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

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 internet connections. However, not everyone knows that this doesn't require buying a router or installing cables—all you need to do is properly configure the built-in tools. Windows, macOS or third-party utilities.

In this article we will look at 5 working methods connecting a PC to a laptop via Wi-Fi - from the simplest data exchange to complex scenarios like remote control or network bridgeYou'll learn which method to choose based on your goals, how to avoid common mistakes (such as lack of network access), and what to do if devices can't see each other. Finally, you'll find answers to frequently asked questions and a comparison table for all the options.

Method 1: Sharing Wi-Fi from a laptop (mobile hotspot)

The most universal method is to turn your laptop into a hotspot that your PC can connect to. This works if your laptop has a working Wi-Fi adapter, while your PC only has a network card or an external USB module. Suitable for Windows 10/11 And macOS.

On Windows the algorithm is as follows:

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Hotspot.
2. In the field Sharing select the connection through which the laptop receives the Internet (for example, Ethernet or Wi-Fi).
3. Click Change and set the network name (SSID) and password (minimum 8 characters).
4. Activate the switch Allow use of my internet connection.

On the PC, all that remains is to connect to the created network via Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Connect to a networkIf the Internet is not distributed, check whether the mode is enabled. General access in the properties of the main connection (see FAQ).

The laptop is connected to the Internet (Ethernet/Wi-Fi)

The laptop's Wi-Fi adapter is enabled (Fn+F2/F12 key)

Wi-Fi adapter drivers are installed on the PC

Antivirus does not block the network (temporarily disable the firewall)

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⚠️ Attention: If the laptop is connected to the Internet via PPPoE (as with some providers), the mobile hotspot may not work. In this case, use bridge method.

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

Method Ad-Hoc Allows you to create a direct network between a PC and laptop without a router. Suitable for file sharing or gaming over a local network, but does not distribute InternetPowered by Windows 7–11, but in newer OS versions it is hidden in the command line.

Instructions for Windows 10/11:

1. Launch Command line 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. Activate the network:

   netsh wlan start hostednetwork

On the second device, connect to the network MyAdHocTo share files, please enable General access to folders in Properties → Access → Share.

⚠️ Attention: IN Windows 11 support hostednetwork can be disabled. An alternative is to use third-party utilities like Connectify or Virtual Router Plus.

3. Method: network bridge (for Internet distribution)

If the laptop is connected to the Internet via cable (Ethernet), and the PC - only via Wi-Fi, you can combine connections into network bridgeThis will allow you to share the Internet from your laptop to your PC without any additional software.

Procedure:

1. On your laptop, open Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings.
2. Select connections Ethernet (Internet) and Wi-Fi (squeezing Ctrl).
3. RMB → Bridge settingsWait for the bridge to be created (may take up to 30 seconds).
4. On your PC, connect to your laptop's Wi-Fi network (its name will remain the same).

⚠️ Attention: A network bridge may conflict with VPNs or corporate networks. If your laptop loses internet after creating a bridge, remove the bridge and try alternative methods.

Mobile hotspot

Direct connection (Ad-Hoc)

Network bridge

Remote Desktop

Another option-->

4. Method: Wi-Fi Direct (for modern devices)

Wi-Fi Direct - a direct connection technology without an access point, similar to Bluetooth, but at a higher speed (up to 250 Mbps). Supported by most laptops and PCs with adapters Wi-Fi 5/6 (For example, Intel AX200 or Qualcomm Atheros).

How to connect:

1. Turn on your laptop Wi-Fi Direct in the adapter settings (in Windows 10/11 - through Settings → Devices → Add Bluetooth or other device → Everything else).
2. On your PC, in the same tab, select your laptop from the list of available devices.
3. Confirm the connection on both devices (you may be asked to enter a PIN).

Once connected, the devices will receive local IP addresses (for example, 192.168.49.x) and will be able to exchange files through Conductor or FTPInternet sharing will require additional configuration. ICS (cm. network bridge).

Why is Wi-Fi Direct better than Ad-Hoc?

Wi-Fi Direct automatically assigns IP addresses (no need to configure manually), supports encryption WPA2 and operates over long distances (up to 200 meters under ideal conditions). Ad-Hoc is limited to 8 connected devices and often requires manual configuration. TCP/IP.

5. Method: Remote Desktop (RDP) or TeamViewer

If the goal is not just file sharing, but full control over a laptop from a PC (or vice versa), use protocols remote accessThis is relevant for administration, running programs, or technical support.

Implementation options:

• 🖥️ Built-in RDP (Windows Pro/Enterprise):
  1. On the laptop: Settings → System → Remote Desktop → Enable.
  2. Remember the PC name (or IP address in the local network).
  3. Run on PC Remote Desktop Connection (mstsc) and enter the data.

🌐 TeamViewer/AnyDesk: Install the program on both devices, log in, and connect using your ID/password. It works on all operating systems, including macOS And Linux.

🔒 Chrome Remote Desktop: Free solution from Google for browser. Requires an account. Google and expansion.

⚠️ Attention: For RDP Both devices must be on the same network (for example, connected to the same router or via mobile hotspot). Internet access will require configuration. port forwarding on a router or VPN.

Comparison of all methods: which one to choose?

The choice of method depends on your goal:

• 📤 Need to share internet? → Mobile hotspot or network bridge.
• 📁 File sharing only? → Ad-Hoc or Wi-Fi Direct.
• 🖱️ Control your laptop from your PC? → RDP or TeamViewer.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Why won't my PC connect to my laptop's Wi-Fi network?
Check:
1. The laptop is in sleep mode. General access in the connection properties (Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings → Properties → Sharing).
2. Wi-Fi adapter drivers are installed on your PC (check in Device Manager).
3. Antivirus or firewall is not blocking the network (temporarily disable protection).
4. Network Name (SSID) and the password are entered without errors (case is important!).

If the problem persists, try resetting the network on your laptop:

netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset

Then reboot both devices.

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

Yes, but it will be required external USB Wi-Fi adapter (price from 500 ₽). Popular models:

• TP-Link TL-WN725N (compact, Wi-Fi 4)
• ASUS USB-AC56 (support Wi-Fi 5, speed up to 867 Mbps)
• Edimax EW-7811Un (budget option for Linux/Windows)

After connecting the adapter, install the driver from the manufacturer's official website and use any of the methods described above.

How to transfer files between PC and laptop after connection?

Methods of transmission:

1. Via shared folders:
   1. On a laptop: Right-click on the folder → Properties → Access → Share.
   2. On PC: Open File Explorer → Network and select a laptop.
2. By FTP: Install a server (eg. FileZilla Server) on the laptop and connect from the PC via FileZilla Client.
3. Via the cloud: Upload files to Google Drive, Yandex Disk or Dropbox and download on the second device.

For large files (>1 GB) it is better to use Wi-Fi Direct or Ethernet (speed up to 1 Gbps).

Why is file transfer speed slow?

Reasons and solutions:

Problem	Solution
Weak Wi-Fi signal	Move the devices closer or use 5 GHz (less susceptible to interference).
Outdated Wi-Fi protocol	Update the adapter to Wi-Fi 5/6 (For example, Intel AX200).
Background downloads	Disable OS updates and torrents on both devices.
Encryption WEP	Use WPA2 or WPA3 (configured when creating the network).

For maximum speed use Wi-Fi Direct or connect devices via Ethernet.

Is it possible to connect a PC to a laptop via Wi-Fi on macOS?

Yes, on macOS Similar methods are available:

• 📶 Wi-Fi distribution: System Preferences → Sharing → Internet Sharing (select source Ethernet and turn it on Wi-Fi).
• 🖥️ Remote access: Turn on Remote control V System Preferences → Sharing and connect via Screen Sharing or TeamViewer.
• 📁 File sharing: Turn on File sharing in the same settings and connect from the PC via the protocol SMB (smb://[IP address]).

For Wi-Fi Direct on macOS use AirDrop (only for transferring files between devices) Apple).