Creating a wireless local area network (WLAN) is the foundation for sharing files, printers, and multimedia content between devices in the home or office. Many users mistakenly believe that having a working internet connection means a local area network is already configured, but this is not the case. Local area network - is a separate logical structure that requires proper configuration of security and public access parameters, even if the router is already broadcasting a signal.
Before you begin any complex configurations, you need to make sure that all devices are on the same private network segment, not on a guest one. Windows By default, the system limits the computer's visibility in public profiles for security reasons, so the first step is always changing the network profile. Without this basic step, further manipulation of folders and devices will be useless, as the system will simply hide them from prying eyes.
In this article, we'll cover the setup process in detail, from checking drivers to forwarding ports for remote management. You'll learn how to avoid common errors that often occur when updating your operating system. Proper setup SMB protocol and network services guarantee a stable data transfer speed and the absence of sudden connection interruptions.
Checking wireless adapter hardware and drivers
The foundation of a stable connection is proper hardware and up-to-date software. Before configuring network settings, make sure your Wi-Fi adapter It's correctly detected by the system and works without conflicts. Often, network visibility issues aren't rooted in Windows settings, but in an outdated driver that doesn't handle broadcast requests correctly.
To check the device status, open the Device Manager by pressing the key combination Win + X and selecting the appropriate item in the menu. In the "Network adapters" section, find the device with a name containing Wireless, 802.11 or Wi-FiIf a yellow exclamation mark appears next to the icon, the driver is not installed correctly or the device is disabled.
⚠️ Attention: Some modern routers isolate clients from each other when the "Guest Network" feature is enabled. Make sure your computer is connected to the main network, not the guest network, otherwise you won't see other devices.
We recommend visiting your laptop or motherboard manufacturer's website and downloading the latest driver. Automatic updates via Device Manager often install generic drivers that provide basic functionality but may not support specific energy-saving or power management features critical to connection stability.
Network profile setup and discovery
The key to organizing local interaction is the correct choice of network profile. Operating system Windows 10 And Windows 11 When you first connect to a new network, you'll be asked whether you want to make your computer discoverable. If you answer no, or the network is marked as "Public," the system blocks incoming connections.
To fix this, go to Network & Internet settings from the Start menu. In the Properties section of your Wi-Fi network, you need to switch the profile from "Public" to "Private." This action will activate network discovery and will allow file sharing between devices within the trusted perimeter.
After changing the profile, it is recommended to restart the computer to ensure the discovery services register correctly on the network. In some cases, especially in corporate environments with domain controllers, these settings may be managed by Group Policy, and manual changes will not be possible.
It's also worth checking your sharing settings. In Control Panel, under "Network and Sharing Center," select "Change advanced sharing settings." Here, you need to enable network discovery and file and printer sharing for the current network profile.
Configuring sharing settings in Windows
Once the network is marked as private, you need to fine-tune exactly what you're willing to share. The system offers flexible tools for managing access to specific folders, printers, or media files. Avoid opening access to the entire drive at once, as this creates unnecessary security risks.
To start working with shared resources, go to File Explorer, select the desired folder, right-click, and select "Properties." In the "Sharing" tab, click the "Sharing" button and add a user. Everyone or a specific user with read or read and write permissions.
- 📁 Access rights: Clearly distinguish between "Read" and "Read and Write" permissions, depending on the need.
- 🔒 Password protection: Decide whether access will require entering your Windows account login and password.
- 🖨️ Shared printer: Enable the printer sharing option in the same network settings to print from other devices.
An important aspect is password protection for shared access. If enabled, any computer attempting to access your files will be required to enter your computer's username and password. This is the most secure option for apartments or offices where you don't have trusted people.
| Parameter | Recommendation for home | Recommendation for the office |
|---|---|---|
| Network discovery | Included | Included (with restrictions) |
| File sharing | Included | Included |
| Password protection | Included | Strictly included |
| Home group | Not used (obsolete) | Not used |
⚠️ Attention: Disabling password protection for sharing makes your folders accessible to any device within Wi-Fi range if an attacker can connect to your network.
☑️ Checking sharing settings
Mapping a network drive and accessing resources
After setting up the server side (the computer where the files are stored), you need to connect to them correctly from the client device. The most convenient way is to map the shared folder as a network drive. This will allow you to work with the files as if they were on your local hard drive, with an assigned drive letter.
To connect, open "This PC" in File Explorer, right-click on an empty space, and select "Map network drive." In the window that opens, specify the path to the folder in the following format: \\ComputerName\Folder or \\IP address\Folder.
Using an IP address is often more reliable than using a computer name, especially if there is no DNS server on the network or name resolution issues are occurring. You can find the IP address of the target computer by opening a command prompt on it and entering the command ipconfig.
What to do if the computer is not found by name?
If searching by name doesn't work, try entering the IP address directly. Also, make sure the "Function Discovery Resource Publishing" and "Discovery Manager" services are enabled on both computers.
If the connection is successful, the system may prompt you for credentials. Enter the username and password for the account you're connecting to. If you want the connection to persist after a reboot, ensure the "Restore at logon" box is checked.
Diagnosis and troubleshooting of common errors
Even with proper configuration, situations may arise where computers cannot see each other or access is blocked. Often, the problem lies with the Windows firewall or antivirus, which can block incoming connections using the protocol. SMB.
Check the list of allowed applications in your firewall. Ensure that the "Private" and "Public" columns for "File and Printer Sharing" are checked (if applicable). It's also worth checking whether a third-party antivirus with its own firewall is blocking the connection.
- 🔍 Services: Make sure that the Discovery Provider Host, Discovery Feature, and SSDP Discovery services are running and set to Automatic.
- 📡 Protocols: Check that the protocol is set in the network adapter properties. Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
- 🔄 Reset: Try performing a network reset through Windows settings if other methods don't help.
Another common issue is different encryption levels or SMB protocol versions. Older devices may not recognize newer computers if SMB 1.0 is disabled, which is a good security measure. In such cases, it's better to update the software on the old device rather than compromise the security of the new system.
⚠️ Attention: Windows settings interfaces and service names may vary slightly depending on the update version (21H2, 22H2, etc.). If you can't find the item, use the search in system settings.
Local network security via Wi-Fi
Setting up a local area network via a wireless connection requires special attention to security, as the radio signal extends beyond the physical boundaries of your premises. A nearby attacker could theoretically attempt to connect to your network or intercept traffic.
Use a modern encryption standard WPA3 or at least WPA2-AES On your router. Outdated encryption methods like WEP or WPA (TKIP) are easily cracked and don't provide adequate protection for transmitted data. It's also critical to set a strong password for your Wi-Fi network.
Regularly update your router's firmware. Manufacturers frequently release updates that patch vulnerabilities in the router software, which handles all local network traffic. Ignoring router updates can ruin all your efforts to secure your computers.
Should I hide my network SSID?
Hiding your network name (SSID) isn't a reliable security method. Experienced users can easily detect hidden networks, but for your devices, this creates unnecessary connection difficulties and can reduce performance.
For additional isolation, you can set up a guest network for visitor devices, leaving the main network for trusted computers only. This will prevent guests from accidentally or intentionally accessing your shared folders and printers, maintaining the integrity of your local infrastructure.
Why can't my computer see other devices on the network?
Most often, the problem is with the network profile. If the network is marked as "Public," Windows is hiding the computer. Also, check if the "Network Discovery" service is enabled and the DNS service is running.
How do I find out the IP address of another computer on the network?
On the target computer, open a command prompt (cmd) and enter the command ipconfigYou're interested in the "IPv4 address" line. You can also view the Wi-Fi connection properties in the Windows interface.
Is it safe to leave sharing enabled all the time?
This is only safe if you use a strong Wi-Fi password (WPA2/WPA3), enable password protection for shared folders, and mark the network as "Private." Sharing is strictly prohibited in public places.
Is it possible to connect a computer via Wi-Fi if there is no router?
Yes, you can create a direct computer-to-computer connection (Ad-Hoc network) or use one of the computers as an access point, but the speed and stability of such a connection will be lower than when using a full-fledged router.