Creating a local network between computers is essential for sharing files, playing games together, or remotely controlling computers without the hassle of cables. Modern technologies allow you to establish a stable connection between two laptops using a wireless protocol alone, eliminating the need for patch cords or additional adapters. The entire process relies on properly configuring your operating system's network settings and your wireless router.
You don't need complex network architecture knowledge to set up such a link, as Windows provides flexible tools to automate most steps. All you need is for both devices to be within range of a single access point or connected directly via Wi-Fi Direct. In this article, we'll detail the steps that will transform your disparate devices into a single, functioning ecosystem.
Selecting a network topology and preparing equipment
The first step is always to define the communication scheme, as further settings depend on it. There are two main scenarios: connecting via an existing Wi-Fi router, when both laptops are connected to the same wireless network, or creating a direct computer-to-computer connection (Ad-Hoc or Wi-Fi Direct mode) without a router. The first option is the most stable and preferred for full-time work in the office or at home.
If you're using a router, make sure both laptops are connected to the same SSID (network name) and use the same encryption standard. A direct connection will require one of the laptops to act as an access point or support the ability to create a new network. It's important to check that both devices have the latest drivers installed. Wireless Network Adapter.
⚠️ Attention: When using public Wi-Fi networks (cafes, airports), the creation of a local network may be blocked by the provider's security settings (Client Isolation), which will make it impossible to detect the second laptop in the list of available devices.
Check the physical condition of the wireless modules. Ensure that the adapters are not in power-saving mode, which could interrupt the connection when idle. To do this, in the adapter properties, under the "Power Management" tab in Device Manager, uncheck the box next to "Allow shutdown."
Setting up network profiles in Windows
By default, the Windows operating system treats new connections as public, hiding your laptop from detection by other devices. To change this status, you need to go to your network settings. Open the Start menu, select "Settings" (the gear icon), and go to "Network & Internet." From there, select "Status" or go directly to your Wi-Fi connection's properties.
In the network properties window, find the profile switch and set it to "Private." This will enable firewall rules that allow device discovery and file sharing. Without this step, the second laptop simply won't "see" the first, even if they're on the same subnet.
After changing your profile, make sure network discovery is enabled. To do this, go to the Control Panel and follow the path Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Change advanced sharing settingsIn the "Private" profile, enable the "Turn on network discovery" and "Turn on file and printer sharing" options.
Configuring IP addresses and workgroup
For stable operation of a local network, each device requires a unique identifier. In most cases, home routers automatically assign addresses via DHCP server, and manual intervention is not required. However, if automatic distribution fails or you are setting up a direct connection, you will have to enter the addresses manually.
Open the command prompt by typing cmd in the search and run the command ipconfigto find out the current gateway. If you're setting up a static IP address, the first laptop's IP address might be, for example, 192.168.1.10, and the second one - 192.168.1.11, with subnet mask 255.255.255.0The main thing is that the first three segments of the address match the gateway address.
It is also critical that both computers are in the same workgroup. By default, in Windows this name is WORKGROUPCheck this in System Properties: right-click "This PC," select "Properties," and find the "Advanced system settings" link. Under the "Computer Name" tab, make sure the workgroup names are identical on both laptops.
☑️ Check network settings
Organizing shared access to resources
Once the network infrastructure is set up, you need to allow access to specific folders or drives. Select the folder you want to share, right-click it, and select "Properties." Go to the "Sharing" tab and click "Sharing."
In the window that opens, add a user Everyone or a specific user on the second laptop, specifying the permission level (read or read and write). Click "Share" to apply the changes. This folder will now be accessible over the network.
To access shared resources, open File Explorer on the second laptop and go to the "Network" section. If automatic detection is enabled, you'll see the name of the first laptop. If not, you can enter the IP address of the first device directly into File Explorer's address bar using the following format: \\192.168.1.10.
| Parameter | Laptop 1 (Host) | Laptop 2 (Client) | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| IP address | 192.168.1.10 | 192.168.1.11 | The last digit must be different |
| Subnet mask | 255.255.255.0 | 255.255.255.0 | Must be identical |
| Main gateway | 192.168.1.1 | 192.168.1.1 | Your router's address |
| Working group | WORKGROUP | WORKGROUP | The case of letters is not important |
Solving visibility and access issues
Users often encounter situations where the ping works, but folders don't open, or computers can't see each other at all. One of the most common causes is a disabled discovery service. Click Win + R, enter services.msc and find services related to Function Discovery Resource Publication And SSDP DiscoverySet their startup type to Automatic and start them.
Another important point is support for the SMB 1.0 protocol. Although Microsoft disables it by default for security reasons, it may be necessary for some older local networks to display computer names correctly. However, For modern versions of Windows 10 and 11, using SMB 1.0 is not recommended due to vulnerabilities., it is better to use SMB 2.0/3.0, making sure that "SMB 1.0/CIFS Client" is enabled in Windows Features only if absolutely necessary.
⚠️ Note: Windows settings interfaces may vary slightly depending on the update version (21H2, 22H2, etc.). If you can't find a setting, search for it in Settings or use the command line.
If all else fails, try resetting your network settings. In the network settings, there's a "Network Reset" button that will reinstall the drivers and reset all components to factory defaults. Afterward, you'll need to reboot and reconfigure the "Private" profile.
What should I do if it asks for a password when connecting?
If the system asks for a username and password when you try to log in, enter the credentials for the user account on the computer whose folders you're accessing. The username is your username (not necessarily your email address), and the password is your Windows login password. If there's no password, you'll need to create one for your account.
Alternative methods of data transfer
If setting up a full-fledged local network seems too complicated or temporary, there are simpler ways to transfer files between two laptops over Wi-Fi. For example, using cloud storage or dedicated local network file transfer utilities, such as Feem or Sharedrop, which do not require deep configuration of Windows.
Windows 10 and 11 also have a built-in feature called Nearby Sharing. It uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to transfer files and links between nearby devices. To activate it, go to Settings → System → Sharing and enable the feature on both laptops.
This method is ideal for quickly transferring a few photos or documents, but it's not suitable for creating a persistent network drive or collaborating on databases. Transfer speeds may be lower than with SMB folder forwarding due to protocol overhead.
Why can't the second laptop see the first one, even though there is only one Wi-Fi?
Most likely, the network profile on one of your devices is set to "Public." In this mode, Windows blocks incoming connections for security. Go to Wi-Fi settings and switch the profile to "Private."
Is it possible to connect laptops without a router?
Yes, this is possible by creating a wireless computer-to-computer network (Ad-Hoc) or by using the Mobile Hotspot feature in Windows 10/11, where one laptop distributes Wi-Fi and the second one connects to it.
What is the maximum speed when connected via Wi-Fi?
Speed depends on the Wi-Fi standard (n, ac, ax) and distance. In the 5 GHz band, you can achieve real speeds of 300-800 Mbps, which is comparable to a fast wired connection, but in the 2.4 GHz band, speeds rarely exceed 40-50 Mbps due to interference.