How to connect two computers via Wi-Fi

Establishing local data exchange between two PCs within the same apartment or office is a basic skill required by every modern user. Instead of using external drives like USB flash drives, which are physically transferred between devices, it's much more efficient to set up a permanent communication channel. Wireless technology Wi-Fi allows you to create a stable connection sufficient for file transfer, document collaboration, and even gaming on a local network.

The setup process may seem complicated only at first glance, since the operating system Windows By default, it tries to maximize user security by hiding the computer from prying eyes on public networks. However, in a trusted home environment, you can easily change these settings. The key is to understand how network profiles work and enter addresses correctly.

In this article, we'll cover every step in detail: from checking the physical functionality of the adapters to fine-tuning the exchange protocols. You'll learn how to avoid common errors when one computer simply "doesn't see" the other, and how to ensure stable transfer speeds for large amounts of data without using wires.

Preparing equipment and checking drivers

Before starting any software configuration, you must ensure that the hardware is ready for operation. Both computers must be equipped with working Wi-Fi adaptersThese can be built-in modules in laptops, external USB dongles, or PCI cards in desktop computers. It's critical that both devices are within range of the same router.

Outdated or incorrectly functioning drivers are often the cause of problems. The operating system may display the network icon, but the adapter's functionality will be limited. To check, go to device Manager Open the Control Panel and find the "Network Adapters" section. If a yellow triangle appears next to the name of your wireless module, the device is not working properly.

It's also worth making sure both computers are connected to the same network. In apartment buildings, neighbors' routers may have similar names (SSIDs), and automatic connection could redirect one computer to another's access point. Check the network name in the system tray near the clock.

• 📡 Make sure both PCs are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (same router name).
• 💾 Check for up-to-date drivers for your wireless network adapter in Device Manager.
• 🔋 Make sure your laptops don't have power saving mode enabled, which turns off Wi-Fi to save battery power.

If you are using older standard adapters 802.11g or 802.11n At 2.4 GHz, file transfer speeds may be limited by the hardware's capabilities. For optimal performance, it's recommended that the standard be supported. AC or AX (Wi-Fi 6).

⚠️ Note: Third-party antivirus programs (Kaspersky, ESET, Avast) often have a built-in firewall that blocks your computer from being detected on the network. If this setting fails, try temporarily disabling your antivirus's firewall.

Setting up a network profile and discovery

The key to connecting two computers via Wi-Fi is the correct network profile. Windows divides networks into "Public" and "Private." In a public profile, the system hides the PC from other devices for security reasons, making a direct connection impossible.

You need to switch the network type to "Private" on both computers. You can do this through the Network and Sharing Center or System Settings. In Windows 10 and 11, the path typically looks like this: Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Manage known networksSelect your network and set the switch to "Private."

After changing your profile, you need to enable discovery features. Without this, computers will ignore connection requests. Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Change advanced sharing settingsHere, in the "Private" profile, you need to enable network discovery and file sharing.

Don't forget to also enable the "Allow management of network connections" option. This will allow the system to automatically open the necessary ports for discovery services. If you omit this option, computers will be able to see each other but won't be able to establish a data connection.

Setting up shared access to folders and printers

Simply connecting computers isn't enough—you need to specify what exactly you want to exchange. The mechanism SMB (Server Message Block), used in Windows, allows you to share (make public) any folders, drives or connected printers.

To begin, select the folder you want to see on the second computer. Right-click it and select Properties → Access → Advanced settingsCheck the "Share this folder" box. You can also configure permissions here: read-only access or full access with the ability to modify and delete files.

Pay special attention to the "Security" tab. Even if everything is accessible, NTFS permissions may block access. Make sure the group list includes "Everyone" or a specific user with read and execute permissions. Without this, the system may ask for a username and password when attempting to log in, even if you haven't set them.

If you need to connect a network printer, the process is similar. Go to Devices and printers, select the desired printer, right-click “Printer properties” → “Sharing” tab and check the “Share this printer” box.

How do I disable the password prompt when logging in?

If you want to access shared folders without entering a password, find "All Networks" in the Network and Sharing Center. At the very bottom, you'll see the "Password-protected sharing" option. Disable it. However, keep in mind that this will allow anyone connected to your Wi-Fi network to access your files.

Connect via IP address and create a shortcut

Sometimes automatic detection via "Network" in File Explorer is unstable or takes a long time. The most reliable way to connect two computers via Wi-Fi is to use a static or dynamic connection. IP addressesEach device on a local network has a unique address, for example, 192.168.1.5.

To find out the IP address of the target computer (the one whose files you want to access), go to it, open a command prompt (press Win + R, enter cmd) and enter the command ipconfigFind the line "IPv4 address" and write down the numbers.

Now switch to the first computer. Open "My Computer" (File Explorer) and enter the second computer's address in the address bar, separated by two backslashes: \\192.168.1.XX (where XX are the address digits). Press Enter. If the settings are correct, you will see a list of all shared folders on the remote PC.

To avoid typing the address each time, you can create a network shortcut. In File Explorer, click "This PC," then select "Map network drive" from the top menu. Select a drive letter (e.g., Z:), and enter the path in the Folder field. \\IP address\Folder name and check the box "Reconnect at logon".

⚠️ Please note: IP addresses assigned by your router via DHCP may change after a router reboot. If the connection stops working, check the current IP address on the target computer again.

Solving visibility and access issues

Even with proper configuration, situations may arise where computers cannot see each other. One common cause in Windows 10 and 11 is a disabled discovery service. Click Win + R, enter services.msc and find services related to SSDP, UPnP and "Publish Discovery Resources." They should be running and running automatically.

It's also worth checking the SMB 1.0 protocol. Although Microsoft disables it by default due to vulnerabilities, it may be necessary on older local networks or when connecting to some NAS storage devices. You can enable it using "Turn Windows features on or off."

If the system requires a password when logging in and you don't remember it or haven't set it, try entering your Microsoft account login and password (if you use one to log in to Windows) or create a new local user with a simple password on the target PC and log in using that user's credentials.

In some cases, resetting your network settings can help. In Windows Settings, navigate to "Network & Internet" → "Advanced network settings" → "Network reset." This will reinstall your network adapters and return all settings to factory defaults, which often resolves software conflicts.

• 🛠 Check the "Discovery Provider Host" service in the list of Windows services.
• 🔒 Make sure that the SMB protocol (port 445) is not blocked in your firewall.
• 🔄 Try temporarily disabling your antivirus to diagnose the problem.

Local connection security

By allowing access to files, you potentially weaken your system's security. If an attacker connects to your Wi-Fi router, they can access your data unless passwords are set. Therefore, using a strong Wi-Fi password (WPA2/WPA3 encryption standard) is essential.

It is not recommended to grant full access (read and write) to system folders or the C: drive. Create separate folders for sharing, such as "Share" or "Public," and share only those. This minimizes the risk in the event of a network compromise.

If you use public Wi-Fi networks (such as cafes or airports), it's strongly recommended that you don't enable network discovery. In such places, it's better to use cloud storage or secure messaging apps to transfer files, as your local network may be eavesdropped on.

Is it possible to connect computers without a router (directly)?

Yes, this is possible. One computer must create an access point (using "Mobile Hotspot" mode in Windows 10/11), and the other must connect to it as a regular Wi-Fi network. The setup is then similar: using IP addresses and folder sharing. The speed will depend on the capabilities of the Wi-Fi adapter creating the hotspot.

Why is file transfer so slow?

Wi-Fi speeds are always slower than cable speeds. Speed ​​is also affected by the distance to the router, the presence of walls, how busy the channel is with neighbors, and the adapter standard (N, AC, AX). When transferring large files (tens of GB), it's preferable to use a LAN cable or an external SSD.

How do I find out the IP address of the second computer if it is not displayed?

On the second computer, open the command prompt (cmd)