How to Connect Two Computers via Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide

Creating a wireless local area network between two computers is a task that only seems complicated at first glance. In today's world, where files weigh gigabytes and wired connection speeds aren't always available, wireless data transmission It's becoming an indispensable tool for both the office and home. You no longer need to search for flash drives or use cloud storage if both devices are in the same room.

There are two main scenarios that we will cover in detail: connecting through an existing Wi-Fi router and creating a direct connection between PCs (Ad-Hoc mode). The first option is standard and provides internet access for both devices, while the second is used in the field when a router is unavailable. The choice of method depends on your infrastructure and your goals.

Regardless of the chosen method, the basic requirement remains the availability of serviceable Wi-Fi adapters on both computers. Modern operating systems, such as Windows 10 and 11, have significantly simplified this process by automating many security configuration and device discovery steps. However, manual configuration of network parameters is sometimes necessary for the stable operation of specific software or game servers.

Preparing equipment and checking drivers

Before configuring network protocols, you need to ensure the hardware is physically ready. Ensure that the wireless modules are enabled on both computers. Users often forget that laptops have a physical switch or function key (usually Fn + antenna icon) that software-basedly disables the radio module.

A critical step is to check your drivers. Go to device Manager and find the "Network adapters" section. If next to the name of your adapter (for example, Intel Dual Band Wireless or Realtek RTL8822BE) A yellow exclamation mark indicates that the driver is not installed or is not working correctly. Without a working driver, the operating system will not be able to control the hardware.

⚠️ Important: Make sure both computers are connected to the same access point (SSID) if you're using a router. If one computer is on a guest network and the other on the main network, they may be isolated from each other by the router's security settings.

It's also worth checking the status of the network support service. Click Win + R, enter services.msc and find the "Function Discovery Resource Publishing" service. It must be running, otherwise the computers simply won't see each other in the network environment, even with the correct IP settings.

Method 1: Creating a network via a Wi-Fi router

This is the most common and stable method. In this setup, the router acts as a central switch, distributing traffic between connected clients. You don't need to create new connections; simply configure the sharing settings in the operating system correctly.

The first step is to change the network profile to "Private." Windows treats new Wi-Fi connections as "Public" by default and blocks your PC's visibility to protect against hackers in cafes or airports. Open Parameters → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi, click on the name of your network and select the profile type "Private".

Next, you need to activate detection. Go to Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change advanced sharing optionsHere you need to enable the following options for the current profile:

• 📡 Enable network discovery
• 💾 Enable file and printer sharing
• 🔐 Allow Windows to manage HomeGroup connections

After applying the settings, the system may require a reboot. This is necessary for services to re-subscribe to the router's multicast groups and begin broadcasting their names to the network. If the computers can't see each other after the reboot, check whether your antivirus software is blocking local connections.

Visibility issue in Windows 10/11

In newer versions of Windows, the Network Places list is often empty. To see the other computer, open File Explorer, type \\the-IP-address-of-the-second-computer (e.g., \\192.168.1.5) in the address bar, and press Enter.

Setting up static IP addresses for stability

Although the router's DHCP server automatically assigns addresses, for permanent operation of network resources (shared folders, databases, game servers), it's best to assign static IP addresses. This will prevent the computer from receiving a new address after a router reboot, causing links to resources to stop working.

To configure, open Control Panel → Network connectionsRight-click on your wireless connection, select PropertiesFind it in the list Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4), select and press Properties. Switch the dot to "Use the following IP address".

It's important to follow the addressing logic. If your router's gateway 192.168.0.1, then ask the first computer 192.168.0.10, and to the second 192.168.0.11The subnet mask is standard everywhere. 255.255.255.0The default gateway and DNS server must match the router address.

After setting up, check the connection with the command pingOpen the command prompt (cmd) and enter ping 192.168.1.11 (the address of the second PC). If you see the response "Reply from...", then the physical and logical communication layers are working correctly.

Method 2: Direct computer-to-computer connection (Ad-Hoc)

Situations can vary: your router has burned out, you're at a cottage or hotel where local area networks are prohibited. In such cases, you can create a direct wireless connection between two laptops. In Windows 10 and 11, the classic "Create an Ad-hoc Network" feature is hidden, but it can be activated via the command line.

Launch Command Prompt as administrator. Enter the following command to create the virtual adapter:

netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=MyDirectNet key=Password123

Here MyDirectNet — the name of the network being created, and Password123 — password. After entering the command, start the network:

netsh wlan start hostednetwork

On the second computer, find the created network in the list of available Wi-Fi connections and connect to it using the specified password. You now have a local connection. However, for file transfers to work, you need to enable traffic sharing.

⚠️ Note: When connecting directly, the internet on the second computer will not work unless you configure forwarding (sharing) for the primary connection. This can be done in the properties of the primary adapter on the "Access" tab.

This method is useful for quickly transferring large files or setting up local multiplayer in games, but is less convenient for regular use due to the need to launch the network through the console or a script.

Expanding capabilities: Sharing folders and printers

Simply connecting the computers isn't enough—you need to set up data exchange. Select the folder you want to share. Right-click it and select Properties → tab Access → Advanced settingsCheck the box "Share this folder."

To manage rights, click the button PermissionsHere you can configure who can only read files and who can modify them. For a home network, the "Everyone" group with full rights is usually sufficient, but in an office, it's better to restrict access to specific users.

• 📂 Open "This PC" in File Explorer
• 🖱️ Right-click → "Add network location"
• 🔗 Enter the path to the folder: \\PC_Name\Folder or \\192.168.1.10\Shared

A shared printer is configured in the same way. Go to Devices and printers, right-click the desired device and select "Printer Actions" → "Printer Properties" → "Sharing" tab. Now any computer on the network can print documents.

Diagnosis and solution of typical problems

Even with proper configuration, conflicts may still occur. The most common error is "Windows cannot access..." This is often due to a disabled SMB 1.0 service or blocked ports. Make sure the "SMB 1.0/CIFS Client" feature is enabled in Windows (although SMB 2/3 is better for modern systems).

Another issue is different accounts. If you're logged in as "User1" on PC A and "User2" on PC B, the system may require a password. When connecting to the shared folder, select "Use a different account" and enter the login and password for the remote computer.

If file transfer speeds are extremely slow (a few kilobytes per second), check your Wi-Fi range. In the 2.4 GHz band, actual speeds on a local network rarely exceed 3-4 MB/s due to interference. For fast operation, you need range. 5 GHz and support of the standard 802.11ac or ax on both adapters.

⚠️ Note: Settings interfaces and menu item names may vary depending on your Windows version (Home, Pro, Enterprise) and system updates. If you can't find a setting, search for it in Settings or use the command line.

It's also worth mentioning the impact of antivirus software. Third-party security solutions (Kaspersky, ESET, Avast) often have their own built-in firewalls that ignore Windows settings. Temporarily disable "Public" network protection in your antivirus settings to check.

Why can't computers see each other in a network environment?

Most often, the problem is with the network profile. If the network is marked as "Public," Windows hides the computer. The "Function Discovery Provider Host" service may also be disabled, or ports 137-139 may be blocked by your antivirus.

Is it possible to connect a PC via Wi-Fi for LAN gaming?

Yes, it's possible. The main thing is that the ping between devices is stable. For gaming, using the 5 GHz band is critical, as 2.4 GHz can cause lag due to interference from neighboring routers.

Is internet required for a local network to function?

No, internet access is not required. The local network operates independently of the global network. You can transfer files and play games over LAN even if the ISP cable is disconnected from the router.