Networking Home Computers with a Wi-Fi Router on Windows 10: A Complete Guide

Creating a home local area network via Wi-Fi router allows you to share files between computers, use a shared printer, play online games, or even organize data backups. Windows 10 This procedure has become simpler than in previous versions, but it still requires attention to detail—especially if you are setting up a network for the first time.

Many users mistakenly believe that simply connecting all devices to a single router will automatically allow them to see each other. In reality, for the network to function properly, it needs to be configured correctly. network profile, check the parameters IP, share folders, and, if necessary, adjust firewall settings. In this article, we'll walk you through the entire process from A to Z, including common errors and solutions.

If you already have a router (for example, TP-Link Archer C6, ASUS RT-AX55 or Keenetic Giga), and all computers are connected to its Wi-Fi - you're halfway there. All that's left is to properly configure the system itself. Windows 10Below you'll find step-by-step instructions with illustrations (interface descriptions), safety tips, and answers to frequently asked questions.

1. Preparing equipment and checking connections

Before setting up Windows 10, make sure your Wi-Fi router Ready to create a local network. Here are the key points:

• 🔌 All computers must be connected to one router — either via Wi-Fi or cable (or a combination of both). If one device is connected 2.4 GHz, and the other on 5 GHz, this is not a hindrance: the main thing is that they are on the same network.
• 🔄 The router must distribute IP addresses automatically (DHCP). Check this in the router's web interface (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
• 📡 If you have a dual-band router (dual-band), make sure all devices are connected to the same network (for example, only to MyWiFi_5G, and not to MyWiFi_2.4G).

To check your current connection on Windows 10:

1. Click Win + R, enter ncpa.cpl and press Enter.
2. Find your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and right-click on it → State → Intelligence.
3. Make sure the fields Default Gateway, IPv4 address And DNS servers filled (for example, 192.168.1.100 And 192.168.1.1).

Attention! If IP address starts with 169.254.x.x, this means that DHCP is not working. Restart the router and computer, or configure IP manually (more on that below).

2. Setting up a network profile in Windows 10

By default Windows 10 assigns a profile to connections Public network, which blocks data exchange between devices. For the computers to "see" each other, you need to switch to a profile. Private network.

Do it on everyone computers that should be on the network:

1. Open Parameters (Win + I) → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi (or Ethernet).
2. Click on the name of your network (for example, MyWiFi_5G).
3. In the section Network profile select Private.

If this option is unavailable (grayed out), it means:

• 🔒 You have it turned on User Account Control (UAC) - temporarily disable it in Control Panel → User Accounts.
• 🛡️ A firewall or antivirus is blocking changes (e.g. Kaspersky, Avast). Add svchost.exe in exceptions.

A critical detail: if the "Public Network" profile remains on any computer, file sharing will not work, even if all other settings are correct.

All computers are connected to the same router|The network profile is changed to "Private" on all PCs|IP addresses are assigned automatically (DHCP)|The firewall does not block the local network-->

3. Setting up IP addresses (if DHCP does not work)

In 90% of cases IP addresses are assigned automatically, but sometimes you have to configure them manually. This is relevant if:

• 🔌 The router does not support DHCP (older models).
• 🔄 Do you want to fix it? IP for a specific device (for example, for a server).
• ⚡ There is a conflict IP (two devices received the same address).

To set up static IP:

1. Open Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings.
2. Right click on your connection → Properties → Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4) → Properties.
3. Select Use the following IP address and enter:

After applying the settings, restart your computer and check the connection with another PC using the command:

ping 192.168.1.101

(Where 192.168.1.101 — IP second computer). If the ping is successful (no packet loss), the connection is established.

What to do if ping doesn't work?

1. Make sure your firewall is disabled (temporary diagnostic solution).

2. Make sure that your antivirus does not block ICMP requests (for example, in Avast This is the "Firewall" setting.

3. Check the physical connection: reconnect the cable or reboot the router.

4. If you use a VPN, disable it—it may be redirecting traffic.

4. Setting up shared access to files and folders

Now that the computers "see" each other, you need to open access to specific folders or drives. Windows 10 This is done through the folder properties:

1. Right-click on the folder → Properties → tab Access.
2. Click Share → select user All (or a specific network user).
3. Set permission level: Reading (view only) or Reading and writing (editing).
4. Click Share → Ready.

To access a shared folder from another computer:

1. Open Conductor (Win + E).
2. In the address bar, enter \\192.168.1.100 (Where 192.168.1.100 — IP computer with a shared folder).
3. If prompted for a login/password, enter your account information Windows the computer you are connecting to.

Attention! If an error appears when connecting 0x80070035 ("Network path not found"), please check:

• 🔌 Is the protocol enabled on all computers? SMB 1.0 (if you are using older devices). It is included in Control Panel → Programs and Features → Turn Windows features on or off.
• 🛡️ Is your antivirus blocking access (for example, ESET NOD32 closes network folders by default).
• 🔄 Is it specified correctly? IP address (Sometimes Windows resets settings after updates).

5. Setting up printer sharing

A shared printer is one of the main advantages of a home network. To set it up:

1. On the computer to which the printer is connected, open Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners.
2. Select your printer → Control → Printer properties → tab Access.
3. Mark Share this printer and set a name (for example, HP_LaserJet_107).
4. Click OK and restart your computer.

To connect to the printer from another PC:

1. Open Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners → Add a printer or scanner.
2. Select The printer you need is not in the list.
3. Specify the path to the printer: \\192.168.1.100\HP_LaserJet_107 (Where 192.168.1.100 — IP computer with printer).
4. Install drivers if prompted by the system.

If the printer is not detected:

• 🖨️ Make sure the service is enabled on the host computer Print Manager (services.msc → Print Spooler).
• 🔌 Check that the printer is connected directly to the USB port (without a hub).
• 📡 If the printer is wireless, make sure it is connected to the same router as the computers.

How to print from your phone to a shared printer?

1. Install the application on your smartphone PrinterShare or HP Smart (depending on the printer model).

2. In the application settings, select Add a printer manually and enter IP address computer with a shared printer (for example, 192.168.1.100).

3. Specify the printer name (for example, \\192.168.1.100\HP_LaserJet_107).

4. When prompted, enter your account login/password Windows "host" computer.

6. Troubleshooting common problems

Even with proper setup, errors can still occur. Here are the most common ones and their solutions:

If the problem persists, check:

• 🔍 Logs Windows for network errors: Control Panel → Administrative Tools → Event Viewer → Windows Logs → System.
• 🔄 Router settings: sometimes resetting to factory settings (button) helps Reset on the back panel).
• 🛠️ Update your network card drivers (especially if you use Realtek or Broadcom).

Attention! If you use VPN (For example, NordVPN or ProtonVPN), disable it before setting up a local network. A VPN redirects traffic through a remote server, which can block access to local resources.

7. Additional home network features

In addition to sharing files and printers, a local network allows you to:

• 🎮 Play online games over LAN (e.g. Minecraft, Counter-Strike, GTA V). To do this, run the game on one computer as a server, and connect to the others via local IP.
• 💾 Organize a backup to another PC using robocopy or Macrium Reflect.
• 📺 Streaming video (for example, using Plex or Kodi), if one of the computers is used as a media server.
• 🖥️ Remote control via RDP (included in Settings → System → Remote Desktop).

For online games it is important:

• Open ports on the router (for example, 25565 For Minecraft).
• Disable Quality of Service (QoS) in the router settings if there are lags.
• Use a cable connection for the host computer (reduces ping).

For media server:

• Assign a static IP address to the server computer IP (see section 3).
• Open the ports 32400 (For Plex) or 8080 (For Kodi).
• Use a gigabit router (for example, ASUS RT-AX88U) for 4K video transmission.

8. Home network security

When sharing, keep security in mind:

• 🔐 Use complex passwords for your accounts Windows (at least 12 characters).
• 🛡️ Turn off sharing for the guest account (Control Panel → Administrative Tools → Local Security Policy → Local Policies → User Rights Assignment → Deny access to this computer from the network).
• 🔄 Update your router firmware regularly (every 3-6 months).
• 📡 Hide SSID network (in the router settings) and use WPA3 instead of WPA2.

To restrict access to specific folders:

1. Right-click on the folder → Properties → Security → Change.
2. Delete the group All and add specific users.
3. Assign rights only to Reading or Reading and execution.

Attention! If you have devices on your network with outdated operating systems (For example, Windows 7 or Android 5.0), they can become a vulnerability for the entire network. Isolate them in a separate subnet through the router settings (VLAN or Guest network).

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to network computers running Windows 10 and Windows 11?

Yes, Windows 10 And Windows 11 are fully compatible on a local network. The main thing is to use the same network profile (Private network) and protocol SMB (V Windows 11 enabled by default SMB 2.0+, which is also supported in Windows 10). If you have access problems, check the firewall settings on both PCs.

How to connect a Linux computer (Ubuntu, Mint) to the network?

To connect Linux to the network with Windows 10:

1. On Linux install the package samba:

   sudo apt install samba

2. Edit the file /etc/samba/smb.conf, adding to the end:

   [shared]
   path = /path/to/folder
   browsable = yes
   read only = no
   guest ok = no

3. Restart the service:

   sudo service smbd restart

4. WITH Windows connect at the address \\ip-linux-pc\shared.

To access shared folders Windows With Linux use the command smbclient or mount the folder via CIFS.

Why is the file transfer speed via Wi-Fi low (1-5 MB/s)?

Slow file transfer over Wi-Fi is usually caused by:

• Outdated router standard (802.11g instead of 802.11ac).
• Channel congestion (many devices or neighboring networks on the same channel).
• Network card power saving settings (disable in Device Manager).

Solutions:

• Switch your router to a free channel (use applications like Wi-Fi Analyzer).
• Connect computers via cable (even 100 Mbps will be faster than Wi-Fi on a busy network).
• Update your network card driver (especially for adapters Realtek).

How do I make computers automatically connect to the network when they start up?

To make computers automatically "see" each other when turned on:

1. Set up static IP addresses (see section 3) or reservation IP in the router (DHCP Reservation).
2. Add shared folders to Network environment (File Explorer → Network).
3. Disable sleep mode for network adapters in Device Manager.

If you use connection by name (For example, \\PC-NAME\folder), make sure the service Publishing Function Discovery Resources (Function Discovery Resource Publication) is enabled on all PCs.

Can this network be used for remote desktop (RDP)?

Yes, but for this you need:

1. On the computer you will be connecting to, turn on Remote Desktop (Settings → System → Remote Desktop).
2. Open the port 3389 on the router (port forwarding, Port Forwarding).
3. Use static IP or dynamic DNS (for example, No-IP), if you are connecting from outside.

Attention! Opening RDP The internet is dangerous - use it VPN for a secure connection.