Modern laptops allow you to solve a variety of tasks, but sometimes you need to quickly transfer large amounts of data from one device to another without using external drives. Local area network — this is the most efficient way to organize such sharing, especially when flash drives are unavailable or the internet connection is too slow to upload to the cloud. Connecting two laptops via Wi-Fi eliminates the clutter of cables and allows you to work anywhere there's a wireless signal.
The setup process may seem complicated at first glance, but in operating systems of the family Windows It's standardized and easy to understand even for beginners. You don't need in-depth knowledge of network protocols to establish a stable connection between devices. Simply follow a few steps in the system settings menu to access files.
In this article, we'll cover every step of setting up a connection, from checking your equipment to configuring access rights to shared folders. We'll cover both creating a network through a router and setting up a direct laptop-to-laptop connection without the need for additional equipment. For both methods to work, network adapters must support the compatibility mode., which is relevant for the vast majority of modern technology.
Preparing equipment and checking drivers
Before you begin software configuration, you need to make sure the hardware of both devices is ready for operation. The main requirement is that they have working Wi-Fi modules On each laptop. In most modern models, these adapters are built into the motherboard, but older devices may use external USB dongles.
A critical step is to ensure your drivers are up-to-date. Outdated network adapter software can cause unstable connections or completely block the ability to create a local network. Open Device Manager and ensure there are no yellow exclamation marks in the "Network Adapters" section.
⚠️ Please note: If you are using corporate laptops, access to network settings may be restricted by your administrator. In this case, attempting to change the settings yourself may result in your account being locked out.
It is also worth paying attention to the operating system version. Although Windows 10 And Windows 11 interact with each other perfectly; when connecting very old versions (for example, Windows 7 or XP), additional security protocol settings may be required.
Make sure discovery is enabled on both devices. This is a basic requirement; without it, the computers simply won't "see" each other in the list of available devices, even when they're on the same network.
Methods for organizing connections between laptops
There are two main scenarios for implementing data transfer. The choice of a specific method depends on the availability of a router and the mobility requirements of the network being created. Each has its own configuration features and limitations.
The first and most common option is to connect via routerIn this case, both laptops connect to the same Wi-Fi access point. The router acts as a central switch, distributing traffic between devices. This is an ideal option for a home or office where a wireless network is already deployed and configured.
The second option is to create a computer-to-computer (Ad-Hoc) network or use the "Mobile Hotspot" feature. Here, one laptop acts as a Wi-Fi server, while the other connects as a client. This method is convenient for travel, hotels, or vacation homes where stationary equipment is unavailable.
- 📶 Via router: Stable connection, both laptops have internet access, high transfer speed.
- 💻 Direct connection (Ad-Hoc): Does not require additional equipment, but may limit Internet access on one of the devices.
- 🔗 Hot spot: A modern analogue of Ad-Hoc in Windows 10/11, easier to set up, but requires driver support.
When choosing a method, keep in mind that with a direct connection, the network range will be limited by the line of sight between laptops, which is usually no more than 10-15 meters indoors.
Setting up a network through an existing router
If you have a working Wi-Fi router, the task is significantly simplified. You don't need to create new networks; just make sure both laptops are connected to the same SSID (network name). Check this by clicking the Wi-Fi icon in the system tray.
The next step is to set your network profile to "Private." Windows may treat new connections as "Public" by default, which prevents your device from being visible to others. To fix this, go to Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi and select your connection properties. In the "Network profile type" section, select "Private."
Now you need to enable network discovery. Open Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change advanced sharing settingsHere, for the current profile (Private), enable the following options:
- 🔍 Enable network discovery.
- 📂 Enable file and printer sharing.
- 🔑 Allow Windows to manage HomeGroup connections.
⚠️ Note: Menu interfaces may vary slightly depending on your Windows 10 or 11 build version. If you can't find the item you're looking for, use the system settings search.
After making changes, be sure to click "Save Changes." The system will now allow incoming connections from the local network, and the laptops will be able to exchange data.
Creating a Direct Network Without a Router (Mobile Hotspot)
When a router isn't available, one of your laptops should act as an access point. In modern versions of Windows, this is accomplished through the "Mobile Hotspot" feature. This is much more convenient and reliable than creating legacy ad-hoc networks through the command line.
On the first laptop (which will be the server), go to Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile HotspotIn the "Internet Connection Sharing" section, select your primary adapter (e.g., Ethernet or Wi-Fi, if you have internet access). However, if you don't have internet access at all, you can simply enable sharing.
Enter the network name and password in the appropriate fields. It is recommended to use the standard WPA2-Personal For security purposes, prevent outsiders from connecting to your local network and accessing your files. Once you enable the "Allow people to use my internet connection..." slider, the network will become active.
On the second laptop, find the created network in the list of available Wi-Fi connections and enter the password. Once connected, the system will ask if you want to make this computer discoverable. Answer "Yes" to activate the private network profile.
☑️ Checking readiness for direct connection
168.137.x This is fine for local file sharing.
Setting up shared access to folders and files
Once the physical and logical connection is established, you need to configure access rights to specific data. Simply opening the "C" drive on the remote computer is not possible for security reasons.
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.
Next, you need to configure permissions. Click "Permissions." Here you can specify what network users can do: read-only files or also modify and delete them. For maximum security, it's best to leave permissions read-only unless you plan to edit files remotely.
| Permission type | Description of action | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Full access | Read, write, modify, delete | For trusted devices only |
| Change | Read, write, modify, delete | For work projects |
| Reading | View and copy only | A safe option for media |
There's also an important caveat related to password protection. By default, Windows requires the user on the remote computer to have an account with a password. If you want to simplify access, in the "Advanced sharing settings" menu, find the "All networks" section and select "Turn off password-protected sharing."
⚠️ Important: Disabling password protection is only permissible in fully trusted home networks. In public places, this creates a serious security breach for your data.
Finding connected devices and troubleshooting errors
If all settings are correct but the computers still can't see each other, use the built-in diagnostic tools. Open File Explorer and go to the "Network" section. The names of both laptops should appear here.
A common issue is a workgroup name mismatch. While this rarely causes problems in modern versions of Windows, it's worth checking. The workgroup name should be the same (by default). WORKGROUP). You can check this through System → About → Rename PC (advanced).
Also make sure that the services responsible for detection are running. Click Win+R, enter services.msc and find the "Function Discovery Resource Publishing" service. It should be running and running in automatic mode.
What should I do if it says "No access"?
If you're prompted for a password you don't know when you try to access a folder, try entering the remote computer's username and the password for their Windows account. If you have multiple accounts, try creating a new local user with a simple password on both computers and logging in with that user.
If persistent errors occur, try resetting your network settings. In the network settings, there's a "Network Reset" button that will reinstall the drivers and reset all settings to factory defaults, which often resolves mysterious connection issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect a Windows laptop and a MacBook via Wi-Fi?
Yes, this is possible. Both devices must be connected to the same network. On a Mac, you must enable "File Sharing" in System Preferences. However, for full compatibility, you may need to configure the SMB protocol on macOS, as protocol versions may differ.
What is the maximum file transfer speed over Wi-Fi?
Speed depends on the Wi-Fi standard (802.11n, ac, ax) and signal strength. Under ideal conditions, real-world speeds of 40-80 MB/s can be achieved at 5 GHz, which is significantly faster than USB 2.0 but slower than wired Gigabit Ethernet.
Do you need internet to transfer files over a local network?
No, internet access is not required. The local network operates independently of the global network. The main thing is that the devices can "see" each other, even if the router isn't connected to the ISP.
Is it safe to leave sharing enabled all the time?
If you're on a public network (like a cafe or airport), leaving public access enabled is dangerous. Always switch your network profile to "Public" in such places to hide your computer from others.