Users often need to quickly transfer gigabytes of data from one laptop to another. Using external hard drives or flash drives isn't always convenient, especially if you don't have a suitable storage device on hand, and USB 2.0 write speeds leave much to be desired.
Fortunately, modern technologies make it possible to organize a high-speed communication channel directly using built-in wireless modules. Local area network between devices can be created even without the use of a router, making this method a universal solution for home, office or travel.
In this article we will examine in detail the technical nuances of the settings Windows 10 and 11, let's consider the creation of a network of the type ad-hoc and we will pay special attention to security issues during direct connections.
Choosing the optimal connection method
Before you begin setup, it's important to determine what equipment you have. There are two main scenarios: having a working router or needing to connect devices directly, without intermediaries.
If there is any in the room Wi-Fi router, then both laptops simply connect to it as if it were a regular access point. This automatically puts them on the same local network, and all you need to do is configure folder access permissions.
However, if there is no router or it is faulty, the only option is to create a network computer-computerIn this mode, one of the laptops acts as an access point, generating a signal to which the second device connects.
It's worth noting that the second option requires more careful configuration of security settings and IP addresses, but provides a stable connection where there is no infrastructure.
Direct connection It is often used to transfer large amounts of data, since the transfer speed within a local network is limited only by the capabilities of wireless adapters and does not depend on the speed of the Internet channel.
Preparing the Windows operating system
To successfully establish a communication channel, both devices must meet certain basic requirements. This primarily concerns the network profile, which must be marked as Private network.
If the system considers the connection Public, it automatically blocks most discovery and sharing features for security purposes. You can change this setting through the Network and Sharing Center.
You also need to make sure the wireless adapter drivers are installed correctly and the device is working without errors. You can check the status in Device Manager.
⚠️ Attention: Before changing network settings, make sure your antivirus software is not blocking local connections. Some firewalls may perceive attempts to create an ad-hoc network as suspicious activity.
It's important to have discovery services enabled on both laptops. Without this, the computers simply won't "see" each other in the list of available devices, even if a physical connection is established.
Creating a computer-to-computer network (Ad-Hoc)
If you don't have a router, you'll have to manually create a new wireless network. This feature may be hidden in modern versions of Windows, but it can be enabled via the command line.
Launch the Command Prompt as administrator. To do this, right-click the Start menu and select the appropriate option. Enter the command to check for virtual network support:
netsh wlan show driversIn the list that appears, find the line Hosted network supportIf it says "Yes," then your adapter is capable of working in access point mode.
Next, you need to create the network itself. Use the following construction, replacing MyNetwork to the desired name, and MyPassword for a complex password:
netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=MyNetwork key=MyPasswordAfter the command has successfully completed, start the network:
netsh wlan start hostednetworkThe hotspot you created will now appear in the list of available Wi-Fi networks on the second laptop. Connect to it using the password you specified.
☑️ Checking network creation
Setting up IP addresses and sharing
After physically connecting the devices to each other, it is necessary to configure logical addressing. For stable operation in computer-to-computer mode, it is often necessary to register static IP addresses manually.
Go to your wireless network adapter settings. Find the protocol. Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and open its properties. On the first laptop (the one sharing the network), specify:
- 📍 IP address: 192.168.137.1
- 📍 Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
- 📍 Default gateway: leave empty
On the second laptop the settings will be as follows:
- 📍 IP address: 192.168.137.2
- 📍 Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
- 📍 Default gateway: 192.168.137.1
Don't forget to also enter a DNS server in the "Advanced" section if you plan to use Internet access sharing, although this is not required for pure file transfer.
Next, enable file and printer sharing in the Network and Sharing Center. Select the "Private" profile and enable the option. Enable network discovery.
Comparison of connection methods
To make it easier to choose a communication method, we provide a comparative table of the main characteristics of different methods.
| Parameter | Via a router | Direct (Ad-Hoc) | Ethernet cable | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | Depends on the router | Up to 300-866 Mbps | Up to 1 Gbps and higher | High |
| Stability | High | Average | Maximum | |
| Difficulty of setup | Low | High | Low | |
| Equipment requirements | Router | No | Cable |
As you can see from the table, a direct Wi-Fi connection is an excellent compromise when you need to quickly transfer data, but you don't have a cable at hand, and the router is far away or busy.
Solution and diagnostics
Users often encounter a situation where computers can see the network but cannot exchange files. In 90% of cases, the problem lies in the settings. Windows Firewall or antivirus.
Try temporarily disabling protection to see if it's blocking the connection. If files continue to transfer after disabling, you'll need to add an exception rule for the private network.
⚠️ Attention: Windows settings interfaces may vary depending on the build version (21H2, 22H2, etc.). If you can't find a setting, search for it in the Settings menu or consult Microsoft Help for your specific OS version.
It is also worth checking if the service is enabled Workstation And Server in the list of services (cmd: services.msc). They must be running and have the startup type set to automatic.
If the connection is interrupted, the client laptop may be going into sleep mode to save power. Disable the "Turn off device" permission in the adapter's power properties.
What should I do if I get an "Access Denied" error?
This error often occurs due to differences in user accounts. Try creating a user with the same name and password on both computers, or disable the password requirement in the advanced sharing settings (not recommended for public networks).
Direct connection security
Using direct Wi-Fi connections carries certain risks. Since you're creating the network yourself, the standard protections of corporate routers may not be effective.
Always use an encryption protocol WPA2-Personal or WPA3, if your equipment supports it. Never leave your network open (without a password), as anyone within range will be able to connect to your resources.
After completing the file transfer, it is recommended to disable the hosted network using the command:
netsh wlan stop hostednetworkThis will close the "gate" to your system and prevent unauthorized access from outside.
Remember that in direct connection mode, you are responsible for the security of the network perimeter, so do not ignore security updates.
Is it possible to connect laptops with different versions of Windows?
Yes, Windows 10 and Windows 11 are fully compatible when it comes to SMB protocols. Issues may only arise when attempting to connect very old systems (XP, 7) due to differences in encryption protocol versions.
What is the maximum data transfer speed for Wi-Fi?
Speed depends on the standard (802.11n, ac, ax) and band (2.4 or 5 GHz). Under ideal conditions, 5 GHz can reach 300-400 MB/s, which is significantly faster than USB 2.0, but slower than Gigabit Ethernet.
Is internet required for a local network to function?
No, internet access is not required to transfer files between laptops. Network adapters must be working properly and configured on the same subnet. Internet access is only required if you want to share the connection between laptops.