lie.

Setting up a network profile in Windows

By default, the Windows operating system treats new connections as public, automatically hiding your computer from other devices for security purposes. To connect two PCs, you need to change the network profile to "Private." This tells the system that you're in a trusted environment, such as your home or office.

To change your profile, go to network settings. In Windows 10, the path looks like this: Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Manage known networksSelect your network and set the switch to "Private" under "Network Profile." In Windows 11, this process is simplified and available immediately after connecting to a new network via a pop-up window or in the Wi-Fi properties.

Changing this setting immediately changes the Windows Firewall's operating rules. The system allows discovery of devices and files on the network, which is key to establishing local communication. Without this step, computers will be "invisible" to each other, even on the same network.

After changing your profile, it's recommended to restart your computer so that all network services apply the new settings correctly. This is especially important for discovery services that run at system startup.

Turn on network discovery and sharing

The next step is to enable features that allow computers to "see" each other and exchange data. These settings are located in the Network and Sharing Center. Open the Control Panel, go to the Network section, and select "Change advanced sharing settings."

Here you'll see a list of profiles. Make sure you're in the "Private (current profile)" section. This is where you'll need to enable network discovery and file and printer sharing. It's also recommended to enable automatic configuration of network devices so Windows manages connections automatically.

The "All Networks" section deserves special attention. This is where the critically important "Password-protected sharing" setting is located. If you want files to be accessible without entering a username and password each time you connect, this feature should be disabled. However, in a corporate environment or if multiple people use the computers, it's best to leave the protection enabled.

⚠️ Note: Disabling password protection reduces security. Only do this if you are confident your Wi-Fi network is secure and there are no unauthorized connections.

After making all changes, be sure to click the "Save Changes" button, otherwise the settings will not take effect. The system may require administrator privileges to perform these actions.

Now your computers are ready to exchange data, but to access specific files you need to create an access point - a shared folder.

Create a shared folder for file sharing

To transfer files, simply having a network isn't enough; you need to specify which resources will be accessible to other users. The easiest way is to create a new folder on the disk, for example, called "Share," and configure access rights for it. This will serve as a gateway for data transfer between machines.

Right-click the created folder and select "Properties." Go to the "Sharing" tab and click "Advanced." Here, check the "Share this folder" box. In the "Permissions" section, you can fine-tune what other users can do: read-only files or also modify and delete them.

To ensure proper functionality, you often need to configure the "Security" tab in the folder properties. Add the "Everyone" group to the user list and grant it the necessary permissions. This ensures that the system doesn't block access due to differences in user accounts on different computers.

An alternative, faster method is to use the "Grant access to" feature. When you select this option from the folder's context menu, the system will prompt you to select users or groups to grant access to. This automates the process of setting up security permissions.

• 📁 Create a separate folder for sharing so you don't have to share your entire drive.
• 🔒 Set "Read and execute" permissions for guests if you don't want them to change files.
• 👥 Add the "Everyone" group to permissions if you need access without authorization.
• 💾 Make sure you have enough free disk space for the files you receive.

Once the folder is configured, it will be accessible over the network. To find it on another computer, you'll need to know the name of the original computer or its IP address.

Connecting to network resources by IP address

Sometimes computers don't show up automatically in the network due to delays in the discovery protocol. In this case, the most reliable connection method is to directly enter the IP address. This bypasses name and DNS issues.

To find out the IP address of the first computer, open the command prompt (CMD) and enter the command ipconfigFind the line "IPv4 address", it usually looks like this 192.168.0.X or 192.168.1.XWrite down these numbers, you will need them for connection.

On the second computer, press the key combination Win + Rto open the Run window. Enter the address in the format \\192.168.1.X (where X is the address of the first PC) and press Enter. If everything is configured correctly, a File Explorer window will open displaying the first computer's available shared folders.

⚠️ Please note: IP addresses assigned by the router via DHCP may change after a reboot. For consistent operation, we recommend setting a static IP address in the TCP/IPv4 protocol properties.

For convenience, you can right-click the network folder and select "Map network drive." This will create a virtual drive (e.g., Z:) in "My Computer" that will function like a regular folder, but the files will be physically stored on another PC.

What to do if Windows says "Unable to access"?

Most often, the problem lies with your antivirus or firewall. Try temporarily disabling your third-party antivirus. Also, check if the "SSDP Discovery Service" and "Discovery Resource Publishing Service" services are enabled in the Windows services list (services.msc).

Diagnosing problems and troubleshooting errors

Despite its apparent simplicity, the setup process can be challenging. Users often encounter a situation where they can ping, but their folders are not visible. This is a classic sign of a firewall or antivirus blocking incoming SMB (Shared Folder Management Protocol) connections.

Check if the required services are enabled. Click Win + R, enter services.msc and locate SMB-related services. Ensure that the "UPnP Network Device Discovery Support" and "Function Discovery Resource Publishing" services are started and running in automatic mode.

Another common issue is the difference in SMB protocol versions. Older systems (Windows 7, XP) use SMBv1, which is disabled by default in modern Windows 10/11 for security reasons. If you're connecting an old and a new PC, you may need to enable SMB 1.0 support using "Turn Windows features on or off."

It's also worth checking whether your router is blocking traffic exchange between clients (AP Isolation). This feature is often enabled on public Wi-Fi hotspots, but it can also be activated on home routers by mistake or after a factory reset.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to connect computers without a router?

Yes, it's possible. You can create a direct computer-to-computer connection (Ad-Hoc network) if one of the laptops has a Wi-Fi module that supports hosted networks. However, this method is less stable and requires manual IP address configuration.

Why does the speed drop when transferring files?

Wi-Fi speeds are always slower than wired speeds due to protocol overhead and interference in the air. Furthermore, speed is limited by the weakest device in the chain. If one PC runs on the 802.11n standard and the router supports ac, the speed will be limited to the n standard.

How do I turn off sharing if I no longer need it?

Return to "Advanced Sharing Settings" and select "Turn off network discovery." It's also recommended to disable shared folders in their properties to prevent access to data.

Is it safe to keep sharing enabled all the time?

If you're on a home network with a strong Wi-Fi password and a complex Windows account password, the risks are minimal. Enabling sharing on public networks is strictly not recommended.

Now you know how to connect two computers to a local Wi-Fi network and can freely exchange data. Properly setting up profiles and access rights is the key to the successful and secure operation of your home network.