How to connect two computers to a local network via Wi-Fi in Windows 10: all the methods

Connecting two computers via a local network Wi-Fi V Windows 10 Opens up a ton of possibilities: from quickly sharing files to playing games together or working remotely with shared folders. However, many users encounter setup issues—the network isn't detected, file access is blocked, or transfer speeds leave much to be desired. In this article, we'll explore these issues. all working methods connecting two PCs via Wi-Fi: both with and without a router (via ad-hoc network or Wi-Fi Direct).

You will learn how to set it up correctly network discovery, open shared access to folders, troubleshoot common errors (for example, Network without Internet access or "Unable to connect") and even how to optimize data transfer speed between devices. The instructions are suitable for laptops and desktop PCs with Wi-Fi adapters, as well as for hybrid configurations (for example, when one computer is connected via a cable and the other via a wireless network).

1. Preparing computers for Wi-Fi connection

Before setting up a local network, make sure both computers meet the minimum requirements:

• 🖥️ Both PCs are running Windows 10 (version 1809 or later). Older versions may lack some features, such as Wi-Fi Direct.
• 📶 Every device has a working Wi-Fi adapter (built-in or external USB). You can check its presence in Device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager → Network Adapters).
• 🔒 Both computers must have administrator rights to change network settings.
• 🔄 One of the PCs must act as host (distributing the Internet or creating a network), the second is to connect to it.

It is also recommended to update your Wi-Fi adapter drivers. To do this:

1. Open device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager).
2. Expand the section Network adapters, find your Wi-Fi module (for example, Intel Wireless-AC 9560 or Qualcomm Atheros).
3. Right click on the adapter and select Update driver → Automatic search.

⚠️ Attention: If Wi-Fi stops working after updating drivers, roll back to the previous version in the same menu (Properties → Driver → Roll Back Driver). Some manufacturers (for example, Realtek) are known to have problems with the latest versions of the software.

2. Method 1: Connecting via a router (recommended method)

The most reliable and easiest way to connect two computers is to use Wi-Fi routerIn this case, both PCs are connected to the same network, and Windows 10 automatically assigns them IP addresses from the same range, making it easy to set up sharing.

Instructions:

1. Connect both computers to the same Wi-Fi network (network name - SSID — must match).
2. Click on the first PC Win + R, enter ncpa.cpl and press EnterA window will open. Network connections.
3. Right-click on an active connection (for example, Wireless Network) and select Properties.
4. Make sure the following items are checked:
   • 🔘 Client for Microsoft networks
   • 🔘 File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks
   • 🔘 IPv4 protocol

Now all that remains is to set it up network discovery and shared folder access. To do this:

1. Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center.
2. Select on the left Change advanced sharing options.
3. Enable options:
   • 🔘 Enable network discovery
   • 🔘 Enable file and printer sharing
   • 🔘 Allow Windows to manage HomeGroup connections (if any)

Both PCs are connected to the same Wi-Fi network|

IP addresses of computers in the same range (e.g. 192.168.1.x)|

Network discovery is enabled on both devices|

Folder sharing is configured correctly-->

3. Method 2: Creating an ad-hoc network (without a router)

If you don't have a router at hand, you can create one ad-hoc network (eng. ad-hoc — "special"), where one computer will distribute Wi-Fi, and the second will connect to it. This method works on Windows 10, but has limitations:

• 🔌 Data transfer speed is lower than when connected via a router.
• 🔄 If the connection is lost, the network will have to be recreated.
• 🔒 Not all Wi-Fi adapters support the mode ad-hoc (especially older models).

Instructions for creating an ad-hoc network:

1. On the computer that will be distributing Wi-Fi, open Command prompt as administrator (Win + X → Command Prompt (Administrator)).
2. Enter the command to create the network:

   netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid="MyAdHocNetwork" key="12345678" keyUsage=persistent

   Where MyAdHocNetwork — the network name, and 12345678 — password (minimum 8 characters).

3. Start the network with the command:

   netsh wlan start hostednetwork

4. On the second computer, connect to the created network MyAdHocNetwork via the standard Wi-Fi menu.

Once connected, you'll need to manually assign IP addresses, as there's no DHCP server on the ad-hoc network. Do this on both PCs:

1. Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings.
2. Right click on the connection MyAdHocNetwork → Properties → IPv4.
3. Specify parameters manually:
   • 🔹 On the first PC: IP 192.168.1.1, mask 255.255.255.0.
   • 🔹 On the second PC: IP 192.168.1.2, mask 255.255.255.0, the main gateway 192.168.1.1.

⚠️ Attention: Ad-hoc networks do not support modern security standards (for example, WPA3). Use them only for temporary data exchange in a trusted environment. For permanent use, it's better to buy an inexpensive router.

sc config Wlansvc start= auto
net start Wlansvc

4. Method 3: Using Wi-Fi Direct (for modern adapters)

Wi-Fi Direct — is a technology that allows devices to connect to each other directly, without the need for a router. It is supported by most modern Wi-Fi adapters (starting with Windows 10 version 1703) and provides higher speed than ad-hoc networks.

To connect via Wi-Fi Direct:

1. On the first computer, open Settings → Devices → Bluetooth & other devices.
2. Click Add Bluetooth or other device → Wireless display or dock.
3. Windows will start searching for available devices. On the second computer, enable the mode Wi-Fi Direct (usually through the notification panel or Wi-Fi settings).
4. Select the second PC from the list and confirm the connection on both devices.

Once connected, the computers will be visible on the network as regular devices. To start sharing files:

• 📁 Open Conductor (Win + E) and go to the section Net.
• 🔍 Wait until both computers appear in the list (may take up to 1 minute).
• 🔓 Right-click on the folder you want to share and select Properties → Access → Share.

5. Setting up shared access to files and folders

After establishing a connection between computers, you need to configure public access to folders or disks. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

1. On the PC where the shared folder is located, right-click on it and select Properties → Access.
2. Click Share and select a user All (or specify a specific user if the network is secure).
3. Click Share and wait for confirmation.
4. Go to the tab Security and press Edit → AddEnter . All and press OK.
5. Set permissions (eg Reading or Full access) and save the changes.

To access a shared folder from another computer:

1. Open Conductor and enter in the address bar IP address of the first PC (For example, \\192.168.1.1).
2. Click Enter — a list of available folders will open.
3. When connecting for the first time, you may be asked to enter the login and password for the first PC account.

⚠️ Attention: If an error appears when trying to access "No access to network resource", check:

• 🔹 Enabled on both PCs network discovery.
• 🔹 Your antivirus or firewall is not blocking access (temporarily disable them to check).
• 🔹 Accounts on both PCs have passwords (passwordless accounts may cause access problems).

6. Troubleshooting common problems

When setting up a local Wi-Fi network, users often encounter errors. Here are the most common ones and how to solve them:

• 🔴 Network without Internet access (yellow triangle on the Wi-Fi icon):

  This is normal if you're connected via an ad-hoc network or Wi-Fi Direct—internet access is not available in this configuration. If you're connected via a router, check its DHCP settings or assign IP addresses manually.

• 🔴 "Unable to connect to the network":

  Make sure the password is entered correctly (case-sensitive!). If you are using an ad-hoc network, try restarting it with the command netsh wlan stop hostednetwork, and then netsh wlan start hostednetwork.

• 🔴 Computers can't see each other on the network.:

  Please check that:

  • 🔹 Both PCs are in the same workgroup (by default) WORKGROUP).
  • 🔹 Network discovery is enabled (see section 2).
  • 🔹 Firewall does not block file sharing (add an exception for Files and Printers).

• 🔴 Slow file transfer speed:

  In ad-hoc networks, the speed is limited by the standard 802.11g (max 54 Mbps). For faster speeds, use a router that supports 802.11ac or Wi-Fi 6.

7. Optimizing data transfer speed

Wi-Fi file sharing speed depends on many factors: network standard, channel congestion, distance between devices, and even interference from other devices (such as microwave ovens). Here's how to increase it:

• 📶 Use 5 GHz instead of 2.4 GHz:

  Range 5 GHz less congested and supports higher speeds (up to 1 Gbps versus 300 Mbps for 2.4 GHz). To switch, change the Wi-Fi settings on the router or create an ad-hoc network in range 5 GHz (if the adapter supports it).

• 🔄 Update Wi-Fi standard:

  If your router or adapter supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), enable this mode in the settings. For example, in routers TP-Link this is done in the section Wireless → Wireless Settings → Mode.

• 📡 Reduce the distance between devices:

  Every 3 meters between a PC and a router (or between two PCs in an ad-hoc network) reduces speed by 30–50%. For a stable connection, keep devices within 5–10 meters.

• 🛡️ Disable power saving for your Wi-Fi adapter:

  Go to Device Manager → Network Adapters → Your Wi-Fi Properties → Power Management and uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.

Critical point: If you're using an external USB Wi-Fi adapter, connect it to a USB 3.0 port (blue). USB 2.0 ports limit transfer speeds to 480 Mbps, which can be a bottleneck for modern networks.

8. Local network security via Wi-Fi

A local Wi-Fi network is convenient, but it can be vulnerable to attack if you don't take precautions. Follow these guidelines:

• 🔐 Use complex passwords:

  For ad-hoc networks or Wi-Fi Direct, set a password of at least 12 characters with a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid simple combinations like 12345678 or qwerty.

• 🛡️ Disable sharing on all drives:

  Share only the folders you really need. Never share your entire drive. C: - this gives attackers access to system files.

• 🔍 Set up your firewall:

  IN Control Panel → Windows Firewall → Advanced settings Create a rule that allows access only for specific IP addresses of your computers.

• 🔄 Update your drivers regularly:

  Outdated Wi-Fi adapter drivers may contain vulnerabilities. Check for updates on the manufacturer's website (for example, Intel, Realtek, Broadcom).

⚠️ Attention: If you are connecting to a local network in a public place (such as a cafe or coworking space), never use the mode Home network in the sharing settings. Select Public networkto limit your PC's visibility to other devices.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about setting up a local network via Wi-Fi