Organizing data exchange between devices in a home or small office has long ceased to be the prerogative of system administrators. Local area networkBuilt with a wireless connection, it allows you to instantly transfer gigabytes of data, play online games, or share peripherals like printers. The absence of unnecessary cables ensures mobility and a clutter-free workspace, which is especially important for modern interiors.
There are two main ways to connect two computers via Wi-Fi: through a central router that distributes the internet, or by creating a direct computer-to-computer connection without a router. The first option is the standard for most users and ensures stability, while the second is an excellent solution in the field or when active network equipment is unavailable. Windows 10 and 11 have built-in tools to implement both scenarios, although the settings interface may change with the release of new updates.
Before you begin setup, it's important to understand that both devices must be in the same logical perimeter. This means they must either be connected to the same access point or their network adapters must be configured for direct communication. The key to success is the identity of the workgroup and the correct configuration of the "Private" network profile. In this guide, we'll walk you through each step in detail, eliminating common errors users encounter when trying to establish a connection between PCs.
Selecting a network topology and required components
The foundation of any network is its architecture. In home settings, a star topology is most often used, with the central node being wireless routerAll devices connect to it, receive IP addresses automatically, and see each other within the same subnet. This method is the most reliable, as the router handles traffic distribution and security.
However, if the router is unavailable or a quick file transfer is needed within the network, a point-to-point (Ad-hoc) topology is used. In this mode, one computer assumes the host role, creating a virtual network to which the second device connects. This method requires more detailed manual configuration of IP addresses, as there is no DHCP server to assign addresses.
⚠️ Warning: When using a direct computer-to-computer connection without a router, both devices may lose access to the global Internet, as the Wi-Fi adapter will be busy creating a local channel.
To implement any of these options, you'll need working Wi-Fi adapters on both computers. Modern laptops and motherboards already have built-in modules that support these standards. 802.11ac or 802.11axIf you're using an older desktop PC, you may need an external USB adapter.
Setting up a network profile and workgroup
The first critical step is to align your Windows settings. The operating system treats new connections as "Public" by default, which prevents others from seeing your device. You need to change this status to "Private Network."
To do this, go to Settings → Network & Internet → StatusClick on your Wi-Fi connection properties and select the "Private" profile type. This will make your computer discoverable on the local network. Repeat this process on the second device.
Next, you need to make sure that both computers are in the same workgroup. By default, in Windows, this group is WORKGROUPYou can check this through Control Panel → SystemIf the names are different, change them so they match on both PCs and reboot the systems.
It's also worth checking network discovery. Open Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change advanced sharing settingsIn the "Private" profile, make sure "Turn on network discovery" and "Turn on file and printer sharing" are enabled.
Creating a network via a router (Classic method)
This is the most common scenario, applicable to 90% of users. Make sure both computers are connected to the same Wi-Fi network on your router. It doesn't matter whether you're using a guest network or your main network, as long as they aren't isolated from each other by hardware settings (AP Isolation).
Check the IP addresses of your devices. They must be in the same subnet. Routers typically issue addresses like 192.168.1.x or 192.168.0.x. The first three numbers (octets) must match; only the last number may differ. You can find your IP address using the command line by entering the following command:
ipconfigFind the "IPv4 Address" line. If one computer has the address 192.168.1.5 and the other has 192.168.1.12, then communication between them is possible. If the addresses look like 169.254.xx, this means the computer hasn't received an address from the router and there will be no connection.
☑️ Checking the connection to the router
After confirming the addresses, try pinging the second computer. Open the command prompt and enter ping 192.168.1.12 (substituting the IP address of the second PC). If you see the response "Reply from...", then the physical and logical connection has been established successfully.
Setting up a direct connection without a router
If you don't have a router handy, Windows allows you to create an impromptu network. In Windows 10 and 11, this is done through the "Mobile Hotspot" feature or by creating a new connection. The second computer must find the created network in the list of available Wi-Fi networks and connect to it by entering the password.
After connecting, there's a problem with IP addresses. Since there's no DHCP server (router), the addresses need to be entered manually. Go to Control Panel → Network Connections, right-click on the Wi-Fi adapter and select "Properties." Then select Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click "Properties".
On the first computer (the one distributing the network), set the following values:
- 📌 IP address: 192.168.10.1
- 📌 Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
- 📌 Default gateway: leave blank
On the second computer, the settings will be similar, but the IP address must differ in the last digit:
- 📌 IP address: 192.168.10.2
- 📌 Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
- 📌 Default gateway: 192.168.10.1 (the address of the first PC)
⚠️ Caution: When manually configuring IP addresses, make sure you are not using addresses reserved for other purposes and do not create an address conflict on the network if a third party suddenly appears.
Setting up shared access to folders and printers
Once the computers are "visible" to each other, you need to allow access to specific resources. Files from the C: drive won't be accessible out of the blue. Create the folder you plan to share, right-click it, and select "Properties" → "Sharing" tab.
Click the "Advanced Settings" button and check the "Share this folder" box. For the "Everyone" group, we recommend setting the permissions to "Read" (if you only want to view files) or "Full Control" (if you want to edit and delete files).
A shared printer is configured in the same way. Go to Settings → Devices → Printers & ScannersSelect the desired printer, click "Manage" → "Printer Properties" → the "Sharing" tab and check the "Share this printer" box.
What should I do if I am asked for a password?
If Windows requires a username and password to access a shared folder, and you haven't created any accounts, you can disable password protection. To do this, go to "Advanced sharing settings," find the "All networks" section, and select "Turn off password-protected sharing." Be careful, as this can reduce security in public places.
To access resources on another computer, open File Explorer and enter in the address bar \\192.168.1.12 (IP address of the remote PC) or \\ComputerNameIf the settings are correct, you will see shared folders and printers.
Troubleshooting and Error Table
Even with careful configuration, conflicts may still occur. Most often, problems are related to Windows Firewall or antivirus software blocking incoming connections. Try temporarily disabling the firewall to test.
Another common error is having different network types. If one PC is set to "Private" and the other to "Public," they won't see each other. Always check this setting first.
Below is a table with the main error codes and methods for resolving them:
| Symptom / Error Code | Probable cause | Solution method |
|---|---|---|
| "The network path was not found." | Invalid PC name or IP | Check IP via ipconfig, use numbers instead of name |
| Login/Password Request | Password protection is enabled | Disable protection in advanced settings or create identical accounts |
| Devices are not visible on the network | The discovery service is disabled. | Enable SSDP and UpnP services in services.msc |
| Unstable speed | Interference or old standard | Switch to 5 GHz or move closer to the router |
If nothing helps, try resetting your network settings. In Windows 10/11, this can be done via Settings → Network & Internet → Network resetThis action will delete all saved Wi-Fi passwords and restore the settings to factory defaults, which often fixes hidden software glitches.
Questions and Answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect computers via Wi-Fi if one of them is running Windows 7 and the other is running Windows 10?
Yes, this is possible. However, Windows 7 may have issues with the SMBv1 protocol, which is disabled by default in Windows 10 for security reasons. You may need to enable SMB 1.0 support in Windows 10 components or update the protocol on Windows 7.
What is the maximum file transfer speed over a local Wi-Fi network?
The speed depends on the Wi-Fi standard. For 802.11n The actual speed will be around 30-50 MB/s. Standard 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) allows you to reach 100-400 MB/s, and the latest Wi-Fi 6 can deliver even higher performance, comparable to a gigabit cable, provided the signal is good.
Is it safe to keep folder sharing enabled all the time?
If you're on a home network with a strong Wi-Fi password and encryption enabled (WPA2/WPA3), the risks are minimal. However, in public places (cafes, airports), leaving Wi-Fi sharing enabled is strongly discouraged, as hackers could access your files.
Why does the connection disappear after waking up from sleep mode?
This happens because Windows disables your Wi-Fi adapter to save power. Go to Device Manager, find your wireless adapter, open Properties → Power Management, and uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power."