How to connect two computers via Wi-Fi

Creating a local network between two computers is a common problem faced by users who want to quickly exchange large amounts of data without external drives. In the age of cloud storage and messaging apps, direct Wi-Fi remains the fastest and most secure way to transfer gigabytes of information, especially when the internet connection is unavailable or limited.

Connecting two devices into a single network opens up opportunities not only for file sharing, but also for document collaboration, settings synchronization, and even local gaming. Modern operating systems, such as Windows 10 And Windows 11, have built-in tools that allow you to complete this task in minutes without the need to purchase additional equipment.

However, despite its apparent simplicity, the setup process often faces obstacles in the form of security settings, network profiles, and hidden firewall parameters. In this article, we'll detail all the steps to creating a stable connection, troubleshoot common errors, and ensure stable data transfer speeds between your devices.

Select a connection method: Ad-hoc or via a router

Before beginning setup, it's important to determine the architecture of your future network, as this will determine the configuration method. There are two main scenarios: connecting both computers to an existing wireless router or creating a direct computer-to-computer connection without a router.

The first option, where both devices are connected to a single Wi-Fi router, is the most common and simplest. In this case, the router handles IP address distribution and traffic management, leaving you to configure the devices' visibility to each other. This is the ideal choice for an office or apartment with an existing, stable home network.

The second option involves creating a network of the type Ad-hoc (point-to-point). One computer becomes a virtual router, distributing the Wi-Fi signal, and the other connects to it as a client. Direct Ad-hoc connection allows you to set up a network even in an open field, where there is no equipment other than laptops with Wi-Fi adapters.

• 📶 Using a router: ensures stability, automatic address distribution, and internet access for both PCs.
• 🔗 Direct connection (Ad-hoc): useful if you don't have a router, but requires manual IP address configuration.
• 🛡️ Security: In both cases, you must use WPA2-PSK encryption to protect your data from interception.

It's worth keeping in mind that creating a network through a router requires less technical knowledge. If you choose a direct connection, make sure the network adapter on the host computer supports the "Share Wi-Fi" or "Mobile Hotspot" feature.

Network profile setup and discovery

The key to connecting two computers is selecting the correct network profile in the operating system. By default, Windows classifies new connections as "Public," which severely limits the device's visibility to others.

To successfully connect, you must change the network profile to "Private" on both computers. This tells the system you're in a trusted environment and enables network discovery. Without this step, the computers will physically be on the same network, but won't be able to see each other in File Explorer.

You can change the profile through the Network and Sharing Center or System Settings. Windows 10/11 This is done through the "Settings" → "Network & Internet" menu. Find your Wi-Fi connection properties and switch the radio button from "Public" to "Private."

⚠️ Warning: Changing your network profile to "Private" may make your computer visible to other devices in cafes or airports. Always change your profile back to "Public" when connecting to open Wi-Fi networks.

After changing your profile, you need to enable network discovery. Go to Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Change advanced sharing settingsHere, in the "Private" section, enable the "Turn on network discovery" and "Turn on file and printer sharing" options.

Creating a Direct Wi-Fi Network (Mobile Hotspot)

If you don't have a router, you can turn one of your computers into a hotspot. This feature, known as "Mobile Hotspot," is built into modern versions of Windows and allows you to share the internet or simply create a local network for a second device.

To get started, open the system settings and find the "Mobile Hotspot" section. In the "Internet Connection Sharing" field, select your primary adapter (e.g., Ethernet or Wi-Fi, if connected to the internet). If there's no internet connection, the system will still allow you to create a local network for file sharing.

Set a network name (SSID) and a strong password to prevent unauthorized connections. After enabling the feature on the second computer, find the created network in the list of available Wi-Fi connections and sign in using the password you set.

Why isn't the hotspot working?

This feature may not work if your Wi-Fi adapter driver is outdated or does not support monitor mode. The hotspot may also be disabled if power saving mode is enabled for the network adapter. Try updating the drivers from the manufacturer's website.

It's important to note that using the hotspot method consumes more power on the host computer, as its network adapter operates in overdrive mode. For laptops, it's recommended to connect to a power source during extended data transfers.

Setting up shared access to folders and files

Once the connection is successfully established, you need to configure access rights to resources. Simply connecting to the network isn't enough—you need to explicitly tell the system which folders or drives will be accessible to the second user.

Select the folder you want to share, right-click it, and select "Properties." Go to the "Sharing" tab and click "Advanced." Check the "Share this folder" box.

In the Permissions section, you can fine-tune user permissions. For a home network, it's usually sufficient to select the "Everyone" group and check "Full Control" or "Change." This will allow the second computer to not only read but also write files to the shared folder.

• 📁 Public folder: a system folder accessible by default to all users on the local network.
• 🔒 Password: For increased security, you can require the username and password of the folder owner's account.
• 💾 Disk space: Make sure you have enough disk space to receive large files from the second computer.

There is also the concept of a “Public folder”, which is located along the path C:\Users\GeneralFiles placed here are automatically accessible to all connected devices without the need for complex permission settings for each individual directory.

Solving visibility and access issues

Even with proper configuration, users often encounter a situation where computers cannot see each other in the network environment. Most often, the problem lies with Windows services or firewall settings that block incoming connections.

The first thing you need to check is that the Connect Now Discovery Resource Publishing service is running. Click Win + R, enter services.msc and find the service with the name "Function Discovery Resource Publication" in the list. Set the startup type to "Automatic" and start the service.

⚠️ Note: Settings interfaces may vary depending on your Windows version and security updates. If you don't find the setting, search in the Start menu or refer to the official Microsoft documentation.

It's also worth checking Windows Defender Firewall. Make sure "File and Printer Sharing" is allowed for the private network profile. Blocking this rule completely isolates the computer from the local network, even if the Wi-Fi connection is active.

Checking connection and transfer speed

The final step is to test the created network. Open "This PC" on the second device, go to "Network," and find the name of the first computer. If you see shared folders and can access their contents, the connection has been established successfully.

Wi-Fi data transfer speed depends on many factors: the wireless standard (802.11n, ac, ax), the distance between devices, the presence of walls, and interference. Under ideal conditions, modern Wi-Fi 5 (AC) can deliver speeds of up to 50-100 MB/s when copying files, which is comparable to a fast wired connection.

To diagnose speed, you can use the built-in resource monitoring or third-party utilities such as LAN Speed TestIf the speed is significantly lower than expected, try changing the Wi-Fi channel in your router or adapter settings to avoid interference with neighboring networks.

Regularly check for network adapter driver updates. Manufacturers frequently release patches that improve connection stability and compatibility with new encryption standards, which is critical for the smooth operation of your local network.

Why does the computer see the network but not access the folder?

Most often, this is a credential issue. Windows may be trying to log in as the current user, but the target computer doesn't have that user, or they have a different password. Try clicking "Connect as a different user" in File Explorer and entering the login and password for the account on the computer where the folder is located.

Is it possible to connect a computer and a smartphone using this diagram?

Yes, the principle is the same. If both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi router, you can use file managers with SMB support (such as CX File Explorer on Android or Files on iOS) to access shared folders on your PC.

Does antivirus affect the visibility of computers?

Yes, third-party antivirus programs (Kaspersky, ESET, Avast) often have a built-in firewall that can block your local network, treating it as public. Find the "Network" section in your antivirus settings and add your home network to the trusted list.