Setting up a local network between two computers without unnecessary wires is a challenge faced by many users who want to quickly share files, photos, or documents. Modern technologies make it possible to establish such data exchange almost instantly if both devices are connected to the same wireless network. You don't need to lay cables or use external drives; simply configure your operating system settings correctly.
In this article we will take a detailed look at the creation process shared folder, paying special attention to security settings and resolving potential access conflicts. Many users encounter a situation where computers can see each other, but access to resources is blocked by the system. We'll remove these barriers by configuring the network profile and sharing settings in Windows.
Proper network configuration ensures not only convenience but also data transfer speeds, which often exceed the capabilities of Bluetooth or cloud storage when working with large amounts of data. Follow the step-by-step instructions to create a reliable communication channel between your devices.
Preparing the network infrastructure and checking the connection
Before setting up access rights and creating shared resources, you need to ensure that the physical connection is working correctly. Both computers must be connected to the same router, either via Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable. If one device is on the guest network and the other on the main network, they will not be able to "see" each other due to client isolation.
Check the connection status on each computer. In Windows, you can do this by looking at the network icon in the system tray or opening the network settings. Make sure the network type is set to "Private" and not "Public." For security reasons, the system automatically hides the computer from detection by other devices when using a public profile, making it impossible to create a shared folder.
⚠️ Attention: If you are in a public place (cafe, airport), it is strongly recommended not to enable network discovery and file sharing, as this may make your data vulnerable to unauthorized access.
To diagnose the connection, use the built-in command line utility. Open the command prompt (cmd) and enter the command ping with the IP address of the second computer. If you receive a response, the connection between the devices is established, and you can proceed to software configuration.
Setting up a network profile and device discovery
Choosing the right network profile is key to setting up local data exchange. Windows often sets the "Public Network" profile for new connections by default, which limits your device's visibility. You must manually change this setting to "Private Network" to allow other computers to discover your PC.
To do this, go to the Start menu and select "Settings," then open "Network & Internet." Select your Wi-Fi connection from the list of available connections. In the window that opens, find the network profile switch and set it to "Private." This will allow network discovery and file and printer sharing.
Next, you need to enable discovery features. Go to "Control Panel" -> "Network and Internet" -> "Network and Sharing Center." On the left, select "Change advanced sharing settings." Expand the "Private (current profile)" section and enable the following options:
- 📡 Enable network discovery
- 💾 Enable file and printer sharing
- 🔌 Allow Windows to manage HomeGroup connections
Don't forget to also check the "All Networks" section in the same menu. It's important to enable sharing here so that users on other computers can read and write files in shared folders. It's also recommended to disable password-protected access if you're on a trusted home network to simplify connection without constant login prompts.
Creating and sharing a folder on the first computer
Once the network settings are applied, you can begin creating a resource that will be accessible to another computer. Select or create a new folder in any convenient location on your hard drive, such as D: or in the root of the disk C:Give it a descriptive name so you can easily identify it when connecting from another device.
Right-click the created folder and select "Properties." In the window that opens, go to the "Access" tab. Here you'll see that the folder is not shared by default. Click "Sharing..." to launch the permissions wizard.
In the window that appears, select the user “All” from the drop-down list (or All (in the English version) and click the "Add" button. After adding the user to the list, in the "Permission Level" column for the "Everyone" group, set the value to "Read and Write" if you plan to not only open files but also save new data from another computer. If you only need viewing permissions, leave the permission level at "Read."
Path to advanced settings: Folder Options → Access → Advanced settings → Access to this folder (check mark) → PermissionsFor more detailed settings, return to the folder properties, go to the "Sharing" tab, and click "Advanced." Make sure "Share this folder" is checked. Click "Permissions" and ensure the "Everyone" group has the necessary permissions (Full Control, Modify, Read). Click "OK" to save all changes.
☑️ Folder setup checklist
Setting up security rights and accounts
A common issue is when the network settings are correct, but when you try to log in, the system requires a password or denies access. This is due to the NTFS security level. Even if you've granted permissions in the "Access" tab, the "Security" tab may still block access. Go to the folder's properties, select the "Security" tab, and click "Edit."
In the list of groups and users, click "Add." In the object name field, type the word All (or Everyone (for English OS) and click "Check Names." If the name is underlined, it was recognized correctly. Click "OK." Now, in the permissions list, select the "Everyone" group and in the bottom window, check the boxes for the necessary permissions, such as "Full Control" or "Change."
⚠️ Attention: Granting full permissions to the "Everyone" group means anyone who connects to your Wi-Fi network can modify or delete files in this folder. Use this method only on trusted home networks.
If you prefer a more secure method, you can use specific accounts. This requires creating identical users with identical passwords on both computers. However, for a home network, the "Everyone" group method is the simplest and most effective if the risk of external intrusion is minimized by the router's settings.
Also worth mentioning is the "Password-protected sharing" feature. If enabled, the system will always prompt for the username and password of the original computer's user when connecting from another PC. Disabling this feature (in the advanced sharing settings) allows access to the folder without authorization, which is more convenient for quick sharing with family.
What to do if the Security tab is missing?
If you don't see the Security tab, the folder may be in a file system that doesn't support NTFS, or you may not have administrator rights. Make sure the drive is formatted using NTFS.
Finding and connecting to a shared folder from a second computer
Now that the folder is shared on the first computer, let's move on to the second device. Open File Explorer and select "Network" in the left pane. If network discovery is enabled correctly, you should see the first computer's name in the list of available devices. Double-clicking the computer's name will open a list of all its shared folders.
If the computer doesn't show up automatically, you can connect directly using its IP address. First, find out the IP address of the first computer (command ipconfig in the command line, the IPv4 address parameter). Then, on the second computer, press the key combination Win + R, enter two backslashes and the IP address, for example: \\192.168.1.5, and press Enter.
For easy, ongoing use, you can map a shared folder as a network drive. This will allow the folder to appear in "My Computer" as a separate drive (e.g., drive Z:). To do this, right-click "This PC" in File Explorer and select "Map network drive." Enter the drive letter and path to the folder (or browse to find it). Check "Reconnect at logon" to make the drive accessible after a reboot.
| Parameter | Value for Computer 1 | Value for Computer 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Network type | Private | Private |
| Network discovery | Included | Included |
| File sharing | Included | Enabled (for access) |
| Password protection | Disabled (recommended) | Not required |
Solving common access problems and errors
Despite the correct settings, users often encounter errors such as "Access Denied," "Incorrect Username or Password," or simply a blank network window. One common cause is a disabled SMB 1.0 service in newer versions of Windows. While it's typically not required for basic file sharing between modern Windows 10/11 systems, enabling it can sometimes help in mixed networks.
Problems can also be caused by your antivirus or firewall. Check your antivirus settings: it may be blocking incoming connections on your local network, considering them suspicious. Add your home network to the trusted list in your firewall settings.
If you're prompted for a password when connecting and you've disabled password protection, try entering the username and password for the account on the first computer. Sometimes the Windows credential cache stores old passwords. You can clear them by going to Control Panel -> Credential Manager -> Windows Credentials. Find the address of the first computer there and delete the saved password.
⚠️ Attention: Windows settings interfaces may vary slightly depending on the update version (21H2, 22H2, 23H2) and system edition (Home, Pro). If you can't find the item, use the search in system settings.
In some cases, restarting the Function Discovery Resource Publishing service helps. Open services (command services.msc), find this service, stop it, and then start it again. This refreshes the computer's registration on the network.
Why is the transmission speed low?
Wi-Fi speed depends on the router standard (N, AC, AX) and distance. For large files, the 5 GHz band is best.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to create a shared folder between Windows and macOS?
Yes, it's possible. On a Mac, you need to enable File Sharing in System Preferences and select the SMB protocol. When connecting from Windows, use the address smb://IP-address-Mac.
Is it safe to keep sharing enabled all the time?
On a home network with a strong Wi-Fi password, the risks are minimal. However, on public networks, this can be dangerous. It's recommended to disable public access when not in use or use a guest network profile for guests.
Why can't the second computer see the first one on the network?
Make sure both computers are on the same network profile (Private). Also, make sure the Discovery Provider Host service is running on both computers.
How to find out your IP address on a local network?
Open command prompt (cmd) and enter the command ipconfigYour address will be listed in the "IPv4 address" line, which usually looks like 192.168.xx
Is it possible to limit the access speed of a shared folder?
You can't limit the speed for a specific folder using standard Windows tools. This requires third-party programs or configuring QoS at the router level, which is more complex.