Creating a local area network between two computers is a basic skill that greatly simplifies file sharing, document collaboration, and even gaming sessions. Many users mistakenly believe that connecting two PCs requires a direct cable or complex equipment, but in the age of ubiquitous wireless technology, simply having a working network is enough. Wi-Fi routerThis device acts as a central hub that routes data flows between your devices, even if they are not connected to the global Internet.
The setup process may seem daunting to a beginner, but it really comes down to performing a few sequential steps in the operating system and checking the router settings. Modern operating systems, such as Windows 10 And Windows 11, have built-in tools for automatic device discovery, but often require manual adjustment of security profiles. Understanding how it works IP addressing and the SMB protocol will allow you to not only connect two computers, but also quickly diagnose potential problems in the future.
In this article, we'll cover every preparation step in detail, from checking physical compatibility to fine-tuning folder permissions. You'll learn why your computers may not be able to see each other in your network environment and how to fix common firewall configuration errors. The key is to take your time and carefully check each step of the instructions to ensure a stable and secure connection.
Preparing equipment and checking connections
Before beginning software configuration, you need to ensure the physical infrastructure is ready for operation. Both computers must be connected to the same router, either wirelessly or via a twisted pair cable. If you're using Wi-Fi, make sure both devices are within range of a strong signal and connected to the same frequency band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz), although modern routers can usually handle routing between different bands within the same network.
Checking IP addresses is critical. For the local network to function correctly, both computers must be on the same subnet. This means the first three numbers in their IP addresses must match. For example, if the first PC has an address of 192.168.1.5, the second should have an address of 192.168.1.X, where X is any number from 2 to 254. You can find your current address through the command line by entering the command ipconfig.
⚠️ Attention: If your computers receive addresses from different routers (for example, one is connected to the main ISP router, and the other to a hotspot or a neighbor's Wi-Fi), creating a direct connection between them using standard means won't work. They must be physically or logically on the same network segment.
It's also worth checking network visibility. Windows has a feature called "network discovery." If it's disabled, your computer will be hidden from other devices, even if a physical connection is established. Make sure the Wi-Fi adapter is enabled on both devices and the drivers are installed correctly, with no errors in Device Manager. Connection stability can be tested using a simple utility. ping, by sending a request from one computer to the IP address of another.
Setting up a network type and access profile in Windows
By default, the Windows operating system classifies new connections as "Public Networks" for maximum security. In this mode, the system blocks incoming connections and hides your computer from other devices. To connect two computers, you need to change the network profile to "Private." This confirms that you're in a trusted environment, such as your home or office.
To change your profile in Windows 10 and 11, go to network settings. Click the Wi-Fi icon in the system tray, select the active connection properties, and find the network type switch. After activating "Private" mode, the system will automatically allow the necessary ports for local data exchange. If you don't do this, even with the correct settings, shared folders will remain inaccessible.
Next, you need to enable network discovery. Open Control Panel, go to Network and Sharing Center, and select Change advanced sharing settings. Here, you need to enable the following features for the current profile:
- 📡 Enable network discovery (automatic configuration of connected devices).
- 📂 Enable file and printer sharing.
- 🔒 Allow Windows to manage HomeGroup connections (if applicable).
Don't forget to save your changes by clicking the "Save Changes" button at the bottom of the page. Without this step, all other changes will be ineffective. Sometimes you may need to restart your computer or reconnect to the Wi-Fi network for the new settings to take effect. If you use a third-party antivirus or firewall, make sure it isn't blocking local traffic by flagging it as suspicious.
Setting up shared access to folders and files
Once the network infrastructure is configured, you need to determine which resources will be available to the second computer. You can share any folder on your hard drive, making it visible to other users on the local network. To do this, right-click the folder, select "Properties," and go to the "Sharing" tab.
Click the "Sharing..." button and in the window that opens, add the user "Everyone" (or a specific user if you want to restrict access). For "Everyone," you can set the permissions to "Read" (view only) or "Read and Write" (full control). The latter option is more convenient for working with shared documents, but is less secure if there are other devices on the network.
An important detail is disabling password protection if you don't want to enter your username and password every time you connect. In the same "Advanced sharing settings," find the "All networks" section and select "Turn off password-protected sharing." This will make connecting easier, but be mindful of the security risks in public places.
| Access parameter | Description | Recommended value for home |
|---|---|---|
| Network discovery | PC visibility by other devices | Included |
| File sharing | Permission to read/write files | Included |
| Access to media files | Stream photos, videos, and music | As desired |
| Encryption | Using 128-bit encryption | Included |
| Password protection | Requiring credentials for access | Disabled (for convenience) |
After setting access rights, the folder will be accessible over the network. The path to it will look like this: \\COMPUTER_NAME\FOLDER_NAME or \\192.168.1.X\FOLDER_NAMEOn the second computer, you can enter this path into the File Explorer address bar to access the files. If the system prompts you for credentials, use the username and password of the user account on the first computer.
☑️ Check access settings
Using HomeGroup and legacy protocols
Older versions of Windows (before 1803) made extensive use of the HomeGroup feature, which allowed for quick sharing of photo, music, and document libraries. This feature has been deprecated in modern versions of Windows 10 and 11, but support for the SMB 1.0 protocol on which it was based is sometimes required for connecting very old devices or specific network-attached storage (NAS) devices.
If you need to connect an older computer running Windows 7 or XP to a modern system, you may need to enable support for the legacy protocol. To do this, go to "Control Panel" → "Programs and Features" → "Turn Windows features on or off." Find "SMB 1.0/CIFS file sharing support" in the list and check the boxes next to the client and server.
⚠️ Attention: The SMB 1.0 protocol has known security vulnerabilities (such as the WannaCry vulnerability). Enable it only if absolutely necessary for older equipment, and ensure your local network is isolated from external threats with a strong Wi-Fi password.
For modern systems, it's preferable to use the standard sharing mechanisms described in the previous section. They utilize more secure versions of the SMB protocol (2.0 and 3.0), which provide encryption during transmission. If you're trying to connect two modern PCs, using legacy protocols is neither necessary nor recommended.
Why did HomeGroup disappear?
Microsoft deprecated HomeGroup in the Windows 10 1803 update, as the functionality had become redundant. It's now easier to use cloud storage or standard folder sharing, which is faster and more secure.
Connecting via a direct connection (Ad-Hoc) without a router
There's a scenario where a router is unavailable, but connecting two computers is necessary. In this case, you can set up a direct computer-to-computer connection (Ad-Hoc network) or use the Mobile Hotspot feature built into Windows 10 and 11. This turns one laptop into an access point to which the other can connect.
To implement this method, on the first computer (which will be the server), go to the network settings and find the "Mobile Hotspot" section. Enable the feature and select the connection sharing method (in this case, we're creating a new network, not sharing the internet). Set the network name and password.
On the second computer, find the created network in the list of available Wi-Fi connections and sign in using the specified password. Once connected, the steps remain the same: ensure the network profile is set to "Private" and configure folder sharing. Data transfer speed in this mode will depend on the power of the Wi-Fi adapters and the distance between the devices.
An alternative is to create a "Near Share" project in Windows, which allows file transfer via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct without complex network setup. However, for continuous access to shared resources, a traditional local network via a router or virtual access point remains the most reliable solution.
Troubleshooting and Frequently Asked Questions
Even with careful configuration, situations may arise where computers cannot see each other. The most common cause is blocking by antivirus or firewall software. Try temporarily disabling your third-party antivirus and testing access. If this helps, add your local network to your security software's exceptions.
Another common issue is mismatched workgroup names. While this is less of a concern in modern versions of Windows, it is recommended that both computers have the same workgroup name specified in the "System" section (by default, this is WORKGROUP). You can change it in the advanced system settings.
It's also worth checking your Windows services. Make sure the "SSDP Discovery Resource Publishing," "Discovery Provider Host Device," and "Companion Devices" services are started and running in automatic mode. Stopping them can disrupt the discovery process for devices on the network.
Why can the second computer see the first one, but can’t open the folder?
The issue is most likely related to NTFS permissions or password protection. Check the "Security" tab in the folder's properties and ensure that "Everyone" or a specific user has read access. Also, try temporarily disabling password protection in the Network and Sharing Center.
Is it possible to connect computers if one has Windows 10 and the other has Windows 7?
Yes, this is possible. However, on Windows 10, you may need to enable SMB 1.0 support (which is insecure) or, better yet, update your network drivers and protocols on Windows 7 to the latest versions that support SMB 2.0/3.0.
What is the maximum file transfer speed over Wi-Fi?
Speed depends on the Wi-Fi standard (n, ac, ax) and signal conditions. Under ideal conditions, 5 GHz can achieve real-world speeds of 300-600 Mbps, which is significantly faster than standard internet but slower than a cable connection.
Is internet required for a local network to function?
No, you don't need an internet connection. The local network works regardless of whether you have a global connection. The router simply distributes traffic between devices within your apartment or office. You can even disconnect the ISP cable from the router, and files will still be transferred.