Creating a local network between two computers isn't just a technical whim, but a necessity for many users who want to quickly share files, play online games, or use shared resources without unnecessary wires. Windows 10 This process has become significantly simpler thanks to the automation of many settings, but old methods like "HomeGroup" have been eliminated, often confusing inexperienced users. Now everything is based on the principles of sharing and proper network profile configuration.
Before you start setting up, it is important to understand that both devices must be on the same wireless network, that is, connected to the same routerIf one computer is connected via cable and the other via Wi-Fi, or they are connected to different access points (for example, a neighbor's Wi-Fi or a phone's Wi-Fi hotspot), the standard local network will not work. Make sure the wireless adapters are active and the drivers are installed correctly.
In this guide, we'll walk you through every step: from changing your network profile to setting up specific folders for data exchange. You'll learn how to avoid common mistakes and why computers sometimes fail to see each other despite being properly connected. Getting up and running will only take a few minutes if you follow the steps.
Checking network profiles and device names
The first and most critical step is to change the network profile. By default Windows 10 Assigns new connections to the "Public Network" profile, which hides your computer from other devices for security purposes. To enable local file sharing, you must switch this status to "Private Network."
To perform this task, open the Start menu and go to Settings → Network & Internet → StatusIn the "Properties" section of the current connection, click "Change connection properties." Here you'll see two options: "Public" and "Private." Select the latter.
Also, make sure each computer on the network has a unique name. If two devices have the same name (for example, DESKTOP-USER), an address conflict will occur, and the connection will be unstable or impossible.
⚠️ Note: Changing your network profile to "Private" makes your computer visible to other devices on the network. Make sure you're connected to a trusted home router, not an open Wi-Fi hotspot at a cafe or shopping mall.
To change your computer name, go to Settings → System → About and click the "Rename PC" button. Enter a descriptive name in Latin characters, for example, Home-PC-1 And Home-PC-2, after which a reboot will be required.
Setting up sharing options
After changing the profile, you need to enable discovery features. Without this step, computers will ignore connection requests even if they are connected correctly. This can be done through the Network and Sharing Center.
Open the Control Panel (search for it in the Start menu) and select "Network and Sharing Center." In the left menu, click "Change advanced sharing settings." This is where you'll find the key settings for your current profile.
In the "Private (current profile)" section, you need to activate the following items:
- 🔍 Enable network discovery
- 💾 Enable file and printer sharing
- 🏠 Allow Windows to manage HomeGroup connections
Next, pay attention to the "All Networks" section. It's important to enable "Public Folder Sharing" if you plan to use default directories for sharing. It's also recommended to disable "Password-protected Sharing" if you want to simplify the connection and avoid creating identical accounts on both computers.
Don't forget to save your changes by clicking the "Save Changes" button at the bottom of the page. Otherwise, all settings will remain in the interface's memory and will not be applied to the system.
Creating a folder for data sharing
Now that the network infrastructure is ready, you need to determine which files will be accessible. You can share any folder on the disk, but the easiest way to start is by creating a new directory, for example, named Share on the root of the C: or D: drive.
Right-click the folder, select "Properties," and go to the "Sharing" tab. Click "Advanced." In the window that opens, check the "Share this folder" box.
Then click the "Permissions" button. Here, select the "Everyone" group (or a specific user) and grant them "Full Control," "Modify," and "Read." This will allow the second computer not only to copy files, but also to delete or edit them.
☑️ Check access rights
There's also a "Security" tab in the folder properties. Sometimes system restrictions block access even with open network permissions. Make sure the "Everyone" user with the appropriate permissions is also listed in the security groups.
Searching for computers and connecting to resources
On the second computer, open File Explorer (keys Win + E). In the left navigation panel, find the "Network" section. If you did everything correctly, the names of both computers should appear in the list.
If the computers don't show up immediately, try manually entering the network path into the File Explorer address bar. To do this, use double backslashes and the computer name or IP address. The command format is:
\\Computer-NameOr, if the name doesn't work, use the IP address. You can find it on the first computer by running the command prompt (cmd) and entering the command ipconfigFind the line "IPv4 address", it will look like this 192.168.1.XX.
The first time you connect, the system may ask for your credentials. If you've disabled password protection, simply click "Continue." If you've enabled it, you'll need to enter the username and password for the first computer.
What should I do if I need a password but don't have one?
In this case, create a new user with administrator rights on the first computer, set a simple password, and use these credentials to log in from the second PC. Alternatively, return to the sharing settings and disable password protection completely.
Comparison of connection methods
There are several ways to establish communication between PCs, and the choice depends on your goals. Below is a table to help you determine the optimal method for your situation.
| Method | Transfer speed | Difficulty of setup | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared folder (SMB) | High (depending on Wi-Fi) | Average | Constant file sharing in the office or at home |
| Bluetooth | Very low | Low | Transferring small documents or photos |
| Cloud services | Depends on the Internet | Low | Access files from anywhere in the world |
| FTP server | High | High | Professional work with large volumes of data |
For most home users, the shared folder method is the gold standard. It provides maximum speed, limited only by the power of your router, and requires no third-party software.
Usage Bluetooth It is practically useless for transferring large files between computers today due to its low speed, but it can be useful for emergency transfer of text files or access keys.
Diagnostics and problem solving
Users often encounter a situation where everything is configured correctly, but the connection fails. One common cause is the "Discovery Node" service. Check its status via services.msc.
Find the "Function Discovery Resource Publication" and "SSDP Discovery" services. Make sure they are running and the startup type is set to "Automatic." Without them, your computer may not be visible in Network Neighborhood.
⚠️ Warning: Antivirus programs and firewalls may be blocking the local connection. If nothing helps, try temporarily disabling the firewall or adding your network to the exceptions (trusted networks) list.
Also check if SMB 1.0 support is enabled. In modern versions of Windows 10, it's disabled by default for security reasons, but is sometimes required for communication with older devices. You can enable it using "Turn Windows features on or off."
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect computers if one is on Windows 10 and the other is on Windows 7?
Yes, this is possible. However, you may need to enable SMB 1.0 support on Windows 10, as Windows 7 uses older communication protocols by default. Also, make sure password protection is disabled on both PCs or identical user accounts are created.
Why is file transfer so slow?
Speed depends on the Wi-Fi router standard (802.11n, ac, ax) and distance. If the router is old or located far away, speed may drop. The number of connected devices and background downloads also play a role.
Is it safe to leave sharing enabled all the time?
On a home network with a strong Wi-Fi password, yes. In public places (cafes, airports), it's strongly recommended not to leave the network profile set to "Private" or "Public Access" enabled, as hackers could access your data.
How to find out the IP address of a second computer?
On the second computer, click Win + R, enter cmd and press Enter. In the black window, enter the command ipconfigYou're interested in the "IPv4 address" string, which typically begins with 192.168...