Modern users often need to transfer large amounts of data between a desktop computer and a laptop. Using USB drives or external hard drives is a classic, but slow, method that requires physically having the drive on hand. It's much more convenient and efficient to transfer data directly over a wireless network, especially if both devices are in the same room and connected to the same router.
Organization of a local network between laptop And PC It allows you to not only copy files but also run games over a local network, use a shared printer, or even stream games from a powerful computer to a mobile device. However, the default Windows settings are often hidden or set to "Public Network" for security reasons, blocking device visibility. In this article, we'll discuss how to properly configure a network profile and share folders for instant access.
There are several methods for implementing this task: from the classic creation of a shared folder to using modern cloud synchronization or specialized software. We will focus on the native capabilities of the operating system. Windows 10 And Windows 11, as they don't require third-party software and operate reliably when properly configured. The key is to understand the logic behind network protocols and access rights.
Basic preparation and configuration of the network profile
The first and most important step is to ensure physical and logical connectivity between the devices. Both computers must be connected to the same wireless network. Wi-FiIf your desktop PC doesn't have a built-in wireless module, you'll need to use a USB adapter or PCIe card. Make sure both devices are on the same frequency band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz), although this isn't critical for file transfers within a local network, as long as the router routes traffic correctly.
The key issue that most users stumble over is the network profile type. Windows assigns new connections the "Public Network" profile by default, which hides your computer from other devices for security reasons. You need to change this setting to "Private Network." To do this, go to Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi and click on your connection name. In the menu that opens, select the "Private" network type.
⚠️ Attention: Changing your network profile to "Private" makes your computer visible to other devices within Wi-Fi range. Make sure you're in a trusted home environment, not a cafe or airport.
After changing the profile, the system will automatically apply the necessary firewall rules to allow device discovery. Now your laptop and PC "see" each other at the network hardware level. If you have third-party antivirus software with built-in firewalls installed (for example, Kaspersky, ESET or Avast), they may block the connection even after changing the profile. In this case, you will need to temporarily disable network protection or add your home connection to the trusted list in the antivirus interface.
Setting up shared access to files and folders
Once the network profile has been changed, you need to explicitly allow Windows to exchange data. Go to Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing CenterOn the left, select "Change advanced sharing settings." Here you'll see sections for different network profiles. Make sure "Turn on network discovery" and "Turn on file and printer sharing" are enabled in the "Private" section.
Next, you need to select the specific folder you want to make available to the second device. Create a new folder or select an existing one, right-click it, and select "Properties." Go to the "Access" tab and click "Sharing...." In the window that opens, select a user (e.g., "Everyone" or a specific system user) and set the permission level: "Read" (view only) or "Read and Write" (full control).
For more advanced permissions management, you can use the advanced settings. Click the "Advanced Settings" button in the same folder properties tab. Check the "Share this folder" box. Here you can also limit the number of concurrent users or configure file camming for offline work. This is especially useful if you're working on complex projects that need to be edited across multiple devices.
☑️ Check access settings
After applying the settings, the system may ask you to confirm the action through the administrator account. Accept the changes. The folder is now marked with an open hand icon, symbolizing its network accessibility. However, to connect to it from another device, you need to know the exact network path or computer name.
Search for a computer on the network and connect to resources
Now let's move on to the second device (e.g., a laptop) from which you will be connecting. Open File Explorer and select "Network" in the left navigation panel. If network discovery is configured correctly, you will see the name of the first computer (PC). If you see strange codes instead of names or the devices are not visible, the discovery service may not have updated yet. Try restarting both computers.
When you try to log in to your computer, the system may ask for your credentials. This is a standard security procedure. You will need to enter the login and password of the user account you are logged in under. PC host (on the computer where the folder is located). If the account doesn't have a password, Windows may not allow you to log in due to security policy reasons. In this case, it is recommended to set a password or change the policy via gpedit.msc (available in Pro and higher versions).
To avoid having to re-enter the network path each time, you can make a mapped folder a network drive. After logging in to the shared folder, right-click it and select "Map network drive." Select an available drive letter (e.g., Z:) and check "Restore at logon." This folder will now appear in "My Computer" as a separate drive, making file management as seamless as possible.
| Parameter | Value for Host (PC with files) | Value for the Client (Laptop) |
|---|---|---|
| Network type | Private | Private |
| Network discovery | Included | Included |
| File sharing | Included | Not necessarily |
| Password protection | Recommended included | Entering host data |
What should I do if Windows says "Access Denied to \\\\ComputerName"? The problem is often rooted in older SMBv1 settings. Make sure the SMB 1.0 client is enabled in Windows Features (although it's less secure) or, conversely, disable it if the server only requires SMBv2/3. Modern Windows 10/11 use SMBv2/3 by default.
Using an IP address for direct connection
Sometimes the network discovery feature fails, and computers cannot see each other by name. In this case, the most reliable method is to connect via IP addressEach device on the local network has a unique address that does not change (if static DHCP or reservation is configured). To find out the IP address of the host computer, open the command prompt (press Win + R, enter cmd) and enter the command ipconfigFind the line "IPv4 address", it will look like this 192.168.1.XX or 192.168.0.XX.
Knowing the IP address, on the second computer, open Explorer and enter the address in the address bar in the format
Win + R, enter cmd) and enter the command ipconfigFind the line "IPv4 address", it will look like this 192.168.1.XX or 192.168.0.XX. \\192.168.1.XX (Replace X with your numbers). Press Enter. This method bypasses NetBIOS and DNS name resolution issues that often occur on mixed networks. If the connection is successful, you will see all shared resources on this computer.
For ease of continuous use, it's best to reserve the IP address in the router settings so that it doesn't change after a reboot. Go to the router interface (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1), find the section DHCP Server or Address Reservation and bind the MAC address of the PC's network adapter to a specific IP address. This ensures that the file path will always be the same.
Alternative transfer methods: Nearby Sharing and clouds
If setting up a shared folder seems too complicated, Windows 10 and 11 have a built-in Nearby Sharing feature. It works similarly to Apple's AirDrop, using Bluetooth for discovery and Wi-Fi Direct for data transfer. To activate it, go to Settings → System → General Features and turn on "Nearby Sharing." Select "Everyone Around" visibility.
To transfer a file, simply right-click it, select "Share," and select the target device from the list. The file will arrive as a notification, which you'll need to accept on the second device. This method is ideal for quickly transferring photos, documents, or small videos, but isn't suitable for transferring terabytes of data, as speeds can be inconsistent and the process requires constant confirmation.
Another option is to use synchronized folders of cloud services (OneDrive, Google Drive, Yandex Disk). Install the cloud client on both computers. Files uploaded to the service folder on one computer will automatically appear on the other, provided there's internet access. This isn't exactly a local network transfer (traffic goes through the server), but for many users, it's the easiest way to keep files up-to-date without configuring network protocols.
⚠️ Attention: Nearby Sharing requires both devices to have Bluetooth enabled and be in close proximity. Both devices must also be signed in to the same Microsoft account or be in your contact list.
Troubleshooting and Common Errors
Despite the seemingly simple setup, users often encounter access errors. One of the most common is the error 0x80070035 ("The network path was not found"). This is often caused by a disabled "Function Discovery Resource Publishing" service or problems with the SMB protocol. Check if the service is running. Function Discovery Resource Publication in the "Services" menu (services.msc). Set the startup type to "Automatic" and run it.
Another common issue is antivirus software. Third-party firewalls can block ports used for SMB (usually port 445). If you've tried all Windows settings but still can't connect, try temporarily disabling your antivirus software on both computers to test. If the connection reappears, you'll need to add an exception to your antivirus's firewall settings for your home network.
The issue with passwords is also worth mentioning. If the host computer has a blank password, Windows denies network access by default. There are two ways to solve this: set a password for the account or disable the password requirement in "Advanced sharing settings" (under "All Networks" → "Turn off password-protected sharing"). The latter option is less secure, but is more convenient for a home network where no one is sharing.
Questions and Answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect a laptop and a PC directly without a router?
Yes, it's possible. You can create a direct wireless connection (ad-hoc network) or use a virtual router via the command line. However, it's easier and faster to connect them with a regular LAN cable (twisted pair) if your laptop has an Ethernet port, or via a USB modem, creating a connection bridge.
Why is file transfer over WiFi slow?
Speed depends on the Wi-Fi standard (802.11n, ac, ax) and airwave congestion. If the router is old or located far away, speeds may drop to 2-5 Mbps. For larger data volumes (over 50 GB), a Gigabit Ethernet cable connection is highly recommended, as it will provide stable speeds of 100+ Mbps.
How to transfer files between Windows and macOS?
The principle is the same: on a Mac, open "System Preferences" → "Sharing" and enable "File Sharing." Then add a folder and look at the network address (smb://...). On Windows, enter this address in File Explorer. You'll be asked to enter your Mac username and password.
Is it safe to keep public access open all the time?
If you have a strong Windows password and the network profile is set to "Private," the risks are minimal. However, if you frequently connect to public Wi-Fi, it's best to disable public access or switch the profile to "Public" when away from home.