Organizing data exchange between devices in a home or small office often raises questions for users, although the process has become significantly easier technically in recent years. Creating a local network via Wi-Fi allows you to instantly transfer large files, play media on a TV from your computer, or share a printer without unnecessary cables. This solution is ideal for those who want to eliminate the clutter of cables while maintaining complete control over their data.
Unlike file transfers via cloud storage, a local network provides maximum speed, limited only by the capabilities of your router and adapters. You don't need internet access to work within the network, guaranteeing data privacy and independence from your ISP. Below, we'll detail how to properly configure Windows and router settings so all devices can see each other without errors.
Equipment requirements and preliminary preparation
Before you begin configuring software, you need to ensure your hardware is ready for networking. All computers, laptops, or other devices you plan to connect must be connected to the same wireless router. If one device is connected via cable and another via Wi-Fi, they will still be on the same network unless the router separates them into different VLANs, which is rare in home environments.
A critical point is the network profile type that the operating system selects upon initial connection. For successful device discovery, the network must have a status of "Private" (Private). If Windows detects the connection as "Public," it will automatically enable enhanced security measures, hiding your computer from other network members. You can check this in the network and internet settings on each connected PC.
- 📶 Make sure all devices are within range of the router's Wi-Fi signal.
- 💻 All computers must be running compatible operating systems (e.g. Windows 10/11).
- 🔌 The router's power supply must be stable; it is advisable to use an uninterruptible power supply.
⚠️ Note: If you're using a guest Wi-Fi network on your router, devices on it are often isolated from each other by default. To create a local network, connect all PCs to the main network.
It's also worth checking your wireless adapter drivers. Outdated software may not correctly handle multicast traffic, which is necessary for discovering devices on the network. We recommend visiting your laptop or motherboard manufacturer's website and downloading the latest driver for your Wi-Fi module model.
Setting up sharing options in Windows
The central configuration element in the Windows operating system is the Network and Sharing Center. This is where you set the rules for how your computer behaves in the local environment. You need to go to the Control Panel, find the "Network and Internet" section, and select "Change sharing settings." Here, you need to enable several key features for resource visibility and accessibility.
In the "Private" (current) profile, you must enable network discovery. This feature allows your computer to broadcast its presence on the network and be visible to other devices. Without network discovery enabled, even if you have shared folders, other users simply won't find your computer in the list of shared devices.
Next, enable file and printer sharing. This permission allows other network users to access shared resources. At the bottom of the settings window, look for "All Networks." Here you can enable or disable password protection. If you disable password protection, anyone connected to your Wi-Fi will be able to access shared folders without entering their username and password.
- 🔍 Enable the "Turn on network discovery" and "Turn on automatic configuration of connecting devices" options.
- 📂 Enable "Turn on file and printer sharing."
- 🔓 Decide if you need password protection: disabling it simplifies access, but reduces security.
After making changes, be sure to click "Save Changes." Sometimes the system may prompt you to confirm administrator privileges. If the computer is still not visible after applying the settings, try restarting the Function Discovery Resource Publishing service using the command prompt with administrator privileges.
Sharing folders and setting access rights
Once the network infrastructure is ready, you need to select the specific data you want to share. Windows uses a two-tiered access mechanism: first, you grant permission at the NTFS file system level, and then at the SMB network protocol level. Ignoring one of these levels can lead to access errors, where a folder appears to be open, but the files inside are unreadable.
To begin, select the folder, right-click it, and go to Properties. On the "Sharing" tab, click "Advanced." Here, check "Share this folder" and click "Permissions." By default, the "Everyone" group is set to read-only. If you want other users to be able to modify files, add "Modify" and "Full Control" permissions.
net share MyFolder=C:\Users\Name\Documents\Shared /grant:Everyone,FULLThe second step is the "Security" tab in the folder properties. This lists the users and groups with file system-level permissions. Make sure the "Everyone" group or the specific user you plan to log in with has "Read and Execute," "List Folder Contents," and "Read" permissions. For full functionality, you often need to add "Write" and "Modify" permissions.
⚠️ Warning: Granting full permissions to the "Everyone" group on system folders or the C: drive may create a security hole. Only share directories specifically created for this purpose.
There's also a quick way to share files using the "Give access to" context menu, but it's less flexible and doesn't always display all the necessary permissions settings. Using advanced settings gives you complete control over who can do what with your files.
Search for network resources and connect drives
Once all the computers are configured, it's time to test the network. The easiest way to find another computer is to open File Explorer and go to the "Network" section. If network discovery is working correctly, you'll see the names of all available devices on the local network. However, sometimes Windows may not display the computers immediately, requiring additional time to refresh the list or manually entering the IP address.
If automatic detection doesn't work, use direct access via IP address. You can find out the IP address of another computer by opening a command prompt on it and entering the command ipconfigFind the "IPv4 Address" line. Then, on your computer, enter two backslashes and this address in the File Explorer address bar, like this: \\192.168.1.55This method is the most reliable and bypasses many of the detection service's problems.
☑️ Checking network connection
For easy, ongoing use of shared resources, it's recommended to map the network folder as a separate drive. In File Explorer, click "This PC," then select "Map network drive" from the menu. Specify the drive letter (e.g., Z:) and the path to the folder in the following format: \\ComputerName\Folder or via IP. Check "Reconnect at logon" to make the drive accessible after a reboot.
- 🌐 Open File Explorer and go to the "Network" section to automatically search.
- 🔢 Use the command
IP addressfor direct access if the name is not found. - 💾 Connect frequently used resources as a network drive for easy access.
When you first connect, the system may ask for credentials. Enter your username and password for your user account. on a remote computer, the folder being accessed. If the remote computer doesn't have a password and password protection is enabled, login may be blocked by Windows security policies.
Typical errors and methods for eliminating them
Despite its apparent simplicity, setting up a local Wi-Fi network often encounters a number of common problems. One of the most common is the error "Windows cannot access..." This can be caused by ports being blocked by an antivirus or built-in firewall. In such cases, it's necessary to check the Windows Firewall settings and ensure that the File and Printer Sharing app is allowed for the private network.
Another common issue is a mismatch in SMB protocol versions. In modern versions of Windows (10 and 11), the legacy SMB 1.0 protocol, which is used by older NAS drives and Windows XP/7, is disabled by default. If you need to connect to an older device, you'll have to manually enable SMB 1.0 support using "Turn Windows features on or off," although this is not recommended for security reasons.
| Error | Probable cause | Solution method |
|---|---|---|
| 0x80070035 | The network path was not found. | Check the computer name, enable SMB 1.0 |
| Access denied | Invalid NTFS permissions | Configure the folder's Security tab |
| The computer is not visible | The network is defined as public | Change the network profile to "Private" |
| Request username | Password protection is enabled | Enter correct data or disable protection |
Why does my Wi-Fi speed drop?
Local network speeds over Wi-Fi will always be lower than over cable due to protocol overhead, interference, and half-duplex mode. Actual speeds are often 50-60% of the router's theoretical speed.
It's also worth mentioning the issue with names. If two devices on the network have the same name, a conflict will occur. Make sure each computer has a unique name set in the system settings. Changing the name requires a reboot to take effect.
Local Wi-Fi network security
When setting up a local area network, especially a wireless one, don't forget about security. Wi-Fi signals extend beyond your premises, and if encryption is weak, an attacker could try to connect to your network. Use standard encryption. WPA2-PSK or WPA3 in the router settings. The old WEP standard can be cracked in minutes and should not be used.
Complex passwords for Windows user accounts are another line of defense. If you use password-protected public access, a simple password like "12345" will leave your network vulnerable. It's recommended to use long passwords containing mixed-case letters, numbers, and special characters. It's best to create a separate account with limited privileges for guest access.
⚠️ Important: Regularly update your Wi-Fi router's firmware. Manufacturers often patch vulnerabilities in network protocols that can be used to intercept data within the local network.
If you live in an apartment building with many neighboring networks, it's a good idea to manually select the Wi-Fi channel in your router settings to avoid interference, which can lead to connection drops when transferring large files. The 5 GHz band is preferable for a local network due to its lower congestion and higher speed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect Windows and macOS computers into one network?
Yes, this is possible. On a Mac, open System Preferences -> Sharing and enable File Sharing. However, for stable operation, you may need to configure the SMB protocol on the Mac and create users with the same logins and passwords on both devices.
Why does the speed drop when transferring files over Wi-Fi?
Speed depends on the Wi-Fi standard (n, ac, ax), distance from the router, presence of walls, and interference from neighboring networks. Speed is also limited by the performance of the computer's hard drive and processor. For larger data volumes, it's best to use a Gigabit Ethernet cable.
Is internet required for a local network to function?
No, the local network operates autonomously. Internet access is only required for the initial installation of drivers or Windows updates, but file exchange between computers occurs directly through the router, without access to the external network.
How to remove the password when accessing a shared folder?
On the computer where the folder is located, go to "Network and Sharing Center," select "Change advanced sharing settings," expand "All Networks," and select "Turn off password-protected sharing." After this, you'll be able to sign in automatically.
Are my files on the local network visible to other people in the cafe?
If you've correctly configured your network profile as "Public" (which Windows does automatically for new networks), your computer is hidden from detection. Files won't be visible unless you specifically enable sharing and allow discovery on public networks.