Creating a local connection between devices is often necessary for quickly transferring large files, collaborating on documents, or setting up a game server without the use of unnecessary wires. Modern router Allows you to connect two PCs into a single infrastructure using a standard wireless communication protocol. This eliminates the need to run Ethernet cables throughout your apartment or office space.
The setup process may seem complicated at first glance, but the operating system Windows Provides all the necessary tools to automate most actions. You won't need to install any third-party software if both devices are running the same OS version or compatible versions. The key is to carefully follow the steps and configure security settings correctly.
In this article, we'll cover every step in detail: from checking your hardware to forwarding ports and troubleshooting common connection errors. You'll learn how to change your network profile to private, enable device discovery, and share folders. The key to successful setup is that both computers are on the same subnet.
Checking equipment and preparing for setup
Before you begin software configuration, you need to make sure your hardware is ready for operation. Both computers must be equipped with working Wi-Fi adapters, capable of maintaining a stable connection. If you're using laptops, this usually doesn't pose any problems, but desktop computers may require an external USB module or PCIe card.
It's critical that both devices are connected to the same router. It doesn't matter whether you're using the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band, as long as they're in the same broadcast domain. Check the signal strength: if one of the computers is far from the access point, the data transfer speed on the local network will be low.
- 📶 Make sure the WiFi indicator is on on both devices.
- 🔄 Restart your router if the connection is unstable or drops.
- 🔌 Make sure your wireless adapter drivers are updated to the latest version.
⚠️ Note: If one computer is connected via cable and the other via WiFi, creating a network is also possible, but setup may require changing DHCP settings or statically assigning IP addresses to the same subnet.
It's also worth checking whether your antivirus software is blocking network connections. Sometimes the built-in firewall can prevent detection of other devices in the local environment. During setup, it's recommended to temporarily disable third-party security solutions or ensure they aren't blocking local traffic.
Changing the network profile to private
By default Windows Assigns new connections to the "Public Network" profile for security purposes. In this mode, the computer is hidden from other devices, making it impossible to create a local network. You must manually switch this status to "Private" to allow discovery.
To do this, go to the Start menu and select Settings (gear icon). Next, open the section Network and InternetIf you use Windows 10, select "Wi-Fi" in the left menu, click on the name of your connection and switch the toggle switch to the "Private" position. Windows 11 path may be slightly different: Properties your connection -> Network profile type -> Private.
After changing the profile, the system will enable network discovery. This means your PC will become visible to other devices within range of the router. Without this step, any further file sharing will be useless, as the computer will simply not respond to discovery requests.
Setting up sharing options
The next step is to enable sharing features in the Control Panel. Open the Control Panel (you can find it in the search bar) and go to the section Network and Sharing CenterIn the left menu, select "Change advanced sharing settings."
You'll see several profiles: private, guest, and all networks. We're interested in the "Private (current profile)" section. Here, you need to enable the following options:
- 🔍 Enable network discovery.
- 📂 Enable file and printer sharing.
- 🔐 Let Windows manage HomeGroup connections.
At the very bottom of the page, in the "All Networks" section, we recommend enabling password-protected sharing if you're at home and want to keep your data secure. If security isn't a priority and simplicity is key, you can disable this option, but then anyone connecting to your WiFi will be able to access your files.
Be sure to click the "Save Changes" button at the bottom of the page. The operating system will then apply the new firewall rules and open the necessary ports for the SMB protocol, which is used for file transfers.
Assigning names to computers and workgroups
For computers to correctly identify each other in the network device list, they must have unique names but be in the same workgroup. By default, Windows uses the workgroup name. WORKGROUP, and there is usually no need to change it unless you have specific corporate requirements.
To check and change the PC name, right-click on "This PC" and select "Properties" (or go to Parameters -> System -> About the system). Find the "Rename this PC" button. Give the devices descriptive names, for example, PC-Bedroom And PC-LivingRoom, so as not to get confused.
⚠️ Note: Computer names must be written in Latin characters and not contain spaces or special characters other than hyphens. Using Cyrillic characters may cause display errors in network environments.
After renaming, the system will require a reboot. Perform this operation on both computers. Once enabled, the changes will take effect, and you will see the devices under their new names in the Network Neighborhood.
Sharing folders and setting access rights
Now that the network is set up, you need to select the data you want to share. Create a new folder or select an existing one. Right-click it, select "Properties," and go to the "Sharing" tab. Click the "Sharing" button.
In the window that opens, select the user Everyone (All) from the drop-down list, click "Add" and set the permission level (read or read and write). If you want the second user to be able to modify files, be sure to select "Read and write."
☑️ Access setup checklist
There's also an advanced setting via the "Advanced Settings" button. There, you can check "Share this folder" and click "Permissions" to more fine-tune permissions for specific users if the same accounts with passwords are created on both PCs.
Once configured, the folder will be accessible over the network. To find it on the second computer, open File Explorer and enter [in the address bar] \\Name_of_the_First_Computer or IP address of the first computerIf everything is done correctly, you will see the shared folder.
Troubleshooting and Error Table
Even with the correct settings, problems can still arise. Often, the problem lies with Windows services or antivirus software. Below is a table of the most common errors and solutions.
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The computer is not visible on the network | The discovery service is disabled. | Start the SSDP Discovery service |
| Password prompt upon login | Password protection is enabled | Disable in sharing options |
| Access Error 0x80070035 | Invalid SMB name or protocol | Use IP address instead of name |
| Low transmission speed | Weak WiFi signal | Move closer to the router or change the channel |
It's also worth checking the services. Click Win + R, enter services.msc and find the "Discovery Resource Publishing" service. Make sure it's running and the startup type is set to "Automatic." The same applies to the "Discovery Provider Library Host" service.
The Secret of High Speed
If file transfers are slow, try disabling TCP autotuning. Open a command prompt as administrator and enter: netsh interface tcp set global autotuninglevel=disabled . This can significantly improve throughput on your local network.
If all else fails, try temporarily disabling the Windows Firewall on both computers to diagnose the issue. If the network works, you'll need to add exceptions to the firewall rules for "File and Printer Sharing."
Alternative methods of data transfer
If a classic LAN setup seems too complicated or causes conflicts, there are simpler ways to transfer files between two PCs over WiFi. For example, using cloud storage services like Google Drive or Yandex Disk Allows you to synchronize data without directly configuring the network.
Another modern option is to use Nearby Sharing in Windows 10/11. It works similarly to AirDrop and allows you to transfer files and links via Bluetooth and WiFi Direct simply by selecting a device from the list in the Share menu.
For gamers or professionals who need maximum performance, you can consider creating a virtual network through programs like Hamachi or Radmin VPNThey create a secure tunnel that emulates a local connection, making them ideal for online gaming or remote desktop access.
Do I need the same username and password on both PCs?
This isn't mandatory, but it's recommended. If you create a user with the same name (e.g., "User") and the same password on both computers, Windows will automatically authorize the connection without prompting for credentials. If the names are different, the system will prompt for the login and password for the remote computer.
Is it possible to connect computers directly without a router?
Yes, this is called Ad-Hoc mode. One computer creates a wireless network, and the other connects to it. However, in modern versions of Windows, this feature is hidden and requires configuration via the command line, which is more complicated than using a regular router.
Why does speed drop when transferring large files?
Wi-Fi speed is highly dependent on interference, distance, and the standard version (802.11n/ac/ax). WPA2/3 encryption also plays a role. For gigabit speeds, a cable is recommended, as Wi-Fi has overhead and is unstable.