Organizing local data exchange between devices is a basic skill that every modern user needs. Instead of using external drives or cloud storage, which can be slow or expensive, direct Wi-Fi channel Allows you to transfer gigabytes of information in minutes. This is especially useful when working with large archives, video editing, or creating game servers for a local network.
Connecting two PCs wirelessly eliminates the need for cables and disruptive décor. However, despite its apparent simplicity, the setup process often raises questions for Windows 10 and Windows 11 users. Various security updates and changes to device discovery protocols can obscure the necessary settings from the user's view.
In this article, we'll walk you through the steps that will allow you to create a reliable connection. We'll cover both standard operating system tools and specialized utilities. file sharingYou will learn how to configure access profiles and troubleshoot common errors that interfere with stable network operation.
Equipment preparation and compatibility testing
Before you begin software configuration, you must ensure that the hardware is physically ready for operation. Both computers must be equipped with working components. Wi-Fi adaptersThese can be built-in modules in laptops or external USB dongles on desktop PCs. It's important to keep the device drivers up-to-date, as older software versions often incorrectly handle requests to create local groups.
A critical requirement is that both devices are on the same wireless network. If one computer is connected to a router and the other is sharing internet via a mobile hotspot, a direct connection between them using standard means will be impossible without complex routing. Ensure that both devices have received IP addresses from the same DHCP server, typically your home router.
⚠️ Note: If you're using a guest Wi-Fi network at an office or hotel, computer discovery will be blocked at the hardware level by your service provider. In these circumstances, connecting devices is only possible by creating a virtual network using third-party software.
To diagnose the current connection status, you can use the command line. Open a terminal and enter the command ipconfig, to your current IP address. The devices must have addresses in the same subnet, for example, 192.168.1.5 and 192.168.1.10. If the first three numbers of the addresses match, the physical layer is ready to operate.
Setting up a network profile and discovering devices
By default, the Windows operating system treats new connections as public, which automatically hides the computer from other devices for security purposes. To connect two PCs, you need to change the network profile to Private NetworkThis action opens ports for discovery services and allows computers to "see" each other in the list of available hardware.
In Windows 10 and 11, this setting is located in the Network and Sharing Center. Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Properties active connection. Here, you need to switch the toggle switch from "Public" to "Private." After doing so, the system will apply less restrictive firewall rules for this connection.
The next step is to enable detection features. Go to Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing CenterIn the left menu, select "Change advanced sharing settings." Here, you need to enable the following options for the current profile:
- 🔍 Enable network discovery (and installation of network devices).
- 📁 Enable file and printer sharing.
- 🔑 Allow Windows to manage HomeGroup connections (if applicable).
After making changes, be sure to click "Save Changes." The system may prompt you to confirm administrator rights. Restarting the network adapter or reconnecting to Wi-Fi will apply the new profile settings.
Creating a shared folder and setting access rights
For data exchange to be meaningful, a file access point must be created. Simply enabling discovery isn't enough—you need to explicitly tell the system which resources will be accessible to the second computer. Create a new folder on the disk or select an existing one, right-click it, and go to Properties → Access.
Click the "Advanced Settings" button and check the "Share this folder" box. Below, you can specify the resource name that the second computer will see. Pay special attention to the "Permissions" button: this is where you need to add a user. "All" (or a specific user) and give them read, write, and full access permissions, depending on your needs.
☑️ Checking folder settings
There's also a simplified method via the "Sharing" tab, where you can quickly share a folder with a homegroup or specific users. However, the advanced settings method offers more flexible control over who can do what with files. This is especially important if unauthorized people might access your network.
⚠️ Note: Granting "Full Control" permissions will allow any network user to delete or modify files in the folder. For temporary data transfers, it's safer to grant only "Read" and "Modify" permissions, not "Delete."
Don't forget to also check the security settings of the NTFS file system itself. Sometimes the permissions in the "Security" tab can block access even if everything is enabled in "Access Control." Make sure the user or group is listed in the security groups. HomeGroup / All with the appropriate rights.
Connecting to a shared resource by IP address
Even with proper configuration, computers don't always appear automatically in the network due to the specifics of the SMB protocol and Windows discovery services. The most reliable way to connect two computers is to directly enter the IP address. This eliminates naming errors and DNS issues.
On the receiving computer, open any explorer or press the key combination Win + RIn the Run window that appears, enter a double slash and the IP address of the first computer, for example: \\192.168.1.15Press Enter. If all settings are correct, a window will open with available shared folders.
The system may ask for credentials. It is important to enter the login and password for the user account on remote computerIf a password isn't set on that PC, login may be blocked by security policies. In this case, you'll need to either create a password or change the local security policy to allow blank passwords (not recommended).
| Parameter | Computer A (Server) | Computer B (Client) |
|---|---|---|
| IP address | 192.168.0.105 | 192.168.0.108 |
| Network profile | Private | Private |
| Detection | Included | Included |
| Access to folder | Open (Read/Write) | Requires authorization |
For ease of use, you can map a network folder as a separate drive. In File Explorer, click "This PC" and select "Map network drive" from the menu. Specify the drive letter and path to the resource. The folder will now appear in "My Computer" as a regular local partition, significantly speeding up file access.
Using specialized software for transmission
Built-in Windows tools can seem cumbersome for a one-time transfer of photos or documents. In such cases, it's more practical to use lightweight third-party software that runs over a local network. Such programs don't require complex access rights configuration and are often faster than the standard SMB protocol.
One of the popular solutions is the utility Feem or Snapdrop (works via a browser). They automatically find devices on the network via Wi-Fi. Simply install the app on both PCs, and they will appear in the list of available contacts. Transferring files is done by simply dragging and dropping them into the program window.
Why do third-party programs work faster?
Third-party utilities often use their own data compression algorithms before sending and don't rely on heavy Windows Discovery services. They create a direct TCP/UDP connection between endpoints, bypassing unnecessary OS security checks, which is especially noticeable when transferring thousands of small files.
Another option is to use FTP servers. You can run a lightweight FTP server on a single computer (for example, via FileZilla Server (or a built-in IIS function), and in the second, connect to it as a network drive. This method is ideal for regularly working with large amounts of data, as the FTP protocol is more stable than SMB when the connection is interrupted.
Diagnosing problems and troubleshooting connection errors
If you can't connect two computers via Wi-Fi, first check your Windows Firewall. It may be blocking incoming connections even with sharing enabled. Go to your firewall settings and ensure that File and Printer Sharing (SMB-In) is allowed for the private network.
A common issue is a disabled discovery support service. Click Win + R, enter services.msc and find the service Function Discovery Resource PublicationSet the startup type to "Automatic" and start it. Without this service, the computer will not be visible on the network, even if all other settings are correct.
It's also worth checking your antivirus software. Third-party antivirus programs (Kaspersky, ESET, Avast) often have their own built-in firewalls that ignore Windows settings. Try temporarily disabling network protection in your antivirus or adding your home network to the list of trusted zones.
⚠️ Note: Windows settings interfaces and service names may vary slightly depending on the update version (21H2, 22H2, etc.). If you don't find the described item, use the system settings search or refer to the official Microsoft documentation for your OS version.
If you are experiencing persistent access errors (code 0x80070035), try clearing the credential cache. Open Control Panel → Credential Manager and delete any saved entries associated with the IP address or name of the affected computer. After this, the system will prompt you for a password again when connecting, which often resolves the issue of security token desynchronization.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to combine computers if one is on Windows and the other is on macOS?
Yes, it's possible. On a Mac, go to System Preferences → Sharing and enable File Sharing. Then add a user and folder. On Windows, connect via File Explorer at \\IP-address-MacYou will be asked to enter your Mac account login and password.
Why is the Wi-Fi transfer speed very low (less than 1 MB/s)?
Speed may be limited by frequency range. If you're using the 2.4 GHz band, actual speeds rarely exceed 3-4 MB/s. For higher speeds, the 5 GHz band and support for these standards are required. Wi-Fi 5 (ac) or Wi-Fi 6 (ax) Both adapters. Speed also drops if there are many obstacles between the router and the PC.
Is internet required for a local network to function?
No, internet access is not required. A local network works directly between devices via a router or even via computer-to-computer (Ad-Hoc) mode, if supported by the adapters. The main thing is that the devices are connected to a single network.
How to transfer files if there is no router?
You can create a virtual router on one of your laptops (using the "Mobile Hotspot" feature in Windows 10/11). The second computer connects to the created hotspot as if it were a regular Wi-Fi network. Further sharing is configured using the standard IP address.
Is it safe to keep sharing enabled all the time?
If you're on a trusted home network with a strong Wi-Fi password (WPA2/WPA3), the risks are minimal. However, in public places or offices, it's best to disable public access when not in use to prevent unauthorized access to your data.