Organizing data exchange between computers in an apartment or small office is no longer the prerogative of system administrators at large corporations. local network via Wi-Fi In Windows 10, you can instantly transfer large files, play online games, or even share a printer across all your devices without the hassle of wires. Despite its apparent complexity, the setup process in modern Microsoft operating systems is highly automated, but it does require following a specific procedure.
The main advantage of a wireless connection is the elimination of the need to run cables across the entire room, which is especially important for rented spaces or apartments with recent renovations. However, unlike wired Ethernet, wireless protocols are more sensitive to security settings and access profiles. Windows 10 By default, it tries to protect the user by hiding the computer from prying eyes on public networks, so correctly classifying the network type is key.
In this article, we'll cover every configuration step in detail, from checking your router settings to sharing specific folders. You'll learn how to avoid common mistakes, why computers might not see each other even with a perfect signal, and which system services are responsible for discovering devices within your home network.
Checking basic conditions and router settings
Before delving into the operating system, you need to ensure the physical infrastructure is ready for operation. All computers planned for networking must be connected to the same wireless router. This means they must see the same access point. SSID and have a working connection to the Internet or the router's internal network.
A critical parameter is the frequency range. If your router broadcasts two networks (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), make sure all devices are connected to one of them, although modern routers are usually able to correctly route traffic between clients of different ranges within the same subnet. It's also worth checking whether the client isolation feature is enabled on your router.AP Isolation), which prevents devices within a Wi-Fi network from exchanging data with each other.
⚠️ Attention: On some router models (for example, TP-Link or Asus) The client isolation feature may be enabled by default on guest networks. Make sure you are connected to the main network, not the guest network.
You can use the command line to check the router's address and your computer's current IP address. This will help you determine whether the devices are in the same address space.
ipconfigIn the list that opens, find the line “Default Gateway”. This is usually an address of the following type: 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1Your computer's IPv4 address must start with the same three numbers; only the last digit may differ. If the addresses are significantly different (for example, one 192.168.0.5, and the other one 10.0.0.15), communication between them without additional routing configuration is impossible.
Changing the network profile to private
The most common reason Windows 10 can't see other computers on the network is due to the network access profile. When you first connect to a new Wi-Fi network, the system assigns it the "Public" status by default. In this mode Windows Firewall Blocks incoming connections and hides your computer from detection, thinking you are in a cafe or airport.
To change this setting, go to your network settings. Click the Wi-Fi icon in the system tray (near the clock) and select "Properties" under the name of your active network. In the window that opens, find the "Network Profile" section and toggle the radio button from "Public" to "Private." This signals the operating system that you trust devices within this perimeter.
After changing the profile, the system will automatically apply more lenient firewall rules, allowing detection protocols. However, in rare cases, especially after major Windows updates, the settings may reset, so always check this setting if you experience visibility issues.
An alternative path through the control panel looks like this: Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing CenterHere you can also see the current network type and change it by clicking on the link with the connection name.
Setting up sharing options
Once the network profile has been changed, you need to enable discovery features. Windows 10 has a centralized settings hub that controls whether your computer is visible to others and whether it can be seen by itself.
Open Settings (keys Win + I), go to the "Network & Internet" section and select "Sharing Options." Here, you'll want to select the "Private (Current Profile)" section. You'll need to enable two key switches: "Turn on network discovery" and "Turn on file and printer sharing."
☑️ Setting up sharing
It's also worth paying attention to the "All Networks" section. Here you'll find an important option called "Password-protected sharing." If this option is enabled, accessing your folders from another computer will require the login and password of the user account logged into Windows on the target PC.
For a home network where all users trust each other, it's often more convenient to disable password protection. This will allow shared resources to be accessed instantly, without entering credentials. However, in an office or a home with children, it's best to leave password protection enabled to prevent accidental deletion of important files.
⚠️ Attention: Disabling password protection reduces security. Only do this if you are sure that unauthorized persons do not have access to your Wi-Fi.
Don't forget to click the "Save Changes" button at the bottom of the page, otherwise all settings will remain only in the memory buffer and will not take effect after closing the window.
Starting the required Windows services
Sometimes, even with the correct profile and sharing settings, computers stubbornly fail to see each other. In this case, the problem often stems from stopped system services. Windows 10, in an effort to optimize performance, may disable some background processes critical to local network operation.
To diagnose and start services, click Win + R, enter the command services.msc and press Enter. In the list that opens, find and check the status of the following services:
- 📡 Publishing Function Discovery Resources (Function Discovery Resource Publication) - must be running and have the startup type set to Automatic.
- 🔍 Function Discovery Provider Host (Function Discovery Provider Host) - also requires automatic startup.
- 💻 Computer service (Computer Browser) - is responsible for maintaining a list of computers on the network.
- 🌐 SSDP Discovery — necessary for discovering network devices and services.
If any of these services are stopped, double-click them, select the "Automatic" startup type, and click "Start." After restarting your computer, the changes will take effect, and your network environment should be updated.
Why are services stopped?
Services can stop after Windows updates or optimization programs that try to "speed up" the system by disabling background processes. Regularly checking their status helps avoid network issues.
Sharing folders and setting access rights
Once the infrastructure is configured, all that's left is to enable access to specific data. Simply having a network is not enough—you need to explicitly tell the system which folders can be transferred over the network. To do this, create a folder or select an existing one, right-click it, and select "Properties."
Go to the "Access" tab and click "Advanced." Check "Share this folder." Below, click "Permissions" to determine whether other users can only read files or also modify and delete them.
There's also a simplified method via the "Sharing" tab in the folder's properties, where you can select the "Everyone" user and add them to the list with "Read" or "Read and Write" permissions. This is the fastest way to share files in a trusted environment.
| Access level | Reading | Recording | Removal | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | Yes | No | No | For general documents, photos |
| Change | Yes | Yes | Yes | For work projects |
| Full access | Yes | Yes | Yes | For administrator only |
| No access | No | No | No | For private data |
Effective user rights are defined as the more restrictive of the two sets of rules. Therefore, even if you grant full access in "Advanced Settings," but deny access in the NTFS security properties, the user will not be able to log in.
Accessing network resources and troubleshooting
Once setup is complete on one computer, switch to the other. Open File Explorer and select "Network" in the left pane. If everything is set up correctly, you'll see the name of the first computer. Double-clicking it will open the shared folders.
If your computer doesn't show up, try entering its IP address or name directly into the address bar of File Explorer. Use the format \\192.168.0.15 or \\ComputerNameThis often helps to bypass discovery protocol errors.
If you receive an access error, make sure the same credentials are set up on both computers. If you use password protection, Windows may prompt you for a username and password. You must enter the credentials for the account on the computer you are using. which** you connect to, not the one you are sitting at.
⚠️ Attention: Windows interfaces and menu item names may vary slightly depending on the update version (21H2, 22H2, etc.). If you can't find the item, try searching in the system settings.
It's also worth checking your antivirus. Third-party antivirus programs (Kaspersky, ESET, Avast) often have their own built-in firewalls that can block your local network, even if Windows Firewall is configured correctly. Temporarily disable network protection in your antivirus to check.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why can computers see each other but not open folders?
The issue is most likely related to NTFS permissions or a firewall block. Check if the "Everyone" user is added to the folder's permissions, and make sure your antivirus isn't blocking the connection.
Is it possible to connect Windows 10 and Windows 7 to the same network?
Yes, this is possible. However, you may need to enable SMB 1.0 support on Windows 7 (which is insecure) or, conversely, disable SMB 1.0 support on Windows 10 if you're not using the older protocol. It's best to ensure that SMB 2.0/3.0 is enabled on both systems.
How do I find out the IP address of another computer on the network?
Go to the desired computer, open the command prompt (cmd) and enter ipconfigFind the IPv4 address line. You can also view the Wi-Fi connection properties in the system tray.
Will my internet speed decrease when I work on a local network?
No, local traffic goes through the router and doesn't use your ISP's bandwidth. However, if you're simultaneously downloading large files over your local network and watching 4K videos online, your Wi-Fi bandwidth may not be sufficient for both tasks.
What should I do if the requested password is not accepted?
Try entering the following in the User field: ComputerName\UserName, and in the Password field, enter the account password. Sometimes, creating identical accounts with identical passwords on both computers helps.