Organizing local interactions between computers is no longer the preserve of system administrators at large corporations. Today, users often need to quickly transfer gigabytes of data, launch a network game, or access a printer connected to another device without using external drives. Windows 10 provides powerful built-in tools for these tasks, but the default settings interface sometimes hides necessary options, forcing users to seek workarounds.
Creation local network Wireless LAN (LAN) allows you to connect devices into a single ecosystem, where each member has its own unique IP address and can provide or request resources. This method is especially useful when physical LAN ports are occupied or unavailable, and the Wi-Fi router's transfer speed is sufficient for working with documents and multimedia. Unlike a wired connection, wireless LAN allows freedom of movement within the signal's range.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the setup process in detail, from hardware checks to fine-tuning security settings. You'll learn how to properly configure a network profile, enable the necessary services, and allow device discovery. Microsoft constantly updates security policies, so some standard procedures may differ from those that were relevant in earlier versions of the operating system.
Checking equipment and connection requirements
Before you begin the software setup, you need to make sure the hardware is ready for use. Both laptops must be equipped with working components. Wi-Fi adapters, capable of operating in infrastructure mode. This means that devices don't connect directly to each other (the ad-hoc mode in Windows 10 is complex and unstable), but are connected through a shared access point.
The key requirement is that both computers be on the same subnet. Simply put, the laptops must be connected to the same router or access point. If one device is connected to your home Wi-Fi and the other is sharing internet from a phone via 4G, creating a direct connection between them using standard methods will not work without third-party software or complex routing.
It's also worth paying attention to the operating system version. While the SMB protocols used for file sharing are backward compatible, working between Windows 10 and older versions (such as Windows 7 or XP) requires additional security settings. For the purposes of this article, we'll be looking at a connection between two devices running Windows 10, which guarantees the best compatibility.
⚠️ Important: Make sure both laptops have up-to-date wireless adapter drivers. Outdated software can cause connection drops or limit data transfer speeds to minimal values.
Setting up a network profile and discovery
The first step in the configuration process is changing the network profile. By default, Windows 10 assigns new connections to the "Public Network" profile, which hides your computer from other devices for security reasons. To create a local network, you need to change this profile to "Private Network."
To perform this action, open the Start menu and go to Parameters (gear icon). Next, select the section Network and Internet and in the left menu click on Wi-FiClick on the name of your current connection. In the window that opens, under the "Network Profile" heading, select the option PrivateThis action will allow the computer to become visible to other devices within range.
After changing your profile, you should check your sharing settings. Return to the main "Network and Internet" window and find the link Network and Sharing Center (usually found in the "Status" section or through the search). In the left menu, select Change advanced sharing optionsHere you need to activate the following options in the "Private (current profile)" profile:
- 📡 Enable network discovery
- 💾 Enable file and printer sharing
- 🔐 Allow Windows to manage HomeGroup connections
Be sure to also scroll down to the "All Networks" section. Here, we recommend enabling password-protected sharing if you're in a trusted environment, or disabling it if you want easier access without entering credentials (less secure). After making changes, be sure to click the button. Save changes.
☑️ Check network settings
Creating an access point or connecting to a router
There are two main scenarios for setting up a connection. The first and most common is when both laptops are connected to the same Wi-Fi router. In this case, you don't need to create anything new; simply ensure that both devices can see the router and have internet access (or at least local network access).
The second scenario is useful if you don't have a router handy. In this case, one of your laptops should act as a makeshift Wi-Fi server. Windows 10 has a built-in "Mobile Hotspot" feature for this purpose. Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile HotspotSelect the network to share (if you have internet access) or simply turn on the switch.
On the second laptop, find the created network in the list of available Wi-Fi connections and enter the password specified in the hotspot settings on the first laptop. Once successfully connected, both devices will be connected to the same local network, even without internet access. This is ideal for transferring files in the field.
What to do if the laptop does not see the other laptop's network?
Make sure both adapters are operating on the same frequency (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz). Some older adapters don't detect 5 GHz networks. Also, check if your antivirus software is blocking the detection of new networks.
Sharing folders and files
Once a network connection is established, you need to grant access to specific resources. Simply having a network connection isn't enough—Windows blocks access to the C: drive and other partitions by default. You need to explicitly specify which folders will be accessible to other network users.
Select the folder you want to share. Right-click on it and select Properties. Go to the tab Access and press the button Advanced settings. Check the box. Share this folder. Below, in the button Permissions, you can set the rights: full access (read, write, change) or read only.
There is also a faster way through the tab Access -> General access...Here you can select a user. All (All) and add it, setting the permission level. This method is easier for beginners, but less flexible in setting permissions.
To access shared resources from another laptop, open Conductor (Win+E). In the left panel, find the section NetIf network discovery is configured correctly, you'll see the name of the first computer. Click it, and the system may request the login and password for the first laptop's user account.
| Action | Where to find | Necessary rights |
|---|---|---|
| Opening folder properties | Right-click on the folder → Properties | Folder owner |
| Setting up access | Access tab → Advanced settings | Administrator |
| Changing permissions | Permission button | Administrator |
| Browsing the network | File Explorer → Network | User |
Solving visibility and access issues
Users often encounter a situation where computers are connected to the same network but don't see each other in the "Network" list. This is a common issue related to Windows services or firewall settings. The first step is to check the service. Support, responsible for detection.
Click Win+R, enter services.msc and press Enter. Find the service in the list. Publishing Function Discovery Resources (Function Discovery Resource Publication). Make sure the startup type is set to Automatically, and the service is running. If it is stopped, start it. Do the same with the service Feature Discovery Provider Host.
⚠️ Note: Service interfaces and names may vary slightly depending on your Windows 10 build (Home, Pro, Enterprise) and update version. If you don't find the exact name, look for similar services related to Discovery or Network.
Another possible cause could be your firewall. While Windows typically creates rules automatically when you change your profile to "Private," third-party antivirus programs (Kaspersky, ESET, Avast) can block local connections. Try temporarily disabling your antivirus's firewall to test this hypothesis.
If all else fails, try connecting directly via IP address. Find out the host computer's IP address (command ipconfig in the command line). On the second computer, in the address bar of File Explorer, enter \\192.168.1.XXX (where XXX is the address of the first PC). If the folders open, the problem lies in the detection mechanism, not in the data transfer.
Local connection security
Openly sharing files on a local network carries potential risks, especially if you're in a public place or using guest Wi-Fi. Even on a home network, you shouldn't share your entire drive. The principle of least privilege dictates that you should only grant access to the folders you really need.
Use strong passwords for Windows user accounts. If an attacker gains access to your Wi-Fi network, they can brute-force passwords to shared resources. Disabling the guest account and using a standard account with administrator privileges (but with a password) is a more secure option.
Regularly check the list of devices that have access to your folders. In the folder properties, in the tab Access -> Advanced settings -> Permissions, you can see who exactly has permissions. Delete unknown or temporary accounts immediately after finishing work.
Why does the second laptop require a password to log in?
This is a standard Windows security measure. The system prompts you for the credentials of the user whose folder is shared on the first laptop. Enter the login and password for the account you use on the first device. You can create a dedicated "NetworkUser" with a simple password for file access only.
Is it possible to transfer files without a router?
Yes, if you create a mobile hotspot on one of the laptops. The second laptop will connect to this hotspot as if it were a regular Wi-Fi network. In this case, a router is not required; the connection is made directly through Wi-Fi adapters, but the speed may be lower than with a full-fledged router.
How to speed up the transfer of large files over the network?
Use a wired connection (LAN) if possible. If Wi-Fi is the only option, ensure both devices support 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) or ax (Wi-Fi 6) and operate in the 5 GHz band. Also, disable encryption of network streams in your antivirus software during transmission, if it's safe to do so.