Establishing local wireless communication between computers is a challenge faced by many users who want to quickly transfer files or play online games. Modern technologies make it possible to establish a reliable connection between devices within the same wireless network coverage area without the need to run cables across the entire apartment. This process simply requires proper operating system settings and an understanding of how data exchange protocols work.
Unlike a LAN cable connection, the wireless method offers mobility and eliminates unnecessary wires, but requires attention to security and signal stability. Local area network Wi-Fi LAN (LAN) functions similarly to wired LAN, but the router's signal strength and encryption settings are critical. If you plan to frequently exchange large amounts of data, understanding the nuances of this technology will be key to success.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at the setup process, covering not only the standard steps but also hidden settings that are often overlooked by beginners. You'll learn how to properly configure network profiles, which ports to open, and how to troubleshoot common errors that occur when attempting to "see" a second computer in the list of available devices.
Hardware and software requirements
Before you begin configuration, you need to make sure your hardware meets the minimum requirements. Both computers must be equipped with working Wi-Fi adapters that support at least the following standards: 802.11n to ensure acceptable data transfer rates. The use of outdated standards such as 802.11b/g, may cause an unstable connection and extremely low file sharing speed.
The operating systems on both devices must support network discovery. This applies to the latest versions. Windows 10 And Windows 11, as older versions may have different security protocols. It's important that both computers are on the same subnet, which usually happens automatically when connected to the same router.
⚠️ Note: If one of the computers is running a corporate version of Windows with strict security policies, the standard configuration methods may be blocked by the network administrator. In this case, approval from the IT department will be required.
It's also worth checking your network adapter drivers. Outdated software may not correctly handle broadcast requests, which are necessary for discovering other devices. Updating your drivers to the latest version from the manufacturer's official website is the first step to ensuring stable operation.
Setting up a network profile and discovering devices
The foundation of a successful connection is the correct network profile type. By default, Windows assigns new connections 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."
You can do this through the Network and Sharing Center or the new system settings. In Windows 10 and 11, the path is as follows: go to Settings → Network & Internet → StatusHere, under the name of your Wi-Fi connection, select "Private." This will make your computer visible to other devices in the same coverage area.
After changing your profile, you should activate the detection features. Go to Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change advanced sharing settingsHere you need to enable network discovery and file and printer sharing for the current profile.
- 📡 Enable the "Turn on network discovery" option for the private network.
- 💾 Enable "Turn on file and printer sharing."
- 🔒 Disable password protection if you want to simplify access without entering credentials (less secure).
- 🔄 Save the changes and restart the network adapter.
⚠️ Note: Disabling password protection allows anyone connected to this Wi-Fi network to access your shared folders. Use this method only on trusted home networks.
Configuring resource sharing
Once the computers "see" each other, it's necessary to determine which folders or drives will be available for sharing. Simply having a network connection doesn't automatically grant access to all files on a hard drive—this is a basic principle of OS security. You must manually select the directories to be shared.
Select the folder you plan to share. Right-click it and select "Properties." Go to the "Sharing" tab and click "Advanced." Check the "Share this folder" box.
Next, you need to configure user permissions. Click "Permissions" and ensure that the "Everyone" group has read, write, or full access permissions, depending on your needs. If you simply want to transfer files, read and write permissions are sufficient.
☑️ Checking folder settings
There's also a quicker method via the "Sharing" tab in the folder properties, where you can select "Everyone" from the drop-down list and add them with the required permissions. This method is less flexible, but faster for beginners. Once the settings are applied, the folder will be accessible via the network path.
Mapping letters and connecting a network drive
For convenient access to remote resources on another computer, we recommend using the "Map Network Drive" feature. This allows you to display a folder on another PC as a regular local drive (e.g., drive Z:) in "My Computer," simplifying work with programs that don't support network paths.
To do this, open "This PC," go to the "Computer" tab in the top menu, and select "Map network drive." In the window that opens, specify the path to the resource in the format \\ComputerName\Folder or \\IP address\Folder.
Using an IP address is often more reliable, as computer names may not be resolved by DNS on the local network. To find the IP address of a second computer, open the command prompt (cmd) on it and enter the command ipconfig, finding the IPv4 address line.
ping 192.168.1.105This command will help you check the availability of the second device. If packets are passing through, the physical connection and basic settings are correct. If you receive a "Timeout exceeded" error, the problem lies with the firewall or router settings.
Comparison of connection methods and speeds
When establishing a connection between two PCs, it's important to understand the performance differences between different methods. Despite its popularity, Wi-Fi has limitations compared to a wired connection. Below is a table comparing the main characteristics.
| Parameter | Wi-Fi (802.11n) | Wi-Fi (802.11ac/ax) | LAN (Twisted Pair) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max. theoretical speed | up to 300-450 Mbit/s | up to 867+ Mbps | up to 1000 Mbit/s |
| Stability | Average (depending on the walls) | High | Very high |
| Latency (Ping) | High | Average | Minimum |
| Convenience | High (wireless) | High | Low (requires cable) |
As can be seen from the table, for transferring huge files (hundreds of gigabytes) or working with databases directly from the disk, it is better to use a cable or a modern standard Wi-Fi 6However, for occasional document and photo sharing, even an old Wi-Fi connection will be sufficient.
It's also worth considering that in client mode, the Wi-Fi adapter splits the bandwidth between receiving and transmitting data, which translates into a lower real-world speed than in wired half-duplex mode. This is a physical limitation of the wireless airwaves.
Diagnosis and solution of typical problems
The most common problem is the error "Windows cannot access..." with the error code 0x80070035 or 0x80070043This is often due to disabled services or ports blocked by an antivirus program. First, check that the "Function Discovery Resource Publishing" and "SSDP Search" services are enabled.
To start services, click Win + R, enter services.msc and find the specified services in the list. Set the startup type to "Automatic" and start them. Also, make sure the firewall rules for "File and Printer Sharing" are allowed.
Secret method via registry
If all else fails, you can try changing the AllowInsecureGuestAuth registry parameter. Path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanWorkstation\Parameters. Create a DWORD parameter with the value 1. This will allow passwordless connections to older systems.
Another possible cause is a time misalignment between computers. If the time on one computer differs from the time on the other by more than a few minutes, the Kerberos security protocol may be blocking the connection. Check and synchronize the time on both devices.
⚠️ Note: Windows settings interfaces and service names may vary slightly depending on the update version (21H2, 22H2, etc.). If you can't find an item, use the search in system settings.
Questions and Answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect two computers via Wi-Fi without a router?
Yes, this is possible using Ad-Hoc technology or the Mobile Hotspot feature in Windows 10/11. One computer creates a virtual network to which the other connects. However, the speed and stability of this connection are often lower than with a full-fledged router.
Why is my computer visible on the network, but folders won't open?
The issue is most likely related to the access rights to a specific folder or account. Make sure the "Everyone" user with read access is added to the shared folder settings. Also, try disabling password protection in the Network and Sharing Center.
What is the maximum cable length if I decide to use wire?
The standard maximum length of a twisted pair (Ethernet) cable is 100 meters. For home use, this is more than enough to connect two computers in different rooms, ensuring maximum speed.
Does the number of connected phones affect the transfer speed between PCs?
Yes, it does. The Wi-Fi channel is a shared medium. If other devices are actively downloading data or streaming video, the available airtime for file transfers between computers is reduced, reducing overall speed.