Creating a local area network (LAN) at home is no longer the preserve of system administrators but a necessity for the average user. Sharing large files, printers, or streaming media content to a TV requires a stable connection between devices. In the operating system Windows 10 This process has been greatly simplified, but still contains a number of nuances that can confuse an inexperienced user.
The main advantage of a wireless connection is that there is no need to run additional cables throughout the apartment. However, it is worth considering that the data transfer speed Wi-Fi The speed may be lower than when using a twisted pair cable, especially if the router operates at 2.4 GHz. For most office tasks and high-definition video viewing, this speed is quite sufficient.
In this article, we'll cover every setup step, from checking your hardware to troubleshooting common errors. You'll learn how to properly configure device visibility and secure data exchange without using third-party software. It's important to understand that the success of this operation depends not only on your OS settings but also on your router's configuration.
Preparing equipment and checking drivers
Before starting the software setup, you need to make sure the hardware is working properly. All computers you plan to connect must be connected to the same wireless network. This means they should see the same SSID (network name) and have a working connection to the Internet or a local router.
Installing up-to-date drivers for your wireless adapter is critical. Outdated software can lead to unstable connections or even the inability to create a homegroup. You can check the driver status in Device Manager.
Open Device Manager by right-clicking the Start button and selecting Device Manager. Find the "Network Adapters" section and make sure there are no yellow exclamation marks next to your Wi-Fi adapter. If the device is listed as "Unknown Device," you'll need to download drivers from the laptop or motherboard manufacturer's website.
⚠️ Note: If you have a third-party antivirus installed (Kaspersky, ESET, Avast), it may block network detection. We recommend temporarily disabling the "Network Protection" or "Firewall" feature in your antivirus settings during setup.
It's also worth checking whether the wireless module itself is enabled. Some laptops have a physical switch or key combination (e.g. Fn + F2), which completely disables the radio module. Without an active signal, creating a network is impossible.
Setting up network type and discovery options
operating system Windows 10 places a high priority on security, so by default, new connections are classified as "Public." In this profile, the computer is hidden from other devices, making it impossible to create a local network. The first step is to change the network profile to "Private."
To do this, go to "Settings" (the gear icon in the Start menu) and select "Network & Internet." In the left-hand menu, select "Wi-Fi," then click the name of your current network. In the window that opens, under "Network Profile," switch the radio button to "Private." This will make your computer visible to other devices within range.
Next, you need to configure sharing settings. Open Control Panel (you can find it in the search bar) and go to Network and Sharing Center. Select Change advanced sharing settings from the menu on the left. A window with several profiles will open.
- 🔹 In the "Private (current profile)" section, enable the "Turn on network discovery" option and check the "Turn on automatic configuration of network devices" box.
- 🔹 There, activate the "Turn on file and printer sharing" option.
- 🔹 In the "All Networks" section (at the bottom of the page), find "Password-protected sharing." For a home network, it's best to disable this to avoid entering passwords every time you connect, but in an office, it may be necessary.
After making all changes, be sure to click the "Save Changes" button at the bottom of the page. Without this step, the system will ignore your actions, and your computer will remain invisible to your network neighbors.
Create a shared folder and share it
Once the network settings are configured, you need to determine which resources will be accessible to other users. The easiest way is to create a new folder specifically for file sharing, so as not to open access to the entire C drive, which is a security risk.
Create a folder in a convenient location, such as the root of your D drive or your desktop, and name it something like ShareRight-click on it and select "Properties." You're looking for the "Access" tab. Click the "Advanced" button.
In the window that opens, check the "Share this folder" box. Below, in the "Concurrent user limits" field, you can leave the default value (usually 10), as this is more than enough for a home network. Next, click the "Permissions" button.
In the list of groups and users, select "Everyone" (or add it if it's not there, by clicking "Add" -> "Advanced" -> "Search" -> "Everyone"). In the "Permissions for Everyone" window below, check the boxes in the "Allow" column for the desired actions:
- 📂 Reading - if you only need to view files.
- ✏️ Edit - if you need to edit documents.
- 🗑️ Full access — gives the right to delete files and change the folder structure.
Remember that access rights work in conjunction with the NTFS file system. After configuring the "Sharing" tab, go to the "Security" tab in the folder properties. Make sure that the "Everyone" group or a specific user also has read and write permissions in the "Group or user names" list. If they don't, click "Edit" -> "Add" -> "Everyone" and grant the necessary permissions.
⚠️ Note: Granting "Full Control" to the "Everyone" group means anyone who connects to your Wi-Fi (including guests) will be able to delete your files. Use this option only on a trusted home network.
Connect to a network share and map a drive
Once a folder is shared on one computer, you need to connect to it from another computer. To do this, you need to know the IP address of the first computer or its network name. Using the IP address is easiest, as it prevents name resolution errors on small networks.
On the computer where the folder is located, click Win + R, enter cmd and press Enter. In the black window, enter the command ipconfig and find the line "IPv4 address." Write down these numbers, they will look something like this 192.168.1.45.
Now go to the second computer. Open File Explorer and enter the first computer's address in the address bar, separated by two backslashes, like this: \\192.168.1.45Press Enter. If everything is configured correctly, you will see the folder open. Share.
For easy, ongoing use, you can mount this folder as a separate drive in "My Computer." To do this:
- In File Explorer, right-click on This PC.
- Select Map Network Drive.
- Select a free letter (for example, Z:).
- In the Folder field, enter the path:
\\192.168.1.45\Share. - Check the box "Reconnect at logon".
After clicking "Done," a new drive will appear in "My Computer." It's physically located on another device, but functions as a local drive. You'll be able to copy files, play videos, and work with documents directly.
☑️ Connection check
Troubleshooting common errors and visibility issues
Despite the correct settings, users often encounter a situation where computers cannot see each other. One of the most common reasons is Windows 10 — the disabled SMB 1.0 service. Although this is an old protocol, some discovery features still depend on it.
To enable support, open Control Panel -> Programs and Features -> Turn Windows features on or off. Find "SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support" in the list. Expand the branch and ensure "SMB 1.0/CIFS Client" is checked. A reboot is required after enabling support.
Another common issue is discovery services. Click Win + R, enter services.mscLocate the "Discovery Resource Publishing" and "Discovery Provider Host" services. Make sure they are running and the startup type is set to "Automatic."
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Asks for a password | Password protection is enabled | Disable in Network and Sharing Center or create identical accounts |
| Doesn't see other PCs | The network is marked as Public | Change your profile to Private in Network Settings |
| Error 0x80070035 | The network path was not found. | Check the computer name and enable SMB 1.0 |
| Low speed | Weak Wi-Fi signal | Move closer to the router or switch to 5 GHz |
If all else fails, try resetting your network settings. Under Settings -> Network & Internet -> Status, there's a "Reset network" button. This will reset all network adapters and settings to factory defaults, after which you'll need to re-enter your Wi-Fi password.
Safety and alternative methods of transmission
Setting up a local network offers not only opportunities but also potential risks. If an attacker connects to your Wi-Fi, they can access shared folders. Therefore, it's important to use a strong encryption protocol. WPA2/WPA3 on the router and a complex password.
In addition to standard Windows tools, there are alternative file sharing methods that may be more convenient in certain scenarios. For example, using cloud storage (Google Drive, Yandex.Disk) eliminates the need to keep both computers running simultaneously.
To transfer large amounts of data without a router, you can use a direct connection. Windows 10 has a "Mobile Hotspot" feature that allows you to share your internet connection, but for direct file transfer between two PCs without a router, it's better to use specialized programs like Resilio Sync or SyncthingThey create a P2P connection, synchronizing folders directly between devices, even if they are located in different cities, bypassing NAT.
⚠️ Note: Windows settings interfaces and menu item names may vary slightly depending on the build version (Home, Pro, Enterprise) and system updates. If you don't see an option, use the settings search.
How to find out the network name of a computer?
Open Settings -> System -> About. Under "Device Settings," you'll see a "Device Name." This is the name you can use instead of the IP address in the format \\ComputerName.
In conclusion, creating a Wi-Fi network in Windows 10 is quite easy if you follow all the steps step by step. The key is to properly configure the network profile and access rights. This will allow you to create a convenient media environment at home or an efficient workgroup in a small office without the expense of a cable infrastructure.
Do I need to enable SMB 1.0 for the network to work?
In most cases, SMB 1.0 is not required for basic file sharing between modern Windows 10/11 systems; the system uses newer protocol versions (SMB 2/3). However, if you're connecting older network-attached storage (NAS) devices or printers, enabling this feature may be necessary.
Why is my Wi-Fi network slow?
Wireless network speed depends on the standard (802.11n/ac/ax), distance to the router, number of walls, and airwave congestion from neighboring networks. For large files (over 10 GB), using an Ethernet cable or USB drive is recommended, as real-world Wi-Fi speeds are often 3-6 MB/s versus 100+ MB/s via cable.
Is it possible to connect computers without a router?
Yes, it's called an ad-hoc network. One computer creates a wireless network, and the other connects to it. However, in Windows 10, this feature is hidden and configured through the command line (netsh wlan), which is more complicated than using a regular router or USB modem with tethering.