How to create a local network between two laptops via Wi-Fi: a step-by-step guide

Setting up a local network between two laptops is a challenge faced by many users who want to quickly transfer gigabytes of movies, games, or work projects without using flash drives or external drives. Local area network LAN (LAN) over Wi-Fi allows you to not only share files but also play online games, share printers, and even control one computer from another. Unlike a wired connection, wireless networking eliminates unnecessary cables, making your workspace cleaner and more mobile.

Modern operating systems such as Windows 10 And Windows 11, have built-in tools for creating such connections, but their settings are often hidden or disabled by default for security reasons. Router In this case, it acts merely as an intermediary, connecting devices into a single infrastructure. Proper configuration of network profiles and sharing settings is key to a successful start.

In this article, we'll cover all the nuances of creating a connection, from basic hardware testing to fine-tuning access rights. Both laptops must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network (the same router), otherwise a direct connection without creating a special access point is impossible. Please follow the instructions in order to avoid IP address conflicts and device visibility issues.

Preparing equipment and checking basic settings

Before you dive into complex Windows settings, you need to make sure the physical connection is working properly. Make sure both laptops are connected to the same wireless network. If you have guest network on the router, do not use it, as it often isolates devices from each other for security purposes.

Make sure Wi-Fi is enabled on both devices and there are no traffic restrictions. Antivirus programs can sometimes block detection of neighboring computers, so it's recommended to temporarily disable third-party firewalls during setup.

It's also important to ensure that the wireless adapter drivers are installed correctly and are working without errors. There shouldn't be any yellow exclamation marks next to any network adapters in Device Manager.

• 📶 Make sure both laptops can see your home Wi-Fi network and have an active internet connection.
• 💻 Make sure computer names (Hostname) are unique and not duplicated to avoid network conflicts.
• 🔌 Make sure the battery has sufficient charge or the laptops are connected to a power source, as power saving mode may turn off the adapter.

After the initial check, you can proceed to changing the network profile type, since this parameter determines whether your computer will be visible to other devices on the local network.

Setting up a network profile: Private or Public network

By default, the Windows operating system often assigns new Wi-Fi connections the "Public Network" status. In this mode, the system blocks incoming connections and hides your computer from detection, thinking you're in a cafe or airport.

To create a local network, you need to switch the profile to "Private Network." This confirms to the system that you trust surrounding devices and allow data exchange. Without this step, further sharing settings will be useless.

You can change your network type through the Windows settings menu. Go to Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi, select the name of your network and in the "Network profile type" section, select the option PrivateThis operation must be performed on both laptops.

If the settings interface is different, you can use the control panel. Type "Control Panel" in the search bar, go to Network and Internet → Network and Sharing CenterWhere your current connection is listed (for example, "Public Network"), click and change it to "Home Network" or "Private Network."

⚠️ Attention: By switching your profile to "Private," you make your computer visible to other devices on the network. Make sure you're connected to your home router, not your neighbors' public Wi-Fi.

Turn on file and printer sharing

The next critical step is to enable discovery and sharing. Even with the correct network profile, Windows may prevent data sharing if these features are disabled in the advanced settings.

Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing CenterIn the left menu, select "Change advanced sharing options." This will open a window with the "Private" and "Guest or Public" profiles.

In the "Private (current profile)" section, you need to activate the following items:

• 🔍 Enable network discovery (and check the box "Enable automatic configuration of connected devices").
• 📂 Enable file and printer sharing.
• 🔐 Allow Windows to manage HomeGroup connections (if applicable).

After making changes, be sure to click the "Save Changes" button. The system is now ready to accept and send connection requests from other computers on the local network.

Creating a shared folder and setting access rights

Simply enabling sharing isn't enough—you need to specify which resources will be accessible to other users. This is usually done by creating a dedicated folder or using the default "Shared Documents" folder.

Create a new folder on the disk (for example, C:\Share) or select an existing one. Right-click it, select "Properties," and go to the "Access" tab. Click the "Advanced" button.

In the window that opens, check the "Share this folder" box. Below, click the "Permissions" button. Here you can flexibly configure user permissions:

Don't forget to also go to the "Security" tab in the folder properties and ensure that the "Everyone" user (or a specific user) has read and write permissions. It often happens that "Access" allows permissions, but "Security" denies them, which causes an error.

If you plan to frequently transfer files, it might be a good idea to disable the password requirement for shared folders. To do this, go to "Advanced Sharing Settings" at the very bottom of the list and select "Turn off password-protected sharing."

⚠️ Attention: Disabling password protection is convenient for home use, but is strongly discouraged if your Wi-Fi network could be accessed by unauthorized persons.