Creating a local area network between two computers is a classic task faced by users who want to share files, play online games, or simply access a printer from another device. In the age of cloud storage and instant messaging, a direct local area network connection may seem archaic, but it provides maximum data transfer speeds without internet service provider (ISP) restrictions. The primary link in this setup is the internet connection. Wi-Fi router, which takes over the function of the switch.
The process involves both devices connecting to the same wireless network, after which the operating system must correctly identify them as trusted. Modern versions of Windows have built-in security mechanisms that, by default, hide your computer from prying eyes on public networks. Therefore, the key step is to correctly configure the network profile and enable resource sharing. If done correctly, you'll have a stable connection with a throughput limited only by the capabilities of your wireless adapter.
Before proceeding with software settings, you need to ensure that the connection is physically possible. Both computers must be connected to the same router, either via Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable. It's important that they are in the same range of IP addresses, which usually happens automatically thanks to the router's DHCP server. If one device is connected to the guest network and the other to the main network, or they are separated into different frequency bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) with client isolation, the connection will fail.
Checking the connection and setting up IP addresses
The first step in setting up a local network is to verify that both computers can see the router and receive the correct network settings. The operating system automatically assigns IP addresses, but sometimes static settings or conflicts can prevent normal data exchange. You need to ensure that both devices are on the same subnet.
To check your current IP address, open a command prompt. Click Win + R, enter cmd and press Enter. In the black console window, enter the command ipconfigFind the "IPv4 Address" line. For example, the first computer might have 192.168.1.5, while the second computer might have 192.168.1.15. The first three numbers (octets) must match. If the addresses look like 169.254.xx, this means the computer was unable to obtain an address from the router, and the connection will not work.
⚠️ Attention: If you have many smart home devices or IoT gadgets on your network, your router may automatically assign addresses from different ranges or use the Client Isolation feature. Check your router settings to make sure "AP Isolation" or "Guest Mode" aren't enabled, which prevent devices from seeing each other.
In some cases, especially in office networks or when using complex routing schemes, manual IP address assignment may be necessary. However, for a home network, this is rarely necessary. If automatic address acquisition doesn't work, you can set static values in the protocol properties. IPv4 in the network adapter settings. The main thing is not to use the address reserved for the router itself (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
Setting up a network profile in Windows
Windows divides all connected networks into two main types: "Private" and "Public." This is a fundamental security mechanism. When you connect to Wi-Fi at a cafe, the system selects the "Public" profile by default, making your computer invisible to other devices on the network. To create a LAN (local area network) between two computers, you need to switch the profile to "Private."
To change the network type, go to the menu Start → Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi (or Ethernet). Click the name of your current network. In the window that opens, select the "Private" profile. This will make your computer discoverable and open ports for local file sharing. Without this step, all further sharing settings will be ignored by the firewall.
After changing your profile, the system may ask you to confirm the action. Accept the changes. Now your computer informs surrounding devices that it is in a trusted environment. If you plan to frequently switch between home and work, remember that the settings apply specifically to the network's SSID (SSID). When connecting to a new access point with the same name, the settings may not update automatically, and you will need to re-verify the profile.
It's important to note that the settings interface may differ slightly in Windows 10 and 11, but the logic remains the same. If you can't find the switch, search for "Network status" in Settings. Also, make sure network discovery is enabled in the "Advanced sharing settings" section. This allows your computer to not only be visible to others but also to appear in the list of available devices.
Enabling file and folder sharing
Once the network profile has been changed, you need to allow the operating system to share data. By default, Windows blocks external file access, even on a private network. To enable this feature, use the Network and Sharing Center.
Open Control Panel (you can find it in the search bar), go to "Network and Internet," and select "Network and Sharing Center." In the left menu, click "Change advanced sharing settings." Here you'll see several profiles: "Private," "Guest or public," and "All networks." We're interested in the "Private" (or "Current profile") tab.
In this section you need to do the following:
- 🔘 Enable network discovery and check the box "Turn on automatic configuration of network devices."
- 📁 Enable file and printer sharing.
- 🔐 Allow Windows to manage HomeGroup connections (if available).
Next, go to the "All Networks" tab. Here you'll find a critical setting: "Password-protected sharing." If you want to allow file access to anyone connected to your Wi-Fi (such as Smart TVs or gaming consoles), you'll need to enable this feature. turn offIf you want access only to users with a Windows account login and password, leave it enabled. For a home network with trusted devices, it's often more convenient to disable password protection to avoid constant authorization requests.
⚠️ Attention: Disabling password protection allows all devices on the network to access your shared folders. Ensure your Wi-Fi is protected with a strong password (WPA2/WPA3) to prevent neighbors or hackers from accessing your data.
After making all changes, be sure to click "Save Changes." The system will apply the new firewall rules. Sometimes you may need to restart your computer or reconnect to the network for the settings to take full effect. If the computers still can't see each other, check your antivirus software—third-party firewalls often block local connections, ignoring Windows settings.
☑️ Sharing setup checklist
Creating a shared folder and setting access rights
Now that the network infrastructure is ready, you need to select the data you want to share. You can share any folder on your drive, but the easiest way is to use the default "Shared Documents" folder or create a new one, such as "LocalShare."
Create a folder, right-click it, and select "Properties." Go to the "Sharing" tab and click "Advanced." Check "Share this folder." Below, click "Permissions." Here you can configure who can do what with the files. For full access, select "Everyone" (or a specific user) and grant "Full Control," "Modify," and "Read."
| Permission type | Description of action | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Full access | The user can read, change, delete files and change access rights | For trusted users only |
| Change | You can read, create, and delete files, but you cannot change permissions. | Optimal for the working folder |
| Reading | View and copy files only, modification is prohibited | For media libraries and archives |
| Special rights | Flexible customization of individual operations | For experienced administrators |
Don't forget to also check the "Security" tab in the folder's properties. Sometimes the network access settings are correct, but the NTFS (file system) permissions are blocking access. Add "Everyone" or "Users" to the group list and make sure they have read and execute permissions. Double-checking (the "Access" tab and the "Security" tab) is a good idea. critical moment, which solves 90% of problems with the "Access Denied" error when trying to open a folder.
Once configured, the folder will be accessible over the network. To find it on the second computer, open File Explorer and select "Network" in the left pane. If everything is configured correctly, you will see the name of the first computer. When you log in, you will see the shared folder. For convenience, you can right-click the folder and select "Mount as network drive," assigning it a letter (e.g., Z:) so it appears as a regular hard drive.
Remote control and additional features
A local network offers opportunities for more than just file transfer. You can use the protocol RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) For remote control of one computer from another. This is convenient if one PC is connected to a large monitor, and you want to work on it while in another room with a laptop.
To enable Remote Desktop, go to Settings → System → Remote Desktop and turn on the switch. On the second computer, launch the Remote Desktop Connection app, enter the IP address or name of the first PC, and connect. Please note that this feature is only available in Windows Pro and higher editions; in the Home edition, you can't connect remotely to the computer, only from it.
How to connect if computer names are not visible?
If the "Network" section is empty, try entering the target computer's IP address in the File Explorer address bar in the format \\192.168.1.XX (two backslashes before the address). This will force access to resources by IP, bypassing the discovery service.
You can also route audio over a local network or use a single computer as a media server for a TV. DLNA and SMB technologies allow you to stream video directly from your PC's hard drive to your TV without using flash drives. To do this, simply enable "Media Streaming" in Windows Media Player settings or use specialized software like Plex.
Another useful feature is internet connection sharing, which allows one computer to have direct internet access (for example, via a 4G modem) and the other to not. However, this is less relevant when connecting via a Wi-Fi router, as the router itself distributes the internet connection. Setting up a network printer is more relevant: by connecting the printer to one PC, you can share it, and the second computer can print to it by sending jobs over the network.
Troubleshooting and Common Mistakes
Despite the apparent simplicity, users often encounter connection errors. Computers may not see each other, request an invalid password, or return an access error. Most often, the problem lies with a service called "Discovery Function."
If the "Network" section is empty, right-click "This PC" → "Manage" → "Services." Locate the "Function Discovery Provider Host" and "Function Discovery Resource Publishing" services. Make sure they are running and the startup type is set to "Automatic." Without these services, the computer simply doesn't announce its existence to the network.
⚠️ Attention: Antivirus programs like Kaspersky, ESET, Avast, and others often have their own firewall. If standard methods don't work, temporarily disable the antivirus's firewall or add your home network to the trusted network list in the antivirus settings.
It's also worth mentioning the naming issue. If the computers have the same name (for example, both are called "DESKTOP-PC"), a conflict will occur. Make sure each device has a unique name. You can change it in Settings → System → About → Rename this PCA reboot will be required after renaming.
Sometimes resetting network settings helps. In Windows 10/11, this can be done via Settings → Network & Internet → Advanced network settings → Network resetThis action will delete all saved Wi-Fi passwords and reset the adapters to factory settings, which often solves mysterious connection problems when nothing else helps.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect computers if one is connected via cable and the other via Wi-Fi?
Yes, this is completely normal. The router doesn't care about the physical connection type. The main thing is that both devices are on the same subnet (e.g., 192.168.1.x) and connected to the same router, not different ones.
What is the maximum file transfer speed over Wi-Fi?
Speed depends on the Wi-Fi standard. With 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4), actual speeds will be around 20-40 Mbps. With 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5), you can achieve 300-500 Mbps under ideal conditions. A cable connection (Gigabit Ethernet) will provide a stable 100-110 Mbps.
Why am I asked for a password when I access a shared folder?
This means that "Password protection" is enabled in the sharing settings on the target computer. To remove the prompt, you must either disable this feature (unsafe in public places) or enter the username and password of the user account on the computer whose folder you're connecting to.
Does this work between Windows 10 and Windows 11?
Yes, the SMB (Samba) protocols used for sharing are fully compatible between all modern versions of Windows (7, 8, 10, 11) and even macOS and Linux, if access rights are configured correctly.
How do I find the IP address of my second computer if it's not showing up?
On the second computer, open the command prompt (cmd) and type ipconfigCopy the IPv4 address. On the first computer, open File Explorer and enter [IPv4 address] in the address bar. \\ and this IP address (for example, \\192.168.1.55), then press Enter.