How to connect a PC to a laptop via Wi-Fi: all working methods

Connecting a desktop computer to a laptop wirelessly opens up a host of possibilities: from transferring files without flash drives to setting up a remote desktop or sharing the internet. However, many users encounter difficulties setting up such a connection—especially if The PC is not equipped with a Wi-Fi adapter or the operating systems on the devices are different.

In this article we will look at 5 proven methods Connecting a PC to a laptop via Wi-Fi—from simple file sharing to creating a full-fledged local network. You'll learn what equipment you'll need and how to set up a network. Windows 10/11, macOS And Linux, as well as how to resolve common errors like "Unable to connect to the network" or lack of internet access. We'll pay special attention to configuring IP addresses manually - this often saves when automatic parameter retrieval doesn't work.

If your PC can't get Wi-Fi at all, don't rush to buy a new adapter—in 80% of cases, the problem can be solved with drivers or BIOS settings. And for those who want maximum speed, we'll compare the throughput of Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) when transferring data between devices.

1. Preparing the equipment: what is needed for connection

Before setting up a connection, make sure your devices meet the minimum requirements. The main stumbling block is lack of a Wi-Fi module in the PCUnlike laptops, most desktop computers do not come with wireless adapters out of the box.

Here's what you'll need:

• 📶 Wi-Fi adapter for PC (if you don't have one). Any USB or PCIe adapter that supports the standards will do. 802.11n/ac/axPopular models: TP-Link TL-WN823N, ASUS USB-AC56, Intel AX200 (for PCIe).
• 💻 A laptop with a working Wi-Fi module (on Windows, macOS or Linux).
• 🔌 Ethernet cable (optional, for the first method).
• 🔄 Administrator rights on both devices (to configure network settings).

If you use USB Wi-Fi adapter, connect it to the PC to When you turn on your computer, the system recognizes it as the primary network device. PCIe adapters (installed on the motherboard) may require a BIOS update if the module is not detected.

Also pay attention to driver versionOutdated drivers can limit connection speeds to 54 Mbps (standard 802.11g), even if the adapter supports 802.11acYou can update them through device Manager (devmgmt.msc) or from the manufacturer's website.

2. Method 1: Creating an access point on a laptop (mobile hotspot)

The easiest method is to turn your laptop into virtual router, which the PC will connect to. This method is suitable if you need to share internet from a laptop to a PC or quickly transfer files.

Instructions for Windows 10/11:

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Hotspot.
2. In the "Sharing" field, select the connection through which the laptop receives the Internet (for example, Ethernet or Wi-Fi).
3. Click "Edit" and set:
   • 🔑 Network name (SSID) - in Latin, without spaces.
   • 🔒 Password — minimum 8 characters, with numbers and letters.
   • 📡 Range — choose 5 GHz for higher speed (if PC adapter supports it).

Turn on the Mobile Hotspot switch.

On your PC, connect to the created network as you would to a regular Wi-Fi network. If the internet isn't working, check your sharing settings:

1. Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings.
2. Right click on the main connection (for example, Ethernet), select Properties → Access.
3. Check "Allow other network users to connect through your Internet connection" and select the hotspot network you created.

Make sure Wi-Fi is enabled on your laptop|Check that your antivirus isn't blocking public access|Disable your VPN (it might conflict with your hotspot)|Restart both devices if the network doesn't appear-->

On macOS hotspot creation is performed through System Preferences → Sharing → Internet SharingIn the Shared Connections list, select Wi-Fi, and in "Through" is your main connection (for example, Ethernet).

⚠️ Attention: On some laptops with Windows 10 Your mobile hotspot may turn off after 5-10 minutes due to power saving. To fix this, open Control Panel → Power Options → Change plan settings → Additional power settings and set Wireless Adapter Settings to Maximum Performance.

3. Method 2: Direct Wi-Fi connection (Ad-Hoc)

If you don't need internet access, but only file sharing or local network gaming, this is suitable Ad-Hoc direct connectionUnlike a hotspot, there is no need to distribute the Internet here, and the connection speed can reach 300–867 Mbps (depending on the Wi-Fi standard).

Setting up on Windows:

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

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

   Where MyAdHoc — network name, 12345678 - password.

3. Start the network:

   netsh wlan start hostednetwork

On your PC, connect to the network MyAdHocIf the connection is established but you cannot access files, check your sharing settings:

• 📁 Open it on your laptop Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Advanced Sharing Settings.
• 🔄 Turn on "File and printer sharing" and "Network discovery" for the "Private" profile.
• 🔓 Disable password protection (optional) if both devices are on the same network.

For Linux (for example Ubuntu) create an Ad-Hoc network via terminal:

sudo nmcli dev wifi hotspot ifname wlan0 ssid MyAdHoc password "12345678"

⚠️ Attention: Some Wi-Fi adapters (especially those with chips) Broadcom) do not support Ad-Hoc mode in Windows 10/11In this case, use analog programs like Connectify Hotspot or Virtual Router Plus.

4. Method 3: Connecting via a router (infrastructure network)

If you have a home router, the easiest way is to connect both devices to it. This method ensures maximum stability and speed (up to 1 Gbps on Wi-Fi 6), and also allows you to use the Internet on both devices simultaneously.

How to set up:

1. Connect your laptop and PC to the same Wi-Fi network of the router.
2. On the laptop:
   • 📂 Open This PC → Properties → Advanced system settings → Computer name.
   • 🔧 Make sure that working group on both devices is the same (by default - WORKGROUP).
   • 🔑 Set the same access rights for the folders (right-click → "Properties" → "Access" → "Share").

On your PC, open Net in File Explorer - the laptop should appear there. If not, enter it in the address bar. \\[laptop IP address] (For example, \\192.168.1.100).

To speed up file sharing, change your router settings:

• 📶 Switch to range 5 GHz (less interference).
• 🔄 Turn on WMM (Wi-Fi Multimedia) And 802.11n/ac Mode in the router settings.
• 🔒 Use encryption WPA2-AES (Not TKIP!).

802.11n (Wi-Fi 4)|802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5)|802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6)|Don't know-->

5. Method 4: Remote Desktop (RDP) or TeamViewer

If you need to do more than just transfer files, control a laptop from a PC (or vice versa), use remote access protocols. This is convenient for technical support, screen sharing, or working with programs installed on only one device.

Implementation options:

• 🖥️ Built-in RDP (Windows Pro/Enterprise):
  1. On the laptop: Settings → System → Remote Desktop → Enable.
  2. Remember the computer name or its IP address (you can find out through ipconfig (in the command line).
  3. On your PC, open Remote Desktop Connection (mstsc) and enter the IP address of the laptop.

🌐 TeamViewer / AnyDesk (works on all OS, including macOS And Linux):

1. Download the program from the official website to both devices.
2. On your laptop, launch TeamViewer and tell your PC your ID And Password.
3. On your PC, enter this information in the "Remote Control" field.

For RDP it is required:

• 🔐 The laptop must have an account password set.
• 🔄 In the firewall settings (firewall.cpl) allow me Remote Desktop (TCP ports 3389).
• 📡 If the connection is via the Internet (not a local network), configure port forwarding on the router.
How to speed up RDP?

Use the parameter -f for full screen mode: mstsc -f|Turn off visual effects: in RDP settings (⚙️ icon) select "Low connection speed"|Reduce color depth to 16-bit in connection settings|If the image is lagging, turn it off Persistent bitmap caching in additional parameters.

⚠️ Attention: When connecting via RDP over a local network (without the Internet) The IP addresses of the devices must belong to the same subnet.For example, if the laptop has an IP 192.168.1.100, then the PC must be in the range 192.168.1.2–192.168.1.254You can check your IP using the command ipconfig (Windows) or ifconfig (Linux/macOS).

6. Method 5: Bridge between Wi-Fi and Ethernet (for PCs without an adapter)

If your PC is not equipped with Wi-Fi, but there is a free port Ethernet, you can share wireless internet from your laptop via a cable. This method is called network bridge and is suitable for desktop computers without a Wi-Fi module.

Instructions for Windows:

1. Connect your laptop and PC with a cable Ethernet.
2. On your laptop, open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings.
3. Select Wi-Fi And Ethernet, right-click and select "Configure Bridge".
4. Wait 10-20 seconds - the laptop will automatically assign the PC an IP address through DHCP.

If the bridge is not created or the Internet does not appear:

• 🔧 Configure IP addresses manually:
  • On the laptop: IP 192.168.137.1, mask 255.255.255.0.
  • On PC: IP 192.168.137.2, mask 255.255.255.0, gateway 192.168.137.1, DNS 8.8.8.8.
• 🔄 Disable your antivirus firewall (for example, Kaspersky or Avast often block bridges).
• 🔄 Use crossover cable (crossover) if your network card does not support Auto MDI-X.

On macOS The bridge setup is done through System Preferences → Network:

1. Create a new Bridge connection (Bridge).
2. Add interfaces to it Wi-Fi And Ethernet.
3. Activate the bridge and check the connection with the PC.

7. Solving typical problems

Even with the correct settings, the connection may not work. Here the most common mistakes and ways to eliminate them:

Problem	Possible cause	Solution
"Unable to connect to the network"	Incorrect password or incompatible security settings	Check the case of the characters in your password. Change the security type to WPA2-PSK (AES).
No internet access when connected to a hotspot	Sharing is not enabled or there is an IP address conflict.	Enable "Internet Sharing" in the primary connection properties. Assign IP addresses manually.
Low file transfer speed (<10 Mbps)	2.4 GHz interference or outdated Wi-Fi standard	Switch to 5 GHz or change the channel in your router/hotspot settings.
The PC doesn't see the laptop on the network.	The protocol is disabled SMB or different working groups	Turn on SMB 1.0 V Control Panel → Programs → Turn Windows features on or off.

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 🔌 Physical connection: The Wi-Fi adapter should be blinking (USB adapters have an indicator).
• 🔄 Drivers: Update them through device Manager or from the manufacturer's website.
• 🛡️ Antivirus: Temporarily disable it and check the connection.
• 📡 Adapter operating mode: IN Device Manager open adapter properties → "Advanced" → install 802.11n/ac Wireless Mode in meaning Enabled.

⚠️ Attention: On some motherboards ASUS And Gigabyte The built-in Wi-Fi module may be disabled in the BIOS. To enable it, press [Enter] when booting the PC. Del or F2, find the section Advanced → Onboard Devices Configuration and enable the option Wi-Fi or WLAN.

8. FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to connect a PC to a laptop via Wi-Fi if the PC does not have an adapter?

Yes, but only if you have router or you use network bridge (Method 5). In this case, the laptop distributes the Internet via cable. Ethernet, and Wi-Fi is only used to connect the laptop to the router. The alternative is to buy USB Wi-Fi adapter for PC (from 500 rubles).

Why is file transfer speed via Wi-Fi lower than via cable?
Wireless network is always slower than wired network due to:
• 📶 Interference from other networks (especially on 2.4 GHz).
• 📡 Limitations of the standard: even Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) in real conditions gives the maximum 600–800 Mbps (against 1 Gbps via cable).
• 🔋 Adapter power: Built-in modules in laptops are often weaker than external USB adapters.
To speed up the transfer:
• Use range 5 GHz.
• Reduce the distance between the devices (or use repeater).
• Disable background downloads (torrents, updates).
How to connect from macOS to a Windows PC via Wi-Fi?

Use Method 3 (router) or Method 2 (Ad-Hoc):

1. On macOS open System Preferences → Network → Wi-Fi → Advanced.
2. Enable support 802.11n/ac and check "Create an ad hoc network".
3. On your PC, connect to the network created by your Mac.

To share files, please enable General access V System Preferences → Sharing and add the folder to Shared folders.

Is it possible to play over a local network via Wi-Fi?
Yes, but with some reservations:
• ✅ Fits for strategies (StarCraft, Civilization) or old games (Counter-Strike 1.6, Warcraft III).
• ❌ Not suitable for modern shooters (CS:GO, Valorant) - there will be a high ping (50–200 ms).
To minimize lags:
• Use 5 GHz and standard 802.11ac.
• Turn it off QoS in the router settings.
• Connect via cable if possible.
How to secure the connection between a PC and a laptop?

When connected directly (Ad-Hoc or hotspot), your network is vulnerable to hacking. To protect yourself:

• 🔒 Use complex password (minimum 12 characters, with numbers and special characters).
• 🔄 Turn it off WPS in the router settings (if you use method 3).
• 📡 Hide your SSID (turn off network name broadcasting) – this won't protect you from experienced hackers, but it will reduce the risk of an accidental connection.
• 🛡️ Turn on firewall and check the open ports with the command netstat -a.

For maximum safety, use VPN (For example, WireGuard) or SSH tunnel.