Creating a local network between two computers isn't just a way to transfer a few gigabytes of photos; it's also the foundation for setting up a game server or collaborating on projects. Many users mistakenly believe that connecting two machines requires wires, switches, or complex networking equipment, but modern technology allows for data exchange exclusively over wireless channels. There are two main scenarios for implementing this: using existing infrastructure via a router or creating a direct computer-to-computer connection (Ad-Hoc mode).
The method you choose depends on your current conditions and available equipment. If you have a working router, the process boils down to properly configuring network profiles and permissions in the operating system. If you don't have a router, for example, at a cottage or in the field, one computer acts as an access point, creating a virtual network to which the second device connects. Data transfer rate In both cases, it will directly depend on the power of the WiFi adapters and the presence of interference in the air.
In this article, we'll examine both options in detail, paying particular attention to the finer points of configuring Windows 10 and 11, as these systems have the strictest default security protocols. You'll learn how to avoid common errors where computers can see the network but not each other, and you'll be able to establish stable file sharing. The key is to follow the steps consistently and check your firewall settings.
Equipment preparation and compatibility testing
Before beginning setup, ensure both computers are equipped with working wireless modules. This is standard on modern laptops, but desktop computers may require an external USB adapter or a PCIe card. It's crucial to update the device drivers to the latest version, as older software versions may not support hosted networking or may have connection stability issues. Check the device status in Task Manager to ensure they are working properly and have no resource conflicts.
It's also worth defining the role of each device in the future pair in advance. One computer will act as the "host" or server providing resources, while the other will act as the client. In the router scenario, this distinction is erased, and both computers become equal nodes on the local network. IP addressing In a home network, this usually happens automatically through the router's DHCP server, but for direct communication, manual registration of static addresses may be required.
Pay attention to the frequency range your adapters operate in. Most modern devices support dual-band operation (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). For a direct network, it's best to choose the 5 GHz band, as it's less congested with neighboring networks and offers higher throughput. However, the signal range in this range is shorter, so computers should be located in close proximity to each other.
Method 1: Connecting via an existing router (LAN)
The easiest and most reliable way to connect two computers is to connect them to a single WiFi router. In this case, the router acts as a switch, automatically distributing IP addresses and managing traffic. You don't need to create new connections; simply ensure both computers are connected to the same wireless network and have the same network profile. Windows marks new networks as "Public" by default, hiding your computer from detection by other devices.
To change the network type to "Private" in Windows 10 and 11, open the WiFi settings. Click the network icon in the system tray, select your connection properties, and find the profile switch. Setting the network type to "Private" allows incoming connections and makes the PC visible to other devices on the local network. This is a basic requirement for file and printer sharing.
☑️ Network readiness check
After changing the profile, you need to configure sharing settings. Go to Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change advanced sharing settings. Here, you should enable network discovery and file and printer sharing. It's also recommended to disable password protection if you completely trust the users on your network, although for a home environment, this is an acceptable compromise between convenience and security.
⚠️ Attention: Disabling password protection makes your shared folders accessible to anyone who connects to your WiFi. Use strong passwords on your router (WPA2/WPA3) to prevent unauthorized access.
The computer name is important. It must be unique within the network to avoid addressing conflicts. You can change the name in the "System" section of Windows Settings. After applying all settings, it is recommended to reboot both devices so that network services update their records correctly.
Method 2: Direct Computer-to-Computer (Ad-Hoc) Connection
If you don't have a router handy, you can create a direct wireless connection. In Windows 10 and 11, the classic Ad-Hoc network creation wizard was hidden, but the functionality remains accessible via the command line or the "Mobile Hotspot" feature. The second method is significantly easier for the average user and doesn't require complex commands.
To enable hotspot mode, go to Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile HotspotIn the "Sharing" section, select the connection you want to share (for example, Ethernet if only one PC has internet access, or simply create a new network). Set the "Enable" switch to "On." The second computer will now see the new WiFi network in the list of available connections.
netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=MyNetwork key=Password123
netsh wlan start hostednetwork
An alternative, more advanced method is to use the command prompt with administrator rights. Command netsh wlan set hostednetwork allows you to create a virtual adapter with a specified name (SSID) and password. This method gives you more control over network settings, but requires careful syntax input. After running the command on the second computer, find the created network and connect to it as you would to a regular access point.
Why isn't Mobile Hotspot working?
This feature may not work if your WiFi adapter driver doesn't support virtualization mode or if Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) is disabled in your system. Try updating your drivers or using the command line.
Once a connection is established, the operating system will assign IP addresses from the 169.254.xx (APIPA) range to both devices unless DHCP is configured. For stable operation, it's best to manually enter static IP addresses in the TCP/IPv4 protocol properties. For example, assign the first PC 192.168.1.1 and the second 192.168.1.2 with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0.
Setting up shared access to folders and resources
Once a network connection is established, it's time to configure data access. Files won't just be transferred from one PC to another—you need to explicitly specify which resources can be accessed remotely. Select the folder you want to share, right-click, and select "Properties." Go to the "Sharing" tab and click "Advanced Settings."
In the window that opens, check the box "Share this folder." Below, you can configure permissions for different user groups. For a home network, it's usually sufficient to add the "Everyone" group and grant it read and write permissions. This will allow any connected computer to not only open files but also save new data to this folder.
| Action | User group | Permissions | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viewing files | All | Reading | Safe for media content |
| Editing | All | Change | For work projects |
| Full control | Administrators | Full access | For trusted persons only |
| Access denied | Guests | No | To protect personal data |
Don't forget to also check the "Security" tab in the folder's properties. NTFS (file system) permissions take precedence over network permissions. If the "Everyone" user or a specific user isn't listed in the group list, add them and grant them the appropriate permissions. Without this step, even with the correct network settings, the system may return an "Access Denied" error.
Search for a computer on the network and connect to resources
When connecting to shared resources, users often encounter the problem that computers simply don't see each other in the "Network" section of File Explorer. This doesn't mean the connection isn't working. Often, simply entering the address directly is enough. Open File Explorer, enter [address] in the address bar. \\Computer IP address (For example, \\192.168.1.5) and press Enter.
If the system prompts you for credentials, enter the username and password for the user account on the remote computer. To avoid constantly entering the password, check the "Remember credentials" box. For easy access, right-click the remote folder and select "Mount as network drive," assigning it a drive letter (e.g., Z:).
- 🔍 Use the command
ping IP addressin the command line to check the availability of the second computer. - 📁 For quick access, add the network folder to Favorites in Windows Explorer.
- 🖥️ Make sure the Discovery Resource Publishing and SSDP Discovery services are running.
In some cases, enabling SMB 1.0 is required, although modern Windows tends to use newer protocol versions. If you're connecting a very old computer or network-attached storage (NAS), you may need to enable legacy protocol support using "Turn Windows features on or off." However, do this with caution, as older protocols are less secure.
⚠️ Attention: Antivirus software and third-party firewalls may block local connections, deeming them suspicious activity. If pinging fails, temporarily disable protection or add an exception for the local network (Private Network).
Diagnosing problems and troubleshooting errors
The most common issue is the error "Windows cannot access...." This can occur for a variety of reasons, from an incorrect password to blocked ports. First, check if the devices can see each other at a basic level. Open the command prompt (cmd) and enter ipconfigTo find out your IP, then try pinging the address of the second computer with the command ping 192.168.x.x.
If you can ping but can't access the computer, the issue is with permissions or accounts. Check that the passwords on both computers match if you're trying to log in with the same username. If the usernames are different, be sure to specify them explicitly when connecting. Also, make sure the Server service is running in the Windows services list (services.msc).
Slow file transfer speeds are often caused by interference in the WiFi channel or the use of the 2.4 GHz band. Try switching your router or adapters to the 5 GHz channel if your equipment supports it. Also, make sure there are no thick concrete walls or microwave ovens between your computers, as these could interfere with the signal.
If nothing helps, reset your network settings. In Windows 10/11, you can do this via Settings → Network & Internet → Advanced network settings → Network resetThis action will delete all saved WiFi passwords and reset network adapters to factory settings, which often resolves software conflicts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect computers via WiFi if one is running macOS and the other is running Windows?
Yes, it's possible. On a Mac, go to System Preferences → Sharing and enable File Sharing. Then add the folder and configure user permissions. On Windows, you'll need to enter the URL in the following format: \\IP-address-MacYou may need to install the SMB protocol on your Mac if you experience compatibility issues.
What is the maximum WiFi data transfer speed between two PCs?
Speed depends on the WiFi standard. For 802.11n (WiFi 4), actual speeds will be around 20-40 Mbps. The 802.11ac (WiFi 5) standard allows for speeds of 100-400 Mbps, and the new 802.11ax (WiFi 6) can deliver up to 1 Gbps under ideal conditions, comparable to a gigabit cable.
Is internet required for a local network to work via WiFi?
No, internet access is not required. A local area network (LAN) operates autonomously. You can create a hotspot on one laptop and connect a second one to it, even if neither laptop has internet access. File sharing will work locally.
Why does the connection disappear when the computer goes into sleep mode?
By default, Windows disables your WiFi adapter to save power. To fix this, open Device Manager, locate your network adapter, open Properties → Power Management, and uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power."