Creating a local network between devices is a basic skill that opens up a wide range of data exchange opportunities for the user. Once you know How to connect two computers via a WiFi router, you no longer need flash drives or external hard drives to transfer movies, documents, or photos. Simply have both devices within range of the same wireless network, and you can quickly exchange information.
Modern operating systems such as Windows 10 And Windows 11While the setup process has been significantly simplified, automatic algorithms don't always work correctly. Users often have to manually change network profile settings or configure folder access rights. In this article, we'll cover all the details so you can set up a stable connection without unnecessary complications and potential security conflicts.
Before you begin the active setup phase, make sure that your WiFi router It's working properly and is distributing internet to at least one device. This will be the first indicator that the physical connection is working correctly. If the wireless network is functioning stably, you can move on to software configuration of the operating systems.
Preparing equipment and checking connections
The first step is to check basic connectivity between the devices. Even if both computers are connected to the same network, they may be on different subnets or have router-level restrictions. Make sure that both devices have the "Network" feature enabled. WiFi adapter and logged into the same wireless network with the same password.
Check the IP addresses of your devices, as they must be in the same range for the local network to function properly. Routers typically assign addresses like 192.168.1.x or 192.168.0.x automatically via the protocol. DHCPIf the addresses are very different (for example, 192.168.1.5 and 10.0.0.5), a direct connection may not be established without manual configuration.
To test the connection, use the built-in command line utility. Open a terminal and enter the ping command with the IP address of the second computer. If you see the response "Reply from...," then the physical connection is established and the issue lies in the access settings.
Some corporate or guest networks may have client isolation enabled. This is a special mode. router, which prevents devices from seeing each other for security purposes. If pinging fails, check the wireless network settings in the router interface.
⚠️ Note: If you're in a public place (cafe, hotel, airport), client isolation is often enabled by default. In this case, connecting computers directly over the local network won't work for ISP security reasons.
It's also worth considering that antivirus software may block device detection. Temporarily disable the firewall for testing purposes to ensure it doesn't interfere with diagnostics.
Setting up a network profile in Windows
operating system Windows divides all networks into two main types: "Private" and "Public." For computers to see each other, the current network profile on both devices must be set to "Private." In the public profile, the system hides the computer from detection by other users.
You can change your network type through the system settings. Go to the Start menu, select Settings, and then go to Network & Internet. Select your network type from the list of active connections. WiFi and switch the toggle switch to "Private." This action will allow the system to open ports for local data exchange.
After changing the profile, restart the network adapter or simply reconnect to the wireless network. The system will apply the new firewall rules, and your computer will become visible to other devices on the same subnet.
If you have an older version of the OS, the path may be different. In such cases, look for the settings in the Network and Sharing Center. There, you can change the current connection settings and select your home network.
⚠️ Warning: Never set the "Private" profile for networks in public areas. This could expose your personal files to attackers in the same WiFi zone.
Make sure both computers have the same profile settings. Inconsistency in network types (one "Private" and one "Public") is the most common reason why devices can't find each other.
Enabling file and folder sharing
After setting up the profile, you need to enable discovery features. Without this, computers are technically on the same network, but will ignore connection requests. Open Control Panel, go to Network and Sharing Center, and select "Change advanced sharing settings."
In the window that opens, find the "Private" section (your current profile). Here, you need to enable the following options: "Turn on network discovery," "Turn on automatic configuration of connecting network devices," and "Turn on file and printer sharing." These settings make the computer visible and allow data sharing.
To simplify password-less access (convenient for a home network), you can enable the "Disable password-protected sharing" option. However, in a multi-user environment, it's best to leave password protection enabled and use the same accounts.
Be sure to save your changes by clicking the "Save Changes" button at the bottom of the page. After doing so, the system may ask you to confirm your administrator rights.
☑️ Check network settings
Now your computer is ready to receive and send files. To share a specific folder, right-click it, select "Properties" -> "Sharing" -> "Sharing." Add the "Everyone" user and set the permissions to "Read" or "Read and Write."
Using the Shared Folders feature
Windows has a special system folder designed for quick sharing. Files placed in it are automatically made available to all users on the local network. You can find it at This PC -> Shared Folders.
To use this method, simply copy the desired documents or media files to the appropriate subcategory (for example, "Shared Documents" or "Shared Videos"). On the second computer, simply open Network Places, find the name of the first computer, and open that folder.
This method is advantageous for its simplicity, but it has limitations. It doesn't allow for flexible access control for different users and may be less convenient when working with large volumes of data, since files are physically copied to the system directory.
For professional work, it is better to create separate folders in the root of the disk (for example, D:\Exchange) and set up individual sharing for them. This gives you complete control over who can do what with the data.
How to hide a folder from prying eyes?
To make a folder visible only when accessed directly via its path, add a dollar sign to the end of the folder name when creating a share. For example, name it "Secret$." It won't appear in the Network Neighborhood, but you'll still be able to access it via its direct path.
When setting access rights, pay attention to the "Security" tab in the folder properties. The appropriate users or the "Everyone" group should be listed there with the necessary permissions. It often happens that the rights are granted in "Access" but not in "Security," which causes an access error.
Full disk access and network drive mapping
For easy access to files on another computer, we recommend mapping the network folder as a local drive. This will allow you to work with remote files as if they were on your hard drive. In File Explorer, click "This PC" -> "Computer" (in the top menu) -> "Map network drive."
In the window that opens, select any available letter (for example, Z:) and enter the path to the resource in the "Folder" field. The path should look like this: \\ComputerName\Folder or \\192.168.1.5\FolderUsing an IP address is often more reliable, as computer names may not be resolved by DNS.
Check "Reconnect at logon" to automatically connect the drive after each reboot. This will eliminate the need to search for resources on the network each time.
If the system prompts you for credentials, enter the username and password for the user account on the remote computer. To avoid repeated prompts, you can check the "Remember credentials" box.
| Parameter | Value / Description | Recommendation |
|:--- |:--- |:--- |
| Network profile | Private Network | Required for visibility |
| SMB protocol | SMB 1.0 / 2.0 / 3.0 | SMB 1.0 is best disabled due to vulnerabilities |
| Port | 445 (TCP) | Must be open in firewall |
| Name | WORKGROUP | Must be the same on all PCs (default) |
| WiFi speed | 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz | For files, it is better to use 5 GHz |
Solving common connection problems
Even with proper configuration, errors may still occur. One of the most common is "Windows cannot access...." This is often due to the Sharing Assistance service being disabled on the system. Check if the service is running. Support Peer-to-Peer And Function Discovery Resource Publication.
Another problem is name conflicts. If two computers on the network have the same name (for example, both are called "USER-PC"), connection is impossible. Rename one of the devices in the system properties. To do this, click Win + Pause/Break and select "Change settings".
Third-party antivirus programs (Kaspersky, ESET, Avast) often have built-in firewalls that block local networks, treating them as public. Go to your antivirus settings and change the network status to "Trusted" or "Home."
⚠️ Note: Router interfaces and Windows versions are constantly being updated. The location of specific menu items may differ from those described. If you don't find an option, use the settings search or refer to the manufacturer's documentation for your router model.
If all else fails, try temporarily disabling IPv6 in your network adapter's properties. IPv6 can sometimes cause delays or connection conflicts on small local area networks.
Questions and Answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect computers if one is on Windows and the other is on macOS?
Yes, it's possible. On a Mac, go to System Preferences -> Sharing and enable File Sharing. Then add the folders you need. On Windows, enter "File Sharing" in the address bar of File Explorer. smb://IP-address-Mac for access.
Why can't computers see each other even though there is internet?
The problem is most likely with your network profile. Check that the network type is set to "Private" on both computers. Also, make sure "AP Isolation" isn't enabled in your router settings, as it prevents data exchange between devices within the network.
Is internet access required for a local network to function via a router?
No, internet access is not required. The router creates a local area network (LAN) where devices communicate directly with each other. Even without a cable connection from a provider or access to the World Wide Web, file transfers will work as long as IP addresses are configured.
What is the maximum file transfer speed over WiFi?
Speed depends on the WiFi standard (n, ac, ax) and band. In the 2.4 GHz band, actual speeds rarely exceed 3-5 MB/s. In the 5 GHz band, modern equipment can achieve speeds of 20-50 MB/s and higher, comparable to fast USB drives.
How to find out the IP address of a second computer?
On the second computer, click Win + R, enter cmd and press Enter. In the black window, enter the command ipconfigFind the line "IPv4 address" - this is the digital address you need to connect.