How to connect computers to a local network via Wi-Fi: 3 working methods

Connecting computers together local network via Wi-Fi Setting up a wireless network without a router is a challenge users face when they need to quickly share files, launch a multiplayer game, or sync data between devices. Unlike a wired connection (Ethernet), a wireless network requires proper configuration of protocols, IP addresses, and adapter operating modes. Errors at this stage result in a lost connection, slow data transfer, or security vulnerabilities.

In this article we will look at three main ways of organizing Wi-Fi networks between PCs: through Ad-Hoc mode (obsolete but supported) SoftAP (virtual access point) and using router in bridge modeWe will pay special attention to the settings IPv4, selecting a Wi-Fi channel, and protecting your network from external connections. Whether you need a temporary solution for 2-3 devices or a permanent network for your home office, you'll find step-by-step instructions tailored to your specific needs. Windows 10/11, macOS And Linux.

1. Methods for creating a Wi-Fi network between computers: which one to choose?

Before you start setting up, decide on network target and the number of connected devices. The optimal method depends on this:

• 🔄 Ad-Hoc (point-to-point) - suitable for connection two devices directly (for example, laptop + PC). Does not require a router, but is limited in speed (up to 54 Mbps in standard 802.11g). IN Windows 10/11 supported via command line.
• 📡 SoftAP (software access point) - one device acts as a router, the others connect to it. Supports up to 8-10 clients, the speed depends on the adapter (up to 300+ Mbps V 802.11n/ac). Ideal for sharing files in a small group.
• 🌉 Bridge mode (via router) — all devices connect to a single router, which manages traffic. The most stable and secure option for 4+ devices, but requires additional equipment.

For temporary tasks (for example, transferring files up to 1–2 GB) enough Ad-HocIf you need a network for gaming or constant access to shared folders, choose SoftAP or bridge.

⚠️ Attention: In Windows 11 setting Ad-Hoc removed via the graphical interface. Use command line or third-party utilities like Virtual Router Plus.

2. Setting up an Ad-Hoc network in Windows (without a router)

Mode Ad-Hoc Allows you to create a direct connection between two devices. Suitable for Windows 7/10/11, but in recent versions it requires manual entry of commands.

Steps to set up:

1. Open Command prompt as administrator (Win + X → Terminal (Administrator)).
2. Enter the command to create the network:

   netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid="MyAdHocNet" key="12345678" keyUsage=persistent

   Where MyAdHocNet — network name, 12345678 — password (minimum 8 characters).

3. Start the network:

   netsh wlan start hostednetwork

4. On the second device, find the created network in the Wi-Fi list and connect.

After connecting, check the connection via ping:

ping 192.168.137.1

If there are responses, the network is working. If not, check firewall or adapter drivers.

⚠️ Attention: In Windows 11 after the update 22H2 team netsh wlan start hostednetwork may give an error Failed to start hosted networkThe solution is to update the Wi-Fi adapter driver or use SoftAP.

3. Creating a SoftAP (virtual router) on Windows and macOS

SoftAP (Software Access Point) turns your computer into an access point to which other devices can connect. This method supports more clients and modern standards. Wi-Fi 5/6.

For Windows 10/11:

We use a built-in function Mobile hotspot:

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Hotspot.
2. Select wireless adapter for distribution (if there are several).
3. Ask network name And password (minimum 8 characters).
4. Enable the option Allow use of my internet connection (if you need to share the internet).

For macOS:

IN macOS Ventura/Monterey:

1. Open System Preferences → Sharing.
2. Select Public Internet → Wi-Fi (on the list Shared via).
3. Click Wi-Fi settings, set the network name, channel (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) and password.
4. Activate the checkbox General access.

Once activated, other devices will see the new network in their Wi-Fi list. For stable operation, we recommend:

• 📶 Use the channel 5 GHz (if the adapter supports it) - less interference.
• 🔒 Set a password with WPA2-PSK (Not WEP!).
• 🖥️ Disable power saving mode for Wi-Fi adapter in Device Manager.

4. Configuring IP addresses and shared folders

Even if the devices are connected to the same network, to share files or play games over a local network you need to:

1. Check that all devices are in one subnet (For example, 192.168.1.x).
2. Open access to folders or disks.
3. Tune firewall to allow traffic.

Check IP addresses:

On Windows run in command line:

ipconfig

Look for the line Wireless Wi-Fi network adapter — there will be IPv4 address (For example, 192.168.137.1).

On macOS/Linux:

ifconfig | grep "inet "

Setting up a shared folder in Windows:

1. Right-click on the folder → Properties → Access.
2. Click Share and select a user All (or specific).
3. IN Security add permissions to Read/Write.
4. On another PC, open Net in Explorer or enter in the address bar \\IP address\folder_name.

If the folder does not open, check that the protocol is enabled on both PCs. SMB 1.0 (V Control Panel → Programs and Features → Turn on Windows features). IN Windows 11 It is disabled by default due to vulnerabilities.

5. Bypassing typical problems: no connection, slow speed, errors

Problems when setting up a local Wi-Fi network are most often related to:

• 🔌 Incompatible IP settings (different subnets, for example 192.168.1.x And 192.168.0.x).
• 🛡️ Firewall or antivirus, blocking ping And SMB.
• 📡 Interference on the Wi-Fi channel (especially in 2.4 GHz).
• 🖧 Outdated drivers Wi-Fi adapter.

Solutions:

• 🔧 Reset network settings:

  netsh int ip reset
  netsh winsock reset

  Once completed, restart your PC.

• 🔄 Manual IP configuration:
  1. Open Control Panel → Network Connections.
  2. Select a wireless connection → Properties → IPv4.
  3. Set IP manually (eg. 192.168.1.10 And 192.168.1.11 for two PCs).

🛡️ Setting up a firewall:

Allow me ICMP echo request (For ping) And SMB File and Printer V Windows Defender Firewall.

⚠️ Attention: If you use SoftAP on a laptop with Intel Wi-Fi 6, update the driver to the version 22.120.0 or laterIn older versions, connection interruptions may occur when transferring large files.

Why is the file transfer speed below 1 MB/s?

This may be due to automatic channel selection. 2.4 GHz in a densely populated area (many networks on one channel). Solution: manually set the channel 1, 6 or 11 (they do not intersect) or go to 5 GHz, if the adapter supports it.

6. Local Wi-Fi Network Security: How to Protect Yourself from Hacking

Local Wi-Fi network is vulnerable to:

• 🕵️ Connecting external devices (if no password is set).
• 🔍 Traffic interception (for example, when transferring files without encryption).
• 🦠 Spread of viruses via local network.

Minimum protective measures:

1. Use WPA2-PSK (or WPA3, if supported). WEP hacked in minutes!
2. Turn it off Password-protected sharing V Control Panel → Folder Options → Sharing (if you don't need a guest folder).
3. IN SoftAP Limit the number of devices that can be connected (in Windows this is done through netsh wlan set hostednetwork maxclients=5).
4. To transfer confidential data, please use VPN (For example, WireGuard) or SSH tunnels.

If you only need the network for gaming, a Wi-Fi password is enough. To share work files, set up folder encryption (For example, BitLocker V Windows Pro or VeraCrypt for a cross-platform solution).

7. Alternative methods: via router, Powerline, Bluetooth

If setting up a direct Wi-Fi connection is difficult, consider alternatives:

• 📶 Router in bridge mode:
  1. Connect all devices to one router.
  2. Turn it off DHCP on the router (if it is not the main one).
  3. Set up static IPs in one subnet.

  Pros: Stability and support 10+ devicesDisadvantage: additional equipment is needed.

• ⚡ Powerline adapters:

  Data transmission over electrical wiring (speed up to 1 Gbps). Suitable if Wi-Fi is unstable.

• 🔵 Bluetooth:

  For transferring small files (up to 50 MB) between closely located devices.

Best for gaming router in bridge mode - minimal delays (ping < 10 ms) and support QoS (traffic prioritization).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about setting up a local Wi-Fi network

Is it possible to create a network between Windows and macOS?
Yes, but you need to:
1. Use SoftAP or router (Ad-Hoc between different OS works unstable).
2. On macOS V System Preferences → Sharing turn on File sharing and select the protocol SMB.
3. On Windows V Control Panel → Programs → Turn on Windows features activate Support for SMB 1.0 file sharing (or upgrade to SMB 2/3).
Why is the Ad-Hoc network not visible on the second device?

Possible reasons:

• The adapter does not support Ad-Hoc (check in Device Manager → Adapter Properties → Advanced).
• The driver is out of date (update via Windows Update or the manufacturer's website).
• IN Windows 11 service disabled Automatic WLAN configuration (turn on in services.msc).

Solution: Use SoftAP or third-party utilities (Connectify, Virtual Router).

How to increase file transfer speed?

Try:

• Switch to 5 GHz (if the adapter supports it).
• Disable encryption (for temporary transmission in a secure environment only).
• Use FTPS or SFTP instead of SMB (for example, through FileZilla Server).
• Archive files before transferring (for example, in .zip or .rar).

Maximum speed in 2.4 GHz — to 50–70 Mbps in practice, in 5 GHz — to 200–300 Mbps.

Is it possible to play multiplayer games over such a network?

Yes, but:

• IN Ad-Hoc will be high ping (from 50 ms), lags are possible.
• IN SoftAP or through router delays below (10–30 ms).
• For games like CS:GO or Dota 2 better to use wired connection or Powerline.

Before playing, check your connection through ping in the command line:

ping -t IP_of_the_second_computer

If packet loss > 1%, the network is unstable.

How to distribute Internet through such a network?

Enable the option Allow use of my internet connection:

• IN Windows: Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Hotspot.
• IN macOS: System Preferences → Sharing → Internet Sharing.

Make sure your primary connection (Ethernet or other Wi-Fi) allows public access.