Establishing a local connection between two computers is often a necessary step for quickly transferring large files, organizing collaboration, or even playing games together. In the operating system Windows 10 This process has become significantly easier thanks to updated security protocols and a more intuitive network settings interface. You don't need special cables or complex network equipment if both devices are already within range of a single wireless router.
The main difficulty users face is not the physical connection, but the correct settings. detection parameters and security permissions. By default, the system blocks external connections to protect your data from prying eyes in public places. However, when it comes to a home network, these barriers need to be properly configured so that computers can "see" each other and begin exchanging data without delay.
In this article, we'll walk you through a step-by-step process to establish a stable connection. We'll cover changing your network profile, setting up shared resources, and troubleshooting common access issues. By following these instructions, you'll be able to transform disparate devices into a unified working ecosystem, manageable directly from File Explorer.
Checking conditions and preparing equipment
Before starting the software setup, you need to ensure that the connection is physically possible. Both computers must be connected to the same Wi-Fi access point. It doesn't matter whether you're using the built-in module or an external one. USB adapterThe main thing is that the IP addresses of the devices are in the same subnet. If one computer is connected by cable and the other by air, the connection is also possible, but it requires the router to correctly route traffic between the LAN and Wi-Fi ports.
An important step is to check the visibility of the devices. Open the command prompt on the first computer and enter the command ipconfigFind the line "IPv4 address" - it usually looks like this 192.168.1.XX or 192.168.0.XXThen perform the same operation on the second PC. If the first three numbers in the addresses match, the devices are on the same logical network and ready to communicate.
⚠️ Attention: If addresses start with 169.254, this means the computer didn't receive an IP address from the router automatically. In this case, the connection won't work. Check the DHCP settings on the router or try reconnecting to the Wi-Fi network.
It's also worth making sure the network adapter is enabled on both devices and the drivers are working correctly. There shouldn't be any yellow exclamation marks next to network hardware in Device Manager. Antivirus programs and third-party firewalls can sometimes block local connections, so it's best to temporarily disable them or add an exception for your private network while you're setting up the system.
Setting up a network profile and discovery
The key point in Windows 10 is a network profile. The system divides them into "Public" and "Private." In a public profile, the computer is hidden from other devices, which is safe in a cafe, but useless at home. You need to switch the profile to "Private" on both computers.
To do this, go to the Start menu, select Settings (the gear icon), and open the Network & Internet section. In the left column, select Wi-Fi, then click on the name of your current network. In the menu that appears, under the Network Profile heading, select "Private"This action will allow the computer to become visible to other devices in the coverage area.
After changing your profile, you'll need to enable network discovery. Open Control Panel (you can find it in the search bar), go to Network and Sharing Center, and click Change advanced sharing settings. Here you'll see the "Private" and "Guest or Public" profiles. In the "Private" section, follow these steps:
- 📡 Turn on network discovery and check the box next to "Turn on automatic configuration of connected devices."
- 📂 Turn on file and printer sharing.
- 🔐 In the "All Networks" section, we recommend enabling password-protected sharing if you only trust users on your network, or disabling it for easier access (less secure).
Repeat these steps on the second computer. Only after both devices have the "Private" profile and network discovery enabled will they be able to see each other in the "Network" section of File Explorer. Sometimes changes don't take effect immediately—you may need to restart both computers or wait 1-2 minutes.
Creating and sharing a shared folder
Simply connecting computers isn't enough—you need to determine what data will be shared. Windows 10 has a dedicated system folder called "Shared Documents," but it's more convenient to create your own file sharing directory. Create a new folder at the root of your drive or anywhere convenient, and name it something like Exchange.
To configure access, right-click the created folder and select "Properties." Go to the "Sharing" tab and click "Advanced." Check the "Share this folder" box. Below, in the "Permissions" field, you can fine-tune permissions: allow or deny full access, modify, or read-only access.
Path to settings: Folder Options → Access → Advanced settings → PermissionsIn the list of groups and users, add "Everyone" (or a specific user, if you want to increase security) to allow access from other PCs. Make sure the "Full Control," "Modify," and "Read" boxes are checked for the selected user. Also, be sure to go to the "Security" tab in the folder properties and verify that the "Everyone" user or group also has the appropriate permissions. It often happens that access settings allow access, but security settings block it.
| Access type | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Full access | The user can read, modify and delete files | For trusted home PCs |
| Change | You can read and write files, but you cannot change permissions. | For colleagues or family members |
| Reading | View and copy files only, modification is prohibited | For general archives and media |
☑️ Checking folder sharing
Connecting to a network drive and transferring files
Once a folder is shared, the most convenient way to work with it is to map it as a network drive. This will allow you to work with files on the remote computer as if they were on your hard drive. Open "This PC" in File Explorer, go to the "Computer" tab in the top ribbon, and select "Map network drive."
In the window that opens, select any available letter (for example, Z:). In the "Folder" field, enter the path to the resource in the format \\ComputerName\FolderName or \\IP Address\FolderNameUsing an IP address is often more reliable if your network has problems resolving NetBIOS names. If the system prompts you for credentials, enter the username and password for the user account on the computer where the folder is located.
⚠️ Important: When entering your credentials, make sure you enter the login and password for the same account you are logged into on the remote computer. If you are using a Microsoft account on the remote computer, your email address will be your login.
Once successfully connected, a new drive will appear in "My Computer." You can copy, move, and open files directly. Transfer speed will depend on your Wi-Fi router's power and signal strength. For large files (movies, disc images), it's best to use a wired connection or a standard connection. Wi-Fi 5 (AC) and above.
What should I do if it asks for a password but won't let me in?
Try entering \Guest (without a password) in the "User" field if password protection is disabled. Alternatively, create an identical account with the same password on both computers—this often solves the problem of LAN authentication without disabling protection.
Solving common access problems
Even with the right settings, Windows 10 can be a bit erratic. One of the most common errors is "Windows cannot access..." This is often due to the sharing support service being disabled. Click Win + R, enter services.msc and locate SMB-related services. Ensure that the Function Discovery Resource Publishing and Discovery Service Provider Host services are started and running in automatic mode.
Another common issue is blocked ports by your antivirus. If you're using a third-party antivirus (Kaspersky, ESET, Avast), it may consider your local network potentially dangerous. Go to your antivirus's firewall settings and find your network profile. Change the network status from "Public" to "Trusted" or "Home."
It's also worth checking your power settings. Windows may disable your Wi-Fi adapter to save power, which can cause connection drops when transferring large files. Go to Device Manager, find your Wi-Fi adapter, open Properties → Power Management, and uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power."
Alternative methods of data transfer
If a classic SMB network seems too complex or unstable, there are alternative ways to transfer data between two PCs over Wi-Fi. One option is to use the Nearby Sharing feature built into Windows 10 and 11. It works similarly to AirDrop and allows you to transfer files and links via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct without setting up shared folders.
To enable Nearby Sharing, go to Settings → System → Sharing. Turn on the feature and set visibility to "Everyone nearby." Now, when you open a file in any app and select "Share," you'll see your second computer listed as available. This is ideal for quickly sharing a couple of photos or documents.
The third option is to use specialized software, such as Resilio Sync or SyncTrayzor (a wrapper for Syncthing). These programs create a P2P network between computers, synchronizing selected folders in real time. This is especially convenient if the computers are in different physical locations but connected to the internet, although speeds will be highest within the same Wi-Fi network.
How to find out the exact IP address of the second computer?
Open the command prompt (cmd) on the second computer. Enter the command ipconfig and press Enter. Find the line "IPv4 Address" in the section for your wireless adapter. This is the address you need to enter when mapping a network drive (e.g., 192.168.1.45).
Why can't computers see each other on the network?
Most often, the problem is with the network profile. Make sure the network type is set to "Private" on both PCs under "Network and Internet" -> "Status" -> "Properties." Also, check that the "SSDP Discovery Service" is enabled.
Is it possible to play games over a local network via Wi-Fi?
Yes, many older and some newer games support LAN mode. However, for a comfortable, lag-free gaming experience, it's recommended that both computers be connected to the router via cable or located within close proximity to a router that supports the 5 GHz standard.
Is it safe to keep public access open?
If you're on a home network with a strong Wi-Fi password (WPA2/WPA3) and the "Private" profile, the risks are minimal. However, it's not recommended to enable sharing with password protection disabled if outside guests may connect to your Wi-Fi network.