How to connect to another computer via Wi-Fi: all working methods

Connecting to another PC via Wi-Fi — a challenge faced by both system administrators and regular users. Remote access capabilities allow you to manage files, run programs, or provide technical support without physically being present at the device. However, not everyone knows that connection methods vary greatly in speed, security, and hardware requirements.

In this article we will look at 5 proven methods — from built-in tools Windows (For example, RDP) to third-party programs like TeamViewer or AnyDeskWe will pay special attention to the settings local network via Wi-Fi, which often raises questions among beginners. You will learn how to avoid common errors (for example, "Unable to connect to the remote PC"), configure a firewall and provide protection from unauthorized access.

Important: If you need to connect to a computer outside the local network (for example, via the internet), additional router settings or the use of specialized services will be required. We'll consider both scenarios.

1. Connect via built-in RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol)

RDP - this is the protocol from Microsoft, allowing you to remotely control your computer with Windows Pro/Enterprise (In home versions, it only works as a client.) The main advantage is high data transfer speed and support for multiple monitors.

To turn on RDP on the target PC:

1. Click Win + R, enter sysdm.cpl and go to the tab Remote Access.
2. Select "Allow connections only from computers running any version of RDP" (for maximum compatibility).
3. Specify users who are allowed access (default: only administrators).

To connect from another PC:

• 🔹 Enter in search Remote Desktop Connection (mstsc).
• 🔹 Specify IP address or the name of the computer on the local network (for example, 192.168.1.100).
• 🔹 Enter the login and password for the target PC account.

⚠️ Attention: By default RDP uses the port 3389If port forwarding isn't configured on your router, connecting from outside the local network won't be possible. Also, make sure that the target PC sleep mode is disabled - otherwise the connection will be broken.

2. Using TeamViewer or AnyDesk for remote access

If RDP unavailable (for example, on Windows Home), third-party programs come to the rescue. TeamViewer And AnyDesk They operate via cloud servers, so they don't require router configuration. Their main advantages are:

• 🌍 Works via the Internet (not only in a local network).
• 🔒 Traffic encryption (in AnyDesk is used TLS 1.3).
• 📱 Mobile device support (you can connect from your smartphone).

Instructions for TeamViewer:

1. Download and install the program from official website on both PCs.
2. On the target computer, write down ID And password (they are updated at each launch).
3. On the connecting PC, enter this data in the field Partner ID.

AnyDesk works similarly but offers higher image transfer speeds (up to 60 FPS) and lower latency. For constant access, you can set up unchangeable password in security settings.

⚠️ Attention: Free versions TeamViewer And AnyDesk Session time is limited for commercial use. There are no restrictions for personal use, but programs may request confirmation of non-commercial status.

Download the program from the official website|Check the stability of your internet connection|Disable the VPN (it may block the connection)|Write down the ID and password of the target PC-->

3. Connecting via SSH (for Linux or Windows with OpenSSH)

SSH (Secure Shell) is a protocol for secure management of remote devices, most often used in LinuxHowever, since 2018 Windows 10/11 supports OpenSSH out of the box. This method is suitable for console control (without graphical interface).

To turn on SSH server on the target PC with Windows:

# Run PowerShell as administrator and run:
Add-WindowsCapability -Online -Name OpenSSH.Server~~~~0.0.1.0
Start-Service sshd
Set-Service -Name sshd -StartupType 'Automatic'

To connect from another PC:

ssh username@IP_address
Example: ssh admin@192.168.1.100

For Linux (For example, Ubuntu) installation is even easier:

sudo apt update && sudo apt install openssh-server
sudo systemctl enable --now ssh

4. Connecting via a local network (SMB and shared folders)

If you don't need screen control, but only need file sharing, you can use the protocol SMB (Server Message Block). This method works on a single Wi-Fi network without any additional software.

Setting up on the target PC (Windows):

1. Open Control Panel → Network Settings → Sharing Options.
2. Turn on File and Printer Sharing And Password-protected sharing.
3. Right click on the folder, select Properties → Access and set permissions.

To connect from another PC:

• 📁 Enter in Explorer \\IP_address\folder_name (For example, \\192.168.1.100\Documents).
• 🔐 Enter the login and password for the target PC account.

For Linux connection is made via the command:

sudo mount -t cifs //192.168.1.100/Shared /mnt/shared -o username=user,password=pass

⚠️ Attention: Protocol SMBv1 vulnerable to attacks (eg EternalBlue). In the router or Windows settings, disable it, leaving only SMBv2 or SMBv3For this purpose, Windows execute:

Set-SmbServerConfiguration -EnableSMB1Protocol $false

Set-SmbServerConfiguration -EncryptData $false

5. Configuring the router for access from outside the local network

If you need to connect to a PC via the Internet (for example, from another network), you will need to configure port forwarding (Port Forwarding) on ​​the router. This is relevant for RDP, SSH or VNC.

General instructions:

1. Find out external IP address router (can be done through the service) 2ip.ru).
2. In the router control panel (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) find the section «Port Forwarding» or Virtual Servers.
3. Add a rule:
   • 🔢 External port: 3389 (for RDP) or 22 (for SSH).
   • 🔢 Local IP: The address of the target PC on the network (e.g. 192.168.1.100).
   • 🔢 Local port: the same as the external one.

For TeamViewer/AnyDesk No port forwarding is needed - they use their own servers. However, if you configure RDP or SSH, Necessarily:

• 🔒 Change the default ports (eg. 3389 → 3390) to protect against scanning by bots.
• 🛡️ Set up IP whitelist in the router's firewall (if there is such a function).

⚠️ Attention: If your provider dynamic IP, it may change with each connection. In this case, use dynamic DNS services (No-IP, DynDNS) or customize DDNS on the router.

6. Troubleshooting common connection errors

Even with proper setup, problems can arise. Let's look at the most common ones:

If the connection still does not work:

• 🔧 Make sure both PCs are in one subnet (For example, 192.168.1.x).
• 🔧 Turn it off firewall during testing (if the error disappears, adjust the rules).
• 🔧 Update your drivers Wi-Fi adapter (especially relevant for Realtek).

A critical detail: if you connect to your PC via public Wi-Fi (for example, at a cafe), use only encrypted protocols (SSH, RDP with TLS, VPN). Sharing passwords over SMB or unsecured RDP on such a network is tantamount to publishing them publicly.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connecting to a PC via Wi-Fi