Setting up a local network between multiple computers running Windows 10 is often a necessary step to simplify file sharing, printer sharing, or online gaming. Modern versions of Windows 10 have significantly changed the approach to network settings, abandoning the outdated concept of "HomeGroup," which can initially cause confusion for users accustomed to automated processes. Now network administration requires manual review of profiles and sharing settings, but this approach provides more flexible and secure control over connected devices.
To successfully integrate PCs into a single digital ecosystem, you'll need a stable wireless connection, which can be established in two main ways: through a central router or by creating a direct computer-to-computer connection. In the first case, all devices connect to a single access point. Wi-Fi router, which is the most common scenario for homes and small offices. In the second case, one device broadcasts the signal, and others connect to it, which is useful when there is no external infrastructure.
Before you begin any complex registry or command line manipulation, you should ensure that basic security and detection settings are correct. The key to visibility of computers is that they are workgroup-identified and that network discovery is enabled on all nodes. In this guide, we'll walk you through each setup step in detail, address common errors, and offer troubleshooting tips so you can create a reliable local network without wasting time.
Selecting a topology and preparing equipment
The first step in building any network is understanding the physical structure of the connection. If you have a wireless router, the task boils down to connecting all computers to the same network. Wi-FiThis is a classic star topology, where the router acts as a switch. All devices receive IP addresses from the same subnet, making them automatically visible to each other if the software is configured correctly.
In a situation where the router is missing or faulty, you can use the technology Ad-hoc Or the "Mobile Hotspot" feature in Windows 10. In this mode, one computer acts as a server, creating a virtual access point. Other devices connect to this signal as if it were a regular router. It's important to understand that in this scenario, the server computer must have a permanent IP address or a stable connection to ensure the network remains connected.
Regardless of the chosen method, it's critical that all computers are in the same broadcast domain. This means they must be connected to the same router or directly to each other. Using different frequency bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) on the same router doesn't split the network, as the router combines them into a single logical segment.
⚠️ Important: When using public Wi-Fi networks (such as cafes and airports), the discovery feature should be disabled. In such locations, the network profile should always be set to "Public," which prevents your PC from being visible to others.
Network profile setup and discovery
When you first connect to a new Wi-Fi network, Windows 10 asks for visibility confirmation. This is crucial for the network to function properly. If you answer "No," the system will assign the profile status to "Public Network," which will automatically enable strict firewall rules and hide your computer from other devices. To share a network, the profile must be set to "Private" on all computers.
You can check and change your current status through the settings menu. Go to Start → Settings → Network & Internet → StatusIn the "Properties" section of your active Wi-Fi network, locate the profile switcher. Make sure "Private" is selected. This will allow pass-through connections and make your PC discoverable to other devices within range.
After changing your profile, you need to enable discovery features. Open the Control Panel (you can find it in the search bar) and go to Network and Sharing Center. In the left menu, select Change advanced sharing settings. Here, for the current profile (Private), enable the following options:
- 📡 Enable network discovery (and automatic configuration of connected network devices).
- 📂 Enable file and printer sharing.
- 🔗 Allow Windows to manage HomeGroup connections.
Save your changes by clicking the "Save Changes" button. The system will now allow incoming connection requests and broadcast its presence on the local network. Without this step, the computers will be physically connected via Wi-Fi, but software-based isolation will remain.
Creation of a joint working group
For computers to display correctly in the network environment, they must be in the same workgroup. By default, Windows 10 uses the name WORKGROUP, however, in corporate environments or with specific settings, this may be changed. Computer names must also be unique so that the system can distinguish between network nodes.
To check or change the workgroup name, use the keyboard shortcut Win + R and enter the command sysdm.cplIn the System Properties window that opens, on the Computer Name tab, you'll see the current settings. Click the Change button if you need to make any changes. Make sure the workgroup name is spelled exactly the same on all PCs being merged, maintaining proper case.
After changing the workgroup name, the system will require a reboot. This is mandatory, as network services only reread the configuration at startup. Ignoring the reboot will prevent the new setting from taking effect, and the computer will remain in the old workgroup, invisible to other members.
It's also important to ensure the computer name itself is unique. If two devices on the network have the same name (e.g., "User-PC"), a conflict will occur, and one of them will not be able to function properly on the network. Give each device a descriptive name, for example, Office-PC, Laptop-Bedroom or Server-Main.
☑️ Pre-merge check
Setting up resource sharing
Once the computers have "discovered" each other, you need to configure access to specific folders or drives. Simply having a network connection doesn't grant read access to files. You need to explicitly tell the system which resources can be accessed by other users. This is done through the context menu of a folder or drive.
Right-click the folder you want to share and select "Properties." Go to the "Sharing" tab and click "Advanced." Check the "Share this folder" box. Next, click "Permissions" to determine what actions other users can perform: read only, modify, or full control.
There's also a simplified method via the "Sharing" tab in the folder's properties. Here, you can quickly add the "Everyone" user and assign them an access level. However, for more granular security, we recommend using the advanced settings, where you can specify detailed permissions for specific accounts.
Pay attention to the "Password Protection" setting in the sharing settings. If it's enabled, when attempting to access the folder from another computer, the system will prompt you to enter the username and password of the user whose folder is being shared. This user must exist on the target computer and have a password (a blank password often causes connection errors). If you disable password protection, access will be open to everyone without authorization, which is less secure but more convenient on a trusted home network.
| Access parameter | Description of action | Recommended value | Risk level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | The user can only open and copy files. | For general documents | Short |
| Change | Editing and deleting files is allowed | For work projects | Average |
| Full access | Full control, including changing access rights | For admin only | High |
| Recording | You can only add files, but not see them. | To collect reports | Short |
Mapping a network drive and troubleshooting errors
For easier access to shared resources, we recommend mapping the remote folder as a network drive. This will allow you to work with files on another computer as if they were on your local drive. In File Explorer, right-click "This PC" and select "Map network drive." Enter the path to the resource in the following format: \\ComputerName\Folder or \\IP address\Folder.
A common issue is the error "Windows cannot access...." In most cases, this is due to a disabled SMB 1.0 Helper Service or incorrect firewall settings. The issue may also be caused by a disabled Function Discovery Resource Publishing service. Check its status in Services (services.msc) and set the startup type to "Automatic".
Another common scenario is a login prompt. If the passwords don't match or the user doesn't have permissions, the system will repeatedly prompt for login. Ensure that identical accounts with the same passwords are created on both computers, or use guest access (not recommended for security reasons).
Solution to the "Unable to access" error
If standard methods don't help, try entering the following command in the command prompt with administrator rights: net use \\PCName\Folder /user:UserName Password. This will force a session with the specified credentials.
⚠️ Note: The Windows 10 Settings interface is updated regularly. The location of some menu items may vary slightly depending on the build version (Home, Pro, Enterprise). If you don't find the item you're looking for, try searching in the system settings.
Direct computer-to-computer connection (without a router)
If you don't have a router, you can connect two laptops directly via Wi-Fi. To do this, create a new network on one of the devices (which will act as the server). Go to "Settings" → "Network & Internet" → "Mobile Hotspot." Enable the feature and set up a network name and password.
However, for a classic local network, creating a new connection is often used. In the Network and Sharing Center, select "Set up a new connection or network." Select "Set up a wireless ad-hoc network." Follow the wizard's instructions, specifying the network name (SSID) and security type (preferably WPA2-Personal).
The second computer should find the created network in the list of available connections and connect to it by entering the password. Once connected, both devices will be on the same subnet. Further sharing setup follows a similar process: change the profile to "Private" and enable discovery.
It's worth noting that the data transfer speed for a direct connection depends on the power of the Wi-Fi adapters. Modern cards of the standard 802.11ac or ax They will provide high speeds, while older adapters can become a bottleneck. For transferring large amounts of data (hundreds of gigabytes), a cable connection or external storage is still preferable.
Why can't computers see each other on the network?
Most often, the problem lies with the "Public" network profile or a disabled discovery service. Also, check if NetBIOS over TCP/IP is enabled in the IPv4 protocol properties.
How to find out the IP address of a computer on a local network?
Open command prompt (cmd) and enter the command ipconfigYou are interested in the "IPv4 address" line, which usually looks like 192.168.1.XX.
Is it possible to combine computers running Windows 10 and Windows 7?
Yes, this is possible. However, on Windows 7, you may need to enable SMB 1.0 support and ensure the workgroup is named WORKGROUP.
Is it safe to leave public access open?
On a home network with a strong Wi-Fi password, yes. In public places or when connected directly to the internet without a router, this poses a serious data security risk.