Connecting two computers into a single network without using extra wires is a task that may seem difficult only at first glance. Modern operating systems, such as Windows 10 And Windows 11, have built-in tools that allow you to set up data exchange in just a few minutes. You won't need to buy any additional equipment if both devices are already connected to the same wireless access point.
This connection opens up a wide range of possibilities for the user: from quickly transferring large files to organizing co-op games over a local network. The key here is to configure sharing settings correctly and ensure that your firewall isn't blocking the connection. In this article, we'll cover all the nuances of creating a stable connection between two PCs.
Before configuring the software, you need to ensure the network is physically accessible. Both devices must be within range of the router's signal. If one computer is too far away, the data transfer speed may be unstable and the connection may be subject to frequent interruptions.
Checking network settings and names
The first step to a successful connection is assigning unique names to each computer on the network. This allows the system to clearly identify the participants in the data exchange. If the names are the same, a conflict will occur, and the devices will simply not "see" each other in the list of available nodes.
To change the name, go to the "Settings" menu and select "System." At the very bottom of the list, find "About." Here, you'll need to click "Rename this PC" and enter a new, unique name, such as: PC_Office_1 And PC_Office_2After this, a reboot will be required.
⚠️ Important: Use only Latin letters and numbers when renaming. Cyrillic or special characters may cause network protocol errors in older applications.
It is also critical that both computers are in the same workgroup. By default, Windows sets this group WORKGROUPYou can check this in the same "About" window by clicking the "Advanced system settings" link and going to the "Computer Name" tab. If the groups differ, click the "Change" button and standardize them.
Setting up network type and discovery
Security is a priority for Microsoft, so by default, the system treats new connections as "Public." This mode hides your computer from other devices, preventing unauthorized access in cafes or airports. For a home network, this mode should be changed to "Private."
Open your network settings by clicking the Wi-Fi icon in the system tray and select "Properties" for your connection. In the "Network Profile" section, set the radio to "Private." This will enable device discovery protocols.
Next, you need to enable network discovery. Go to "Control Panel" -> "Network and Internet" -> "Network and Sharing Center." On the left, select "Change advanced sharing settings." Here you need to:
- 📡 Enable network discovery and automatic configuration of connected devices.
- 📂 Enable file and printer sharing.
- 🔒 Enable sharing to allow network users to read and write files in shared folders.
Be sure to save your changes by clicking the corresponding button at the bottom of the page. Sometimes the system may request administrator privileges to make these changes. Without this step, all further actions will be useless, as the system will ignore connection requests.
Creating a shared folder for sharing
Simply connecting the computers isn't enough—you need to determine where the transferred files will be stored. Windows doesn't allow you to share an entire drive by default, so we'll create a dedicated directory. This is the most secure and organized method.
Create a new folder in a convenient location, such as on a disk C: or D:, and name it, for example, Shared_FilesRight-click on it and select "Properties." Go to the "Access" tab and click "Advanced Settings."
In the window that opens, check the "Share this folder" box. Then click the "Permissions" button. Here you can customize the permissions:
- 👁️ Allow "Reading" if you only want to view files.
- ✏️ Allow "Edit" if you need to edit documents remotely.
- 🗑️ Allow "Full Control" if you want full control over the content.
☑️ Checking folder access
Once the settings are applied, the folder will be accessible over the network. On the second computer, you can find it by opening "Network" in File Explorer. However, if the system requires a password, you'll need the credentials of the user logged in on the first computer.
Connecting via HomeGroup (Alternative Methods)
It's worth noting that the classic HomeGroup feature was removed from Windows 10 (version 1803 and later) and Windows 11. However, many users are still looking for this feature. Microsoft suggests using Folder Sharing or cloud services instead, but for a local network, properly configuring the SMB protocol is more important.
If automatic detection doesn't work, you can connect manually using the IP address. To do this, on the receiving computer, click Win + R and enter the host PC address in the format \\192.168.1.X (where X is the address of the first computer). You can find out your IP with the command ipconfig in the command line.
ipconfigIn the list that opens, find the line labeled "IPv4 Address." This is the set of numbers you should use for a direct connection. This method is often more reliable than waiting for the computer to appear in the network environment, as it bypasses discovery services.
Why do I lose access to network folders?
Access may be lost due to dynamic IP address changes by the router (DHCP). To avoid this, you can assign a static IP address in the network card settings or reserve an address in the router settings.
Problems with passwords and access
A common problem when connecting two PCs is a constant password request, which may be rejected or unknown. On a home network where all devices are under your control, you can simplify the process by disabling password verification for shared access.
Return to "Network and Sharing Center" -> "Change advanced sharing settings." Expand the "All Networks" section (at the bottom of the list). Find "Password-protected sharing" and select "Turn off password-protected sharing."
| Parameter | Default value | Recommended value (Home) | Impact on safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| Network discovery | Included (Private) | Included | Average (only in trusted network) |
| File sharing | Disabled | Included | High (opens access to data) |
| Password protection | Included | Disabled (for convenience) | Low (accessible to everyone on the network) |
| Encryption | 128-bit | No changes | High |
Disabling the password makes folders accessible to any device connected to your Wi-Fi. If neighbors or strangers may connect to your network, it's best to leave protection enabled and use strong passwords for Windows user accounts.
⚠️ Note: Settings interfaces may vary slightly depending on your Windows build version. If you can't find the option, try searching for it in system settings.
Diagnostics and troubleshooting
Even with proper configuration, errors may still occur. Often, the problem lies with Windows services that have stopped for some reason. Check the "Function Discovery Resource Publishing" and "Discovery Provider Host" services.
To do this, click Win + R, enter services.msc and find the specified services in the list. Make sure their startup type is set to "Automatic" and their status is "Running." If the service is stopped, start it manually.
Also, make sure your Wi-Fi adapter drivers are up to date. Outdated network card software may not work correctly with new encryption protocols or power-saving features, causing the adapter to shut down at inopportune times. Visit your laptop or motherboard manufacturer's website to download the latest version.
If all else fails, try resetting your network settings. In Windows 10 and 11, this can be done via Settings -> Network & Internet -> Advanced network settings -> Network reset. This will reset all network components to factory settings, after which you'll need to re-enter your Wi-Fi password.
Is it possible to connect computers if one is on Windows 10 and the other is on Windows 7?
Yes, this is possible, but it requires additional steps. On Windows 7, you need to enable SMBv1 protocol support (although this is less secure) or, better yet, update the Windows 10/11 security settings to allow guest access and legacy authentication methods. However, for stable operation, it's best to use the same OS versions or modern file transfer protocols.
What is the Wi-Fi data transfer speed in a local network?
Speed depends on the Wi-Fi router standard and adapters. With 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4), actual speeds will be around 20-40 Mbps. With 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5), you can achieve 60-100 Mbps. For gigabit speeds (1000 Mbps), you need a cable connection or a very high-quality Wi-Fi 6 adapter in close proximity to the router.
Is internet required for a local network to function?
No, internet access is not required. A local network works between devices directly through a router or even via a direct Wi-Fi connection (computer-to-computer). The main thing is that the devices are connected; an external network connection is not required to transfer files.