Creating a local area network between two computers is a fundamental task that allows for resource sharing without the need for cables. In the era of wireless technologies, connecting PCs via Wi-Fi router It has become the standard for homes and small offices. It allows for instant transfer of large files, online gaming, or sharing of peripherals like printers.
The setup process may seem complicated at first glance, but modern operating systems such as Windows 10 And Windows 11, we've significantly simplified this process. You don't need to be a network engineer to set up data exchange. The main thing is to understand the basic operating principles. IP addressing and correctly set the device's visibility parameters in the system.
In this article, we'll cover all the details: from checking your hardware to configuring advanced security settings. You'll learn how to share folders, troubleshoot common connection errors, and which command line commands can help diagnose problems. Follow the instructions step by step, and your computers will be "seeing" each other in minutes.
Checking hardware and network requirements
Before beginning the software configuration, you need to ensure that the physical infrastructure is ready for operation. Both computers must be connected to the same wireless network. This means they must receive IP addresses from the same router or access points. If one PC is connected via cable and the other via Wi-Fi, but both are on the same router subnet, the connection will still work.
Make sure the network adapter is enabled on both devices and the drivers are installed correctly. There shouldn't be any exclamation marks next to the network hardware in Device Manager. It's also crucial that the network type in the operating system is set to "Private" and not "Public," as the latter profile blocks detection of other devices.
⚠️ Important: If you're using a guest Wi-Fi network or the Client Isolation feature on your router, computers won't be able to see each other, even if they're connected to the same access point. Check your router settings.
For stable transmission of large amounts of data, it is recommended to use the standard Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or newer. Older standards can significantly limit file sharing speed, making the process slow and tedious.
Setting up sharing options in Windows
After verifying the physical connection, you need to configure the rules for how the operating system interacts with other devices. The central element here is the Network and Sharing Center. This is where you configure your computer's visibility to your network neighbors.
You need to go to the Control Panel and find the "Change advanced sharing settings" section. Here, you should enable network discovery. This allows your PC to broadcast and receive signals about its presence. Without this step, other computers will simply not know about your machine.
You should also enable file and printer sharing. This permission allows other users to access your shared folders. If you plan to transfer files without entering a password (which is convenient on a trusted home network), enable the "Turn off password-protected sharing" option.
☑️ Setting up sharing
Be sure to save your changes by clicking the appropriate button at the bottom of the page. Windows may require administrative account privileges to apply these settings. Afterward, the system will apply the new firewall rules automatically.
Assigning names to computers and workgroups
To ensure proper identification on the local network, each computer must have a unique name. If two devices have the same name (for example, the default "DESKTOP"), a conflict will occur, and the connection will be unstable or impossible. You can change the name through the system settings.
In addition, all computers must be in the same workgroup. By default, this is the case in Windows. WORKGROUPChanging this name to something exotic is usually not necessary, but if you have devices on your network with non-standard settings (for example, older versions of Windows or specific network equipment), make sure the names match.
To rename a computer, use the command sysdm.cpl In the Run window (Win+R). Go to the Computer Name tab and click Change. Enter a new unique name in Latin characters. The changes will take effect after a reboot.
Why should names be in Latin?
Using Cyrillic in computer names can cause compatibility issues in mixed networks with Linux, macOS, or older printers. The Latin alphabet is the universal standard for network names.
After renaming, ensure both computers are in the same workgroup. This is a basic requirement for devices to appear in the "Network" section of Windows Explorer.
Create a shared folder for file sharing
Now that the network is set up, you need to create a location where the files will be stored. You can share any existing folder or create a new one specifically for sharing. Right-click the folder, select "Properties," and go to the "Sharing" tab.
Click the "Advanced Settings" button and check the "Share this folder" box. In the "Share Name" field, you can accept the default name or enter your own. Below, in the "Permissions" button, you can fine-tune permissions: full access, edit, or read-only.
There's also a "Security" tab in the folder properties. NTFS permissions are set here. For home networks, an "Everyone" group with read and execute permissions is often added to avoid access issues if user passwords on different PCs don't match.
| Permission type | Description of action | Recommended use |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | The user can only open and copy files. | For shared document libraries, photos |
| Change | The user can edit and delete files | For work projects that are being worked on jointly |
| Full access | Full control, including changing access rights | For network administrator only |
Once configured, the folder will be available to other network users via the path \\Computer_Name\Folder_NameIf network discovery is working correctly, it will also appear in Network Neighborhood.
Mapping a network drive for convenience
To avoid manually entering the network path each time, you can map a shared folder as a network drive. This will make the remote folder visible in "My Computer" as a separate drive (e.g., Z:). To do this, click "This PC" in File Explorer, then select "Map network drive" in the top menu.
In the window that opens, select the drive letter and specify the path to the shared folder. If desired, check "Reconnect at logon" to automatically reconnect the drive after a reboot. This is especially useful for persistent work resources.
⚠️ Note: When mapping a network drive, the system may prompt you for credentials. Enter the username and password of the user on the computer where the folder is located, not the current computer.
Using network drives simplifies working with files, allowing editors, archivers, and media players to work with remote files as if they were on a local hard drive.
Diagnostics and troubleshooting
Even with proper configuration, errors can still occur. A common problem is when computers don't see each other in the network list. In this case, try refreshing the device list or rebooting the router. Resetting the network settings with the command netsh winsock reset in the command line with administrator rights.
If you receive an access error or a password request that is not accepted, check to see if the Function Discovery Resource Publishing service is disabled. It must be running on both computers. You can find it in Services (services.msc).
Windows Firewall sometimes blocks connections even with public access enabled. Try temporarily disabling your antivirus or firewall to test. If the issue resolves, add an exception rule for the private network.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect two computers directly without a router?
Yes, this is possible. To do this, you need to create a computer-to-computer (Ad-Hoc) connection using Wi-Fi adapters or connect them directly with an Ethernet cable (modern cards will automatically detect the cable type). However, the speed and stability of such a connection are usually lower than through a router.
Why is file transfer so slow?
Speed depends on the Wi-Fi standard (2.4 GHz is slower and noisier than 5 GHz), distance from the router, and channel congestion. Speed may also be limited by SMB protocol settings or antivirus software that scans every transferred file in real time.
Is it safe to keep public access open?
On a home network with a strong Wi-Fi password, yes. However, in public places (cafes, hotels), it's strongly recommended not to enable network discovery and sharing, as your files could become accessible to attackers on the same network.
How to find out the IP address of a second computer?
On the second computer, open the command prompt (cmd) and enter the command ipconfigYou're interested in the "IPv4 address" line. You can access resources directly by entering this address in the Explorer address bar. \\192.168.1.XX.