How to Connect Two Laptops to Each Other via Wi-Fi in Windows 10: 3 Proven Methods

Connecting two laptops directly Wi-Fi without a router is a challenge that users face when they need to quickly share files, collaborate on projects, or set up a local network for gaming. Windows 10 This procedure is implemented in several ways, but each of them has its own nuances: from speed limitations to compatibility issues with new OS versions. Unlike a wired connection via Ethernet, wireless communication requires proper configuration IP addresses, selecting the network mode and sometimes even manually assigning channels.

In this article we will look at Three working methods for connecting laptops via Wi-Fi in Windows 10: through virtual access point, using an outdated (but sometimes still working) function HomeGroup, and through network bridge for advanced tasks. We'll pay special attention to common errors—for example, when laptops "see" each other but can't exchange data, or when the connection drops after a few minutes. You'll also learn how to check the transfer speed between devices and why. Windows 11 may block some of these methods.

1. Preparing laptops for Wi-Fi connection

Before setting up a direct connection, make sure both laptops meet the minimum requirements:

• 🔹 Hardware compatibility: both devices must have Wi-Fi adapters, supporting the regime Ad-Hoc (most modern adapters support it, but on some laptops with Realtek or Broadcom there may be restrictions).
• 🔹 Same version of Windows: it is ideal if both laptops have Windows 10 (versions 1809–22H2). Windows 11 Some methods may not work due to changes in the network stack.
• 🔹 Disabled VPNs and firewalls: programs like Kaspersky, Avast or built-in Windows Defender Local connections are often blocked. Temporarily disable them.
• 🔹 Updated drivers: outdated drivers Wi-Fi adapter may cause errors. Check them through device Manager (chapter Network adapters).

Also prepare:

• 📋 Network name (SSID) And password for the access point (if you will use the Wi-Fi distribution method).
• 📋 Static IP addresses for both laptops (for example, 192.168.137.1 And 192.168.137.2).
• 📋 Shared folder on one of the laptops (if you plan to exchange files).

⚠️ Attention: If one of the laptops is connected to the Internet via Ethernet or another Wi-Fi, disable this connection before setting it up. Connecting to multiple networks at the same time can cause routing conflicts.

2. Method 1: Connecting via a virtual access point (hostspot mode)

The most versatile method is to turn one of the laptops into access point, and connect the second one to it like a regular router. This method works even if the second laptop Windows 7/8 or Linux.

Instructions for main laptop (distributing Wi-Fi):

1. Open Command line as administrator (Win + X → Command Prompt (Administrator)).
2. Enter the command to create a virtual network:

   netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=MyLaptopNet key=12345678 keyUsage=persistent

   Here MyLaptopNet — network name, 12345678 — password (minimum 8 characters).

3. Start the distribution:

   netsh wlan start hostednetwork

4. Go to Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings.
5. Find a new connection Local Area Connection* X (where X is a number), right-click → Properties → Access.
6. Check the box Allow other network users to use this computer's Internet connection (if you want to distribute the Internet).

Instructions for second laptop (connecting):

1. Open the list of available networks (Win + A or the Wi-Fi icon in the tray).
2. Select a network MyLaptopNet and enter the password 12345678.
3. After connecting, check the network availability using the command:

   ping 192.168.137.1

   (Where 192.168.137.1 — IP address of the first laptop).

On the main laptop, the command `netsh wlan start hostednetwork` was executed.

The second laptop has connected to the `MyLaptopNet` network |

IP addresses of laptops in the same subnet (e.g. 192.168.137.X)|

VPN and firewalls are disabled on both devices-->

If ping doesn't work, check:

• 🔧 On the main laptop in Properties → IPv4 a fixed IP is set (for example, 192.168.137.1).
• 🔧 On the second laptop, the IP is assigned automatically (or manually as 192.168.137.2).
• 🔧 In Windows Firewall allowed ICMP echo requests (rule for ping).

⚠️ Attention: After rebooting the main laptop, you will have to restart the Wi-Fi distribution with the command netsh wlan start hostednetworkTo automate the process, create .bat-file with this command and add it to startup.

3. Method 2: Direct Ad-Hoc Connection (without an access point)

Method Ad-Hoc Allows you to create a direct connection between two laptops without an intermediate access point. This method is less stable than Wi-Fi sharing, but can be useful if one of the laptops doesn't support Wi-Fi. hostednetwork (for example, on some versions Windows 10 LTSC).

Instructions for first laptop:

1. Open Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Set up a new connection.
2. Select Setting up a wireless computer-to-computer network (Ad-Hoc).
3. Ask:
   • 📡 Network name: DirectLink
   • 🔐 Security type: WPA2-Personal
   • 🔑 Security key: password123

Check the box Save settings for this network.

Instructions for second laptop:

1. Connect to the network DirectLink via the standard Wi-Fi list.
2. Assign IP addresses manually:
   • 💻 The first laptop: 192.168.0.1 (mask 255.255.255.0)
   • 💻 Second laptop: 192.168.0.2 (mask 255.255.255.0)

Check the connection:

ping 192.168.0.2

(from the first laptop to the second).

4. Method 3: Network Bridge (for advanced users)

If you need to not only connect two laptops, but also combine multiple network interfaces (For example, Wi-Fi + Ethernet), can be used network bridgeThis method is more complicated than the previous ones, but it offers more customization options.

Instructions:

1. On both laptops, open Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings.
2. Select two adapters (eg. Ethernet And Wi-Fi), right-click → Setting up the bridge.
3. Please wait while the system creates Network bridge.
4. Assign IP addresses manually:
   • 🖥️ Laptop 1: 192.168.50.1
   • 🖥️ Laptop 2: 192.168.50.2

Advantages of the method:

• 🔧 Possibility to combine Wi-Fi And Ethernet into one network.
• 🔧 Supports multiple connections (more than two devices).
• 🔧 Higher stability compared to Ad-Hoc.

Flaws:

• ⚠️ Difficulty of setup for beginners.
• ⚠️ Conflicts with other network connections are possible.
• ⚠️ Not all adapters support bridges.

⚠️ Attention: Network bridge may conflict with existing VPN connections or virtual machines (like VirtualBox or Hyper-V). If the internet connection is lost after setting up the bridge, remove the bridge and restart the laptop.

5. Setting up shared access to files and folders

After establishing a connection between laptops, you need to configure public access to folders. Without this, you won't be able to share files.

Instructions for laptop from which the folder will be distributed:

1. Right-click on the folder → Properties → Access.
2. Click Share → select user All → click Add.
3. Set the access level (Reading or Reading and writing).
4. Go to the tab Security → Change → add user All with rights Full access.

Instructions for second laptop (connection to a shared folder):

1. Open Conductor → in the address bar, enter:

   \\192.168.137.1\FolderName

   (Where 192.168.137.1 — IP of the first laptop, FolderName — the name of the shared folder).

2. When prompted, enter the login and password for the first laptop account (if it is password protected).

If access is not granted:

• 🔧 Check that the service is enabled on the first laptop Server (LanmanServer):

  services.msc → Server → Startup type: Automatic

• 🔧 Make sure that in Windows Firewall allowed File and Printer Sharing.
• 🔧 If you use HomeGroup, make sure both laptops are in the same workgroup (default WORKGROUP).

How to find out the name of the workgroup?

Open Control Panel → System → Advanced system settings → Computer name. Field Working group will show the current name (usually WORKGROUP).

6. Speed ​​test and troubleshooting

After setting up the connection, it is important to check data transfer rate And connection stabilityFor this, you can use standard and third-party tools.

Methods to check speed:

• 📊 Throughput Test: copy a large file (eg. 1 GB) from one laptop to another and record the time. Speed ​​is calculated using the formula:

  (File size in MB) / (Time in seconds) × 8 = Speed ​​in Mbps

• 📊 Iperf: A bandwidth testing utility. Install it on both laptops and run the server on one:

  iperf3 -s

  And on the second one, do:

  iperf3 -c 192.168.137.1

• 📊 Windows Task Manager: open Task Manager → Performance → Wi-Fi to monitor the current speed.

Typical problems and solutions:

If problems persist, try:

• 🔧 Reset network settings:

  netsh int ip reset
  netsh winsock reset

• 🔧 Update your Wi-Fi adapter driver from the manufacturer's website (Intel, Qualcomm Atheros, Realtek).
• 🔧 Use a different range: if the router is working on 2.4 GHz, try switching the connection to 5 GHz (if adapters support it).

⚠️ Attention: IN Windows 11 method with HomeGroup it doesn't work, but the settings Ad-Hoc may require additional drivers. If you updated from Windows 10 to 11, some parameters may have been reset.

7. Alternative ways to connect laptops

If your wireless connection is unstable or not working, consider these alternatives:

• 🔌 Direct connection via Ethernet:
  • 🔹 Use crossover cable (or regular patch-cord, if the ports support Auto MDI-X).
  • 🔹 Assign static IPs (eg. 192.168.1.1 And 192.168.1.2).
  • 🔹 The speed will be limited only by the capabilities of the ports (usually 1 Gbps).
• 📡 Bluetooth:
  • 🔹 Suitable for transferring small files (up to 10–20 MB).
  • 🔹 Speed: up to 3 Mbps (V Bluetooth 4.0/5.0).
  • 🔹 Setting: Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
• 💽 Local area network via USB:
  • 🔹 Use USB cable with Link support (For example, Belkin Easy Transfer).
  • 🔹 Speed: up to 480 Mbps (USB 2.0) or 5 Gbps (USB 3.0).
  • 🔹 Requires driver installation.

Comparison of methods by speed and convenience:

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connecting laptops via Wi-Fi

🔹 Is it possible to connect a Windows 10 laptop to a MacBook via Wi-Fi?

Yes, but the setup will be different. MacBook need to:

1. Open System Preferences → Sharing.
2. Turn on Internet access sharing through Wi-Fi.
3. On a laptop with Windows 10 connect to the created network.

To share files use SMB (V Windows enable support SMB1.0 V Programs and Features → Turn Windows features on or off).

🔹 Why is my Wi-Fi file transfer speed so slow?

The reasons may be as follows:

• 📶 Interference from other networks (check in the utility) Wi-Fi Analyzer).
• 🔋 Energy saving adapter (disconnect in Device Manager).
• 🔄 Suboptimal channel (set the channel manually 40 or 149 V 5 GHz).
• 🖥️ CPU load (check in Task Manager).

To eliminate:

1. Switch to 5 GHz (if adapters support it).
2. Use archivers (7-Zip, WinRAR) to compress files before transferring.
3. Connect laptops via Ethernet for maximum speed.

🔹 How can I prevent the connection from being reset after sleep?

This problem is typical for laptops with power-saving features. Solutions:

1. Open Device Manager → Network Adapters → Properties of your Wi-Fi adapter → Power Management.
2. Uncheck the box Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
3. IN Control Panel → Power Options → Change plan settings → Advanced settings install:
   • Sleep → Allow wake timers → Disable.
   • Wireless Network Adapter Settings → Power Saving Mode → Maximum performance.

🔹 Is it possible to play online games using this connection?

Technically yes, but with some caveats:

• 🎮 Latency (ping) will be higher than with a wired connection.
• 🎮 Stability depends on the quality of Wi-Fi adapters.
• 🎮 Local games (For example, Minecraft (on a local network) will work better than online games (CS:GO, Dota 2).

Recommendations:

• Use 5 GHz for lower delays.
• Disable all background programs that consume network bandwidth.
• For games it is better to use Ethernet or Powerline adapters.

🔹 Why isn't HomeGroup working in Windows 10 version 1803 and later?

HomeGroup was removed from Windows 10 starting with the update 1803 (April 2018 Update)Instead, Microsoft recommends using:

• 🔗 Sharing folders through SMB (as described in section 5).
• 🔗 OneDrive to synchronize files.
• 🔗 External storage devices (flash drives, SSD).

If HomeGroup still shows up in settings but doesn't work, update your system to the latest version or