Organizing data exchange between computers in a home or office environment remains a pressing issue, despite the ubiquity of cloud file storage. Whether you need to transfer gigabytes of video archives, deploy a network game, or simply share a printer, creating local network becomes the most effective solution. Modern operating systems like Windows 10 provide powerful tools for this, but default security settings often block device visibility by default.
The basis of such infrastructure is WiFi router, which acts as a traffic router and DHCP server, automatically assigning IP addresses to connected devices. Proper configuration of this connecting link and the operating system guarantees stable data transfer speeds and protection from unauthorized external access. In this guide, we'll detail the process of transforming a set of disparate PCs into a single computing system.
It is important to understand that all devices must be in the same network segment, that is, connected to the same router, either via cable or wirelessly. It is critical that the network profile in Windows is set to "Private", otherwise the system will hide the computer from detection by other users. Ignoring this setting is the most common reason for failure when trying to set up file sharing.
Preparing equipment and checking physical connections
Before delving into the operating system's software settings, you need to ensure that the physical layer of the network is working properly. All computers you plan to connect must be connected to the same router. This can be a wired connection via Ethernet both cable and wireless connection according to the standard IEEE 802.11 ac/ax.
Check the indicator lights on the router: the lights corresponding to the LAN ports or the WiFi icon should be lit or blinking, indicating an active link. If your computer is connected via cable, make sure you're using a working patch cord (at least Category 5e) capable of gigabit speeds.
- 🔌 Make sure all devices are connected to the same access point or switch.
- 📡 Check the WiFi signal strength on mobile devices and laptops in the router's installation area.
- 🔋 Make sure your router is working properly and doesn't require a reboot.
It's worth keeping in mind that mixed connections (some PCs via cable, some via WiFi) are fully supported by modern routers and don't require additional bridge configuration. However, for desktop PCs with heavy traffic, such as video editing or backup, a cable connection is preferable.
Configuring network settings in Windows 10
When you first connect to a new network, Windows 10 assigns it the "Public" profile. This mode has strict security rules: your computer becomes invisible to others, and file sharing is blocked. Our first step is to change this status to "Private."
To do this, go to the Start menu and select Settings (the gear icon). Then follow the path Network and Internet → StatusIn the window that opens, find the "Properties" button under the name of your active connection (WiFi or Ethernet). In the "Network Profile" section, select "Private."
⚠️ Attention: Don't change your profile to "Private" if you're connected to public Wi-Fi at a cafe, airport, or hotel. This will make your computer visible to all unauthorized devices on that network, posing a security risk.
After changing the profile, the system will automatically apply firewall rules allowing device discovery. Your PC is now ready to be seen by other members of the local group. If you have multiple computers, you must repeat this step on each one.
Turn on sharing and discovery
The next step is to enable the services responsible for resource provisioning. Even with the correct network profile, sharing features may be disabled in the Network and Sharing Center. Open the Control Panel and go to Network and Sharing Center.
In the left menu column, select "Change advanced sharing settings." Here you'll see several profiles: "Private," "Guest or public," and "All networks." We're specifically looking for the "Private" section.
In this section, you need to activate the following switches:
- 📡 Turn on network discovery.
- 💾 Enable file and printer sharing.
- 🔐 Let Windows manage HomeGroup connections.
Scroll down to the "All Networks" section. Here you'll find the important "Password-protected sharing" setting. If you're in a trusted home environment, you can disable this to avoid having to enter your username and password every time you connect. In an office environment, it's best to leave this setting enabled to control access.
☑️ Access setup checklist
Advanced SMB and Protocol Settings
In the latest Windows 10 updates, Microsoft disabled support for the legacy SMBv1 protocol for security reasons. However, if you have older devices, NAS storage, or printers on your network, they may require this protocol to function correctly.
To check and enable the required components, press the key combination Win + R, enter the command optionalfeatures and press Enter. In the "Windows Features" window that opens, find the "SMB File Sharing Support" folder.
| Component | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| SMB 1.0/CIFS Client | Invites you to connect to old servers | Turn on only when needed |
| SMB 1.0/CIFS Server | Allows connections to PC from older devices | Dangerous, use with caution |
| SMB Direct | Uses RDMA for high speed | Leave on |
After making changes to the components, you will need to restart your computer. You should also ensure that the services responsible for detection are running. Click Win + R, enter services.msc and find the Function Discovery Resource Publishing service. Make sure it's running and its startup type is set to Automatic.
Why does Windows 10 block old protocols?
The SMBv1 protocol contains vulnerabilities that were exploited by the WannaCry ransomware. Microsoft has disabled it by default to protect users, even though this breaks compatibility with very old hardware.
Setting up shared access to folders and printers
Now that the infrastructure is ready, you can grant access to specific resources. Select the folder you want to share, right-click it, and select "Properties." Go to the "Sharing" tab and click "Advanced Settings."
Check the "Share this folder" box. In the "Share name" field, you can leave the default name or enter a more descriptive one. Click the "Permissions" button to configure access rights for the "Everyone" group or specific accounts.
Here you can flexibly configure rights:
- 👁️ Read only: Users will be able to see and copy files, but will not be able to modify or delete them.
- ✍️ Change: Editing existing files and creating new ones is allowed.
- 🗑️ Full access: The user receives folder owner rights, including changing access rights.
⚠️ Attention: Be careful when granting "Full Control" permissions to root directories or system folders. This could result in other network users accidentally deleting important data.
To set up a network printer, the process is similar: go to Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners, select the desired device and click Manage, then Printer Properties → Sharing tab → Share this printer.
Connecting to network resources and troubleshooting errors
To open a shared folder on another computer, open File Explorer and enter the IP address of the target computer in the address bar in the format \\192.168.1.XX or its network name \\ComputerNameYou can find out the IP address by running the command line (cmd) and entering the command ipconfig.
If the system prompts for a username and password, enter the user credentials for the computer where the folder is located. If you've disabled password protection, access should be granted immediately. For easy, ongoing use, you can right-click the network folder and select "Map network drive," assigning it a letter (e.g., Z:).
Common problems and their solutions:
- ❌ Error "Windows cannot access" Check if the Print Spooler and Function Discovery Provider services are enabled.
- 🔒 Password prompt when security is disabled: Clear saved passwords in Credential Manager (Control Panel → Credential Manager).
- 📉 Low speed: Make sure your router is operating in the 5GHz band, not the crowded 2.4GHz band, if your devices support it.
- 👻 The computer is not visible on the network: Check that the SSDP Discovery and UPnP Device Host services are running.
How do I find the IP address of my router and computer?
Open the command prompt (Win+R, enter cmd). Enter the command ipconfigThe "Default Gateway" line is your router's IP address (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1). The "IPv4 Address" line is your computer's address on the local network.
Why did I lose access to network folders after a Windows update?
Major updates (Feature Updates) often reset network settings to "Public" and disable discovery services. You should recheck your network profile in Settings and the service status in services.msc.
Is it possible to create a local network between Windows 10 and Windows 7?
Yes, you can. However, on Windows 10, you may need to enable SMB 1.0 support (via Control Panel → Programs and Features), as Windows 7 uses this protocol by default for legacy networking functions.
Is it safe to leave sharing enabled all the time?
If you have a strong Windows login password and a firewall enabled, the risk is minimal, especially on a home network. For increased security, create a separate user with limited privileges specifically for network access.