Establishing a local connection between two computers is a basic task faced by many home and office network users. Modern Windows operating systems have greatly simplified this process, but there are still nuances that can be confusing for inexperienced users. Whether you want to quickly transfer files, launch a network game, or access a printer connected to another PC, you'll need proper setup. local network.
The key to successful network sharing is a working Wi-Fi router connected to both devices. It's crucial that both computers are on the same subnet, which usually happens automatically when connecting to the same access point. In this article, we'll cover in detail how to set up shared access, avoid common mistakes, and ensure a stable connection without unnecessary cables.
Before proceeding with the software settings, you need to ensure the hardware is physically ready. Make sure both computers are turned on and their Wi-Fi adapters are working properly and active. If you're using laptops, make sure they're not in power-saving mode, which can disable the network adapter to conserve battery life.
It's worth noting that in Windows 10 and Windows 11, Microsoft has changed its approach to network profiles, placing an emphasis on security. By default, the system can block discovery of other devices on the network if the profile is set to "Public." Therefore, the first step is to change the network profile to "Private," which will allow computers to "see" each other.
Changing the network profile to private
The first critical step is switching your network profile. Windows treats new connections as public by default to protect your computer from strangers in cafes or airports. For a home network, this is an unnecessary security measure, blocking local data exchange. You must manually inform the system that you are in a trusted environment.
To change the settings, open the Start menu and go to System Settings. Find the item responsible for network status and click Properties for your current Wi-Fi connection. In the window that opens, you'll see a network profile switcher. Select this option. Private (or Private). This action removes the block on discovery protocols.
After changing the profile, the system will apply the new firewall rules. Your computer will now allow incoming connections for certain services required for local network operation. If you skip this step, any further sharing settings may not work, and the devices will simply not see each other in the list of available devices.
It's important to perform this operation on both computers you plan to connect. If one PC has a "Private" profile and the other has a "Public" profile, the connection may be unstable or impossible. Make sure both devices are in the same network context.
⚠️ Warning: If you are connecting to a corporate network or public Wi-Fi, do not switch your profile to "Private" as this may make your files visible to other network users.
Setting up sharing options
Once the network profile has been modified, you need to enable discovery and file sharing. These settings are hidden deep within the control panel and determine which resources and with what permissions other network users will be able to access. Without them, computers will remain "invisible."
To access the settings, search for "manage networks" in the system search bar. In the window that opens, select "Change advanced sharing settings." Here you'll see sections for different profile types. Make sure you're configuring the currently active profile (Private).
The following options must be enabled within the profile:
- 📡 Turn on network discovery - allows the computer to see other devices and be visible to itself.
- 📂 Enable file and printer sharing — allows data transfer and use of peripherals.
- 🔐 Let Windows manage HomeGroup connections — automates access rights settings.
It's also worth paying attention to the "All Networks" section. Here you'll find an important option called "Password-protected sharing." If enabled, you'll need to enter the remote computer's username and password to access files. For home use, disabling this feature to ensure open access is often more convenient, but this reduces security.
After making all changes, be sure to click the "Save Changes" button. The system may require administrator privileges to apply the settings. If you don't save the settings, they will be lost when you reboot or exit the menu.
☑️ Checking sharing settings
Opening access to folders and disks
Now that the network infrastructure is set up, you need to determine what data will be shared. You can share a single folder, an entire drive, or even a connected USB drive. The process for setting access rights is the same for all resource types.
Select the folder you want to share. Right-click it and select "Properties." Go to the "Sharing" tab and click "Advanced." Here, check the box next to "Share this folder." Below, you can configure permissions for different users, such as read-only permissions or full control with the ability to modify files.
There's also a faster way via the "Sharing" tab in the folder's properties. By clicking the "Share" button, you can select a user from the list (e.g., "Everyone") and add them, setting their permission level. This method is less flexible, but faster for simple tasks.
If you want to grant access to an entire drive, the process is similar but requires more caution. By opening system drives, you potentially grant access to all files on them, including system files. It is recommended to only grant access to user folders, such as Documents, Pictures, or specially created folders for sharing.
To check if the settings are correct, try opening this folder from another computer. The path will look like this: \\ComputerName\FolderName or \\IP Address\FolderNameIf access is allowed correctly, you will be able to see the folder contents and work with files.
⚠️ Caution: When granting full control (write and modify), make sure the antivirus software on both computers is up to date, as malware can spread across the local network instantly.
Searching for computers and connecting to the network
Once access is set up, the question arises: how to find the desired computer on the network? Modern versions of Windows Explorer have a special "Network" section that should display all available devices. However, automatic discovery can sometimes be delayed.
If your computer doesn't appear in the list automatically, you can connect to it manually using its name or IP address. Press the key combination Win + Rto open the Run window. Type two backslashes followed by the computer name (e.g. \\OfficePC) or its IP address (for example, \\192.168.1.5).
To find your computer's name or IP address, go to System Settings (My Computer → Properties or Settings → System → About). It will say "Device Name." You can find the IP address from the command line by entering the command ipconfig and finding the IPv4 address line.
For ease of use, we recommend mapping the network folder as a network drive. To do this, right-click "This PC" in File Explorer and select "Map network drive." Select the drive letter, specify the path to the shared folder, and check "Restore at logon." The folder will now be accessible as a regular drive in "My Computer."
Solving common visibility problems
Even with proper configuration, users often encounter computers that can't see each other. One of the most common causes is a disabled discovery service. In Windows 10 and 11, this is the responsibility of services that can be stopped by the system to conserve resources.
Check the status of services by clicking Win + R and entering services.mscFind the "Function Discovery Resource Publication" and "Discovery Provider Host" services. Set their startup type to "Automatic" and click "Start." This often resolves the issue of the computer disappearing from the network after a reboot.
Another common problem is third-party antiviruses and firewalls. They can block local connections, deeming them suspicious. Try temporarily disabling your antivirus or adding your local network to the list of trusted zones in your firewall settings.
It's also worth checking whether the SMB 1.0 protocol is enabled, although it's rarely used in modern networks and isn't recommended due to vulnerabilities. However, if you're connecting a very old device (such as an old NAS or printer), you may need to enable it using "Turn Windows features on or off."
| Problem | Probable cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The computer is not visible on the network | Network Profile "Public" | Switch to "Private" in Wi-Fi settings |
| Password prompt upon login | Password protection is enabled | Disable in sharing options or enter data |
| Access Error 0x80070035 | Invalid SMB name or protocol | Check the PC name, enable SMB 1.0 (if necessary) |
| The network disappears after sleep | Saving adapter power | Disable power saving in Device Manager |
⚠️ Note: Windows settings interfaces may differ depending on the update version (21H2, 22H2, etc.). If you can't find the item, use the search within the settings window.
Alternative methods of data transfer
If setting up a full-fledged local network seems too complicated or time-consuming, there are simpler ways to transfer files between two computers over Wi-Fi. These methods don't require in-depth knowledge of network protocols and work out of the box.
One of the most convenient tools is the Nearby Sharing feature in Windows 10 and 11. It uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to transfer files, similar to AirDrop on Apple devices. Simply enable this feature in Bluetooth and Devices settings, select a file, click "Share," and choose the target computer from the list.
Another option is to use cloud storage or specialized software. Programs like Resilio Sync or SyncToy Allows you to synchronize folders between computers directly, without uploading files to the internet. You can also use an FTP server running on one of the computers to access files through a browser or file manager.
Transfer speed comparison
A wired connection (Ethernet) provides stable speeds of up to 1 Gbps and higher. Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) delivers 400-600 Mbps under ideal conditions, but speeds drop significantly through walls. Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) rarely exceeds 100 Mbps of real-world traffic.
For one-time transfers of large files, it's sometimes faster to use an external hard drive or USB flash drive than to set up a network. However, for regular work, shared access to databases or media libraries, setting up a local network remains the most efficient and professional solution.
Do I need to have the same usernames on both computers?
No, usernames can be different. However, if password protection is enabled, you will need to enter the login and password of the specific account whose folder you are accessing. If you want easier access, create the same account (login and password) on both computers or disable password protection.
Is it possible to connect computers without a router?
Yes, this is possible using Wi-Fi Direct technology or by creating a hotspot on one of the laptops. However, the speed and stability of such a connection will be lower than using a full-fledged router, and setup is more complex.
Why is the network transfer speed very slow?
Speed depends on the Wi-Fi standard (n, ac, ax), distance to the router, number of walls, and interference from neighboring networks. Speed may also be limited by the network adapter's power-saving settings or by antivirus software that scans every transferred file.
Is it safe to disable password protection?
Within a trusted home network, where no other devices are present, this is acceptable for convenience. However, if neighbors or guests may connect to your Wi-Fi, it's best to leave the security enabled or create a guest network with isolated clients.