How to Connect Two Computers to the Same Local Area Network via Wi-Fi: 3 Proven Methods

Instructions for Windows 10/11:

1. On the first computer (which will be access point) open command prompt as administrator and run:

   netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid="MyAdHocNet" key="12345678" keyUsage=persistent

   Where MyAdHocNet — the network name, and 12345678 — password (minimum 8 characters).

2. Start the network:

   netsh wlan start hostednetwork

3. On the second computer, connect to the created network MyAdHocNet via the standard Wi-Fi list.

4. Set up file sharing (see section 4).

netsh wlan stop hostednetwork

netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=disallow

Important: Ad-Hoc mode is not supported by default in Windows 11.. If the team netsh wlan set hostednetwork doesn't work, use an alternative method - mobile hotspot (section 3) or third-party programs like Connectify.

⚠️ Attention: Some Wi-Fi adapters (especially those built into older laptops) do not support the mode Ad-HocCheck compatibility in Device Manager or on the manufacturer's website.

3. Using a mobile hotspot (Windows/macOS)

If straight Ad-Hoc doesn't work, the alternative is to turn one of the computers into access point Using the "Mobile Hotspot" feature. This method is easier to set up and is supported by all modern operating systems.

For Windows 10/11:

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Hotspot.

2. In the field "Sharing» Select an Internet connection (if you need to share the Internet).

3. Ask network name And password (minimum 8 characters).

4. Turn on the option "Allow use of my internet connection» (if required).

5. On the second computer, connect to the created network.

For macOS:

1. Open System Preferences → Sharing.

2. Select "Public Internet» and indicate the source (for example, Ethernet).

3. In the field "For computers using» mark Wi-Fi.

4. Click "Wi-Fi settings» and set the network name, channel and password.

5. Activate sharing by pressing the button Launch.

Via router|

Direct connection (Ad-Hoc)|

Mobile hotspot|

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The advantage of a mobile hotspot is the ease of setup and the ability to Internet distribution from the first computer to the second. However, please note that:

• 🔋 Increased battery consumption — the laptop will discharge faster.
• 📡 Limited range — the signal is weaker than the router's.
• 🔄 OS dependency - on Linux manual configuration may be required via hostapd.

4. Setting up shared access to files and folders

After connecting computers to the same network, you need to configure public accessto share files. In Windows this is done through "Advanced Sharing».

Instructions for Windows 10/11:

1. Right-click on the folder you want to share and select "Properties → Access».

2. Click "Share» and add a user All (or a specific network user).

3. Set permission level: "Reading" or "Reading and writing».

4. Go to the "Security" and add the same users with the appropriate rights.

To access a shared folder from another computer:

1. Open Conductor and enter in the address bar \\[computer_IP_address] or \\[computer_name].

2. When prompted for authorization, enter the login and password for the account from the first PC.

For macOS:

1. Open "System Preferences → Sharing" and turn on "File sharing».

2. Add the folder to the list of shared resources and set access permissions.

3. On another Mac, connect via Finder → Go → Connect to Server (enter smb://[IP address]).

⚠️ Attention: If you use guest access (without a password), anyone connected to your Wi-Fi network will be able to access shared folders. For security, set up account-based authentication.

5. Checking the connection and troubleshooting

If the computers are connected to the same network but do not “see” each other, run diagnostics:

To check the connection, use the command ping:

1. Find out the IP address of the second computer (for example, 192.168.1.100).

2. On the first PC, open command line and run:

   ping 192.168.1.100

3. If packets arrive without loss, the connection is working. If not, check your network settings and firewall.

If ping passes, but access to folders is denied:

• 🔧 Check that on both PCs the "Server" service is enabled (services.msc → Server).
• 🔧 Make sure that computer names do not contain Cyrillic characters or spaces.
• 🔧 Update your drivers Wi-Fi adapter (especially if you use Ad-Hoc).

6. Optimize network speed and security

To speed up file sharing and protect your network from prying eyes, follow these tips:

To increase speed:

• 📶 Use 5 GHz band (if your router supports it). It's less congested and faster. 2.4 GHz.
• 🔄 Set up Wi-Fi channel manually (eg 1, 6 or 11 for 2.4 GHz).
• 🖥️ Connect one of the computers via cable (Ethernet), if maximum speed is required.

For safety:

• 🔒 Change Wi-Fi password complex (minimum 12 characters, with numbers and special characters).
• 🛡️ Turn it off WPS in the router settings - this is a vulnerable protocol.
• 👤 Create guest network for temporary devices (if the router supports it).

If you frequently transfer large files (videos, disk images), consider alternative methods:

• 💾 Local FTP server (For example, FileZilla Server).
• 🔗 Cloud services (Google Drive, Mega) - if the internet speed allows it.
• 📦 External hard drive — for one-time transfer of a large volume of data.

⚠️ Attention: If you are setting up a network in an office or public place, never use open Wi-Fi networks without passwordsThis allows attackers to intercept traffic, including logins and passwords for shared folders.

7. Alternative programs for connecting PCs

If standard means Windows/macOS If they are not suitable, use third-party utilities:

For example, LocalSend - this is an open analogue AirDrop For Windows/Linux/macOS/AndroidIt automatically detects devices on the same network and allows you to transfer files without manually setting up sharing.

Suitable for local network gaming Hamachi (virtual VPN network) or ZeroTierThese programs create an encrypted tunnel between computers, even if they are on different physical networks.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions