Creating a local network between two computers isn't just a way to transfer gigabytes of photos or movies without using flash drives. It's the foundation for creating a home multimedia system, where each PC has access to shared resources, printers, and folders on the other device. Modern wireless technologies Wi-Fi allow you to set up such a connection in a matter of minutes, saving the user from running unnecessary cables throughout the entire apartment.
To successfully complete this task, you don't need extensive knowledge of network administration. All you need is for both computers to be connected to the same wireless router. It's important to understand that Windows By default, it tries to protect the user by hiding the computer from prying eyes on public networks. Therefore, properly configuring the network profile and enabling public access is key.
In this article, we'll walk you through the setup process step by step, covering not only standard procedures but also potential nuances that arise with different operating system versions. You'll learn how to avoid IP address conflicts and why computers sometimes fail to see each other despite a working internet connection. Both devices must be on the same subnet (e.g. 192.168.1.X), which usually happens automatically when connected to the same router.
Equipment check and basic requirements
Before moving on to software configuration, you need to ensure the physical infrastructure is ready. A local network via Wi-Fi requires a wireless router, which acts as a central hub. If you plan to connect two desktop computers, make sure they are installed. Wi-Fi adapters or they are connected to the router with a cable, creating a mixed network.
A common mistake is attempting to connect computers directly via Ad-Hoc mode, which is unstable and requires complex manipulation in modern versions of Windows. It's much more reliable to use the classic setup: Computer A - Router - Computer B. In this case, the router takes over the function of distributing IP addresses via the service. DHCP.
⚠️ Important: Make sure network discovery is enabled on both computers. If one of the computers is connected to a guest Wi-Fi network, connecting to the main computer will be impossible due to client isolation.
It's also worth checking your wireless adapter drivers. Outdated software can cause connection drops when transferring large files. We recommend visiting your laptop or motherboard manufacturer's website and ensuring you have the latest drivers for your Wi-Fi module model.
Setting up network type and discovery in Windows
The first step in software configuration is changing the network profile. By default, Windows assigns new connections the "Public Network" profile, which blocks the computer from being visible to other devices. You need to change this status to "Private Network" on both computers.
To do this, go to the Start menu and select Settings (gear icon). Then follow the path Network and Internet → StatusIn the "Properties" section, click the name of your Wi-Fi connection. In the window that opens, select the "Private" profile type. This will make your computer visible to other devices on this network.
After changing your profile, you need to enable sharing features. Open the Control Panel, go to Network and Internet, and select Network and Sharing Center. On the left, click the link "Change advanced sharing settings."
☑️ Check network settings
In the menu that opens for the "Private (current profile)" profile, make sure the following items are enabled:
- 📡 Enable network discovery
- 💾 Enable file and printer sharing
- 🔌 Allow Windows to manage HomeGroup connections
Don't forget to click the "Save Changes" button at the bottom of the page. Without this step, all the actions taken will not take effect, and the computers will remain "invisible" to each other, even when on the same network.
Assigning names to computers and workgroups
For a local network to function properly, each member must have a unique name. If two computers on the network have the same name (for example, both "DESKTOP-ABC"), a conflict will arise, and the connection will be unstable or impossible.
To check and change the name, right-click "This PC" and select "Properties" (or through System Settings). Under "Device Name," click "Rename." Give the first computer a descriptive name, such as PC-HOME, and the second one - PC-OFFICEUse only Latin letters, numbers and hyphens.
An important parameter is the workgroup name. By default, in Windows it is WORKGROUPMake sure both computers have the same workgroup name. This is especially important if one of the computers is running an older version of Windows or Linux with Samba configured.
Why do you need a unique name?
Each device on the network is identified by a name and MAC address. If names are duplicated, the router and operating systems cannot properly forward data packets, resulting in connection errors and packet loss.
After renaming, the system will require a reboot. Reboot both computers for the changes to take effect and be registered in the network environment.
Setting up shared access to folders and files
Now that the network is set up, you need to determine which resources you want to share. Simply enabling sharing isn't enough—you need to explicitly specify the folders that will be accessible to other users.
Select the folder you want to share. Right-click it, select "Properties," and then go to the "Sharing" tab. Click "Advanced" and check "Share this folder." Below, you can name the shared folder and limit the number of concurrent users.
Click the "Permissions" button to set access rights. You can allow only reading of files or grant full permissions to modify, create, and delete documents. For a home network, it's common to select the "Everyone" group and check "Full Control," but this reduces security.
| Permission type | Reading | Change | Full access | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Read only | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | For movies, music |
| Change | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | For general documents |
| Full access | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | For trusted PCs only |
| Access Denied | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | To hide a folder |
An alternative, simpler method is to use the "Share" feature in the top bar of File Explorer. Select the "Share" tab and click "Specific users." Add the "Everyone" user and set the permission level. This method is less flexible, but faster for one-off tasks.
Connecting a network printer
One of the most useful features of a local network is the ability to use a single printer to print from both computers. If the printer is connected via USB to the first computer, the second computer can send documents to it via Wi-Fi.
On the computer to which the printer is physically connected, go to "Settings" → "Devices" → "Printers & Scanners." Select your printer, click "Manage," and then "Printer Properties." Go to the "Sharing" tab and check the "Share this printer" box.
On the second computer, open File Explorer and go to the "Network" section. Find the computer with the printer and double-click it. If the settings are correct, you will see the printer icon. Right-click it and select "Connect." Windows will automatically download the necessary drivers.
⚠️ Important: To print from a second computer, the first (server) computer must be on and not in sleep mode. If the host computer is off, printing will fail.
If you're having driver issues, you may need to manually download the installation file for your printer model on a second PC. Sometimes Windows can't automatically find the appropriate driver in its database, especially for older models.
Accessing resources by IP address and troubleshooting
Sometimes computers don't appear in the "Network" section due to list refresh delays or the operation of the discovery service. In this case, the most reliable connection method is using an IP address.
To find out the IP address of the target computer, click Win + R, enter cmd and press Enter. In the black window, enter the command ipconfigFind the line "IPv4 Address". It will look like this: 192.168.1.XX or 192.168.0.XX.
To access resources, click Win + R and enter the address in the format: \\192.168.1.55 (insert the current IP address). Press Enter. A window with shared folders will open. If prompted, enter the username and password for the remote computer's user account.
If the connection fails, check your Windows firewall. Sometimes antivirus programs block the local network, deeming it "unsafe." Try temporarily disabling third-party firewalls for diagnostic purposes.
Also, make sure that the required services are enabled on both PCs. Click Win + R, enter services.mscFind the "Discovery Resource Publishing" and "SSDP Search" services. Make sure they are running and the startup type is set to "Automatic."
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect two computers without a router?
Yes, this is possible by creating a direct wireless connection (Ad-Hoc) or using one of the laptops as a mobile hotspot. However, this method is less stable and requires manual IP address configuration for both devices, as there is no one to automatically assign addresses.
Why does it ask for a login and password when connecting?
This is a standard Windows security measure. The system asks for the credentials of the user whose resources you are trying to access. Enter the username and password for the account on remote computer. To disable the prompt, select "Turn off password-protected sharing" in the sharing settings.
How fast will files be transferred over Wi-Fi?
Speed depends on the Wi-Fi router standard and adapters. At 2.4 GHz, actual speeds rarely exceed 3-4 MB/s. At 5 GHz (AC or AX standards), speeds can reach 40-80 MB/s and higher, comparable to a wired Fast Ethernet connection.
Is my computer visible to my neighbors via Wi-Fi?
If you've correctly configured your network profile as "Private" and haven't opened any ports on your router for external access, your neighbors won't see your files. They're on the same physical network, but logically isolated by your router. However, for maximum security in public areas, it's best to always select the "Public Network" profile.