Setting up a local network between two or more devices is a basic task that almost every operating system user faces. Windows 10Whether you need to transfer a large video file, launch a network game, or simply access a printer connected to another PC, understanding how a local connection works is a critical skill. Unlike older operating systems, Windows 10 offers more flexible, but sometimes more complex, security tools that require careful configuration.
Connecting two computers wirelessly Wi-Fi Eliminates the need to run Ethernet cables throughout an apartment or office, preserving the aesthetics of the space and maintaining workstation mobility. However, many users encounter a situation where computers are physically on the same network but cannot "see" each other in File Explorer. This is often caused by network profile settings or disabled discovery services.
In this article, we'll detail the process of creating a secure connection, focusing on setting up shared access and troubleshooting common errors. You'll learn how to properly configure network profiles to keep your system protected from external threats while still allowing access to trusted devices within your perimeter.
Checking hardware compatibility and preparing equipment
Before you begin software configuration, you need to make sure that your hardware is ready for use. Wireless adapters Both computers must have working drivers installed and working correctly. If one of the computers is a desktop PC without a built-in Wi-Fi module, you will need an external USB adapter or a PCI-E card that supports modern standards.
Both devices must support 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bands. Ideally, they should be within range of a strong signal from routerIf you plan to connect computers directly, without a router (Ad-Hoc mode), the requirements for adapters increase, as not all of them support the creation of virtual access points.
⚠️ Important: Make sure both computers have up-to-date network card drivers installed. Outdated software may not support network discovery or may operate unstable in dual-boot mode.
Also check whether the wireless module itself is enabled. On laptops, this is often done with a key combination or a software toggle in the system tray. On desktop computers, this will be indicated by a blinking LED on the antenna or the absence of a red cross on the network icon in the lower right corner of the screen.
☑️ Checking equipment readiness
Network profile setup and discovery
The key to using Windows 10 is choosing the right network profile. The operating system divides networks into "Public" and "Private." To connect two computers via Wi-Fi and see their resources, the active network must be marked as "Public." PrivateIn the public profile, the system blocks incoming connections for security reasons.
To change your profile, open "Settings" from the Start menu and go to "Network & Internet." Select "Wi-Fi" from the list on the left, then click the name of your connected network. In the window that opens, under "Network Profile," select "Private." This process must be repeated on both computers.
Next, you need to configure discovery settings. Go to Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change advanced sharing settings. Here, for the "Private" profile, you need to enable the following options:
- 📡 Turn on network discovery.
- 💾 Enable file and printer sharing.
- 🔐 Let Windows manage HomeGroup connections.
After making changes, be sure to click the "Save Changes" button. Otherwise, the settings will remain inactive, and the computers will still be unable to communicate, even if they are on the same subnet.
Create a HomeGroup or set up sharing
Earlier versions of Windows had a feature called "HomeGroup," which made life much easier for users. In Windows 10 (starting with version 1803), Microsoft removed this feature, shifting the responsibility to manual sharing settings. Now, you must manually specify which folders will be accessible to other network users.
To begin, select the folder you want to share. Right-click it and select "Properties." Go to the "Sharing" tab and click "Sharing." In the window that opens, select "Everyone" (or a specific user if the accounts are the same) from the drop-down list and click "Add."
After adding a user, you need to set the permission level. You can choose:
- 📖 Read - the user will only be able to open and copy files.
- ✏️ Read and write - full control, including deleting and modifying files.
Complete the setup by clicking "Sharing," then "Done." Note the folder path that appears in the properties window—this is the network address you'll need to use on the second computer. You'll need to do the same on the second PC if you want to enable two-way file sharing.
What should I do if the Share button is grayed out?
If the button is grayed out, you may not have administrator rights or the Server service is disabled. Check your rights and start the Server service using services.msc.
Connecting to network resources and port forwarding
After setting up sharing on the first computer, move on to the second one. Open File Explorer (My Computer) and enter the IP address of the first computer in the address bar. You can find it by opening the command prompt (cmd) on the first PC and entering the command ipconfigWe are interested in the line "IPv4 address", it usually looks like this 192.168.1.X or 192.168.0.X.
Please enter the address in the format \\192.168.1.X into the address bar of the second computer's File Explorer. If all settings are correct, a window displaying shared folders will open. When you first connect, the system may ask for a username and password. Enter the user account information for the first computer (the one whose resources you're opening).
For ease of use, you can map the network folder as a separate drive. To do this, right-click "This PC" in File Explorer and select "Map network drive." Specify the drive letter and path to the resource. The folder will now appear in "My Computer" as a regular local drive, such as drive Z:.
| Parameter | Default value | Recommended value | Impact on the network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Network profile | Publicly available | Private | Opens ports for local exchange |
| Network discovery | Disabled | Included | The PC is visible in the list of devices |
| File sharing | Disabled | On | Allows reading/writing data |
| Password protection | Included | Enabled (recommended) | Requires authorization upon login |
It's important to note that for stable operation, it's preferable for computers to have static IP addresses. If the router issues new addresses every time it reboots, links to network resources may stop working. You can configure a static IP in the protocol properties. Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
Using built-in diagnostic tools and the command line
If automatic connection fails, command line tools can help. They allow you to obtain more detailed information about the network status and force a configuration update. Run the command prompt as administrator on both computers.
First, try to check the connection (ping) between the devices. Enter the command ping 192.168.1.X (where X is the address of the second PC). If you see the response "Timeout exceeded," it means the packets aren't getting through. This could be caused by a firewall blocking ICMP requests.
To reset network settings, you can use the command ipconfig /flushdns, which clears the DNS cache, and netsh winsock reset, which resets the TCP/IP stack. After running these commands, you will need to restart your computer.
netsh interface set interface "Wireless Network" admin=enabledThis command forces the wireless interface to re-enable if it is frozen programmatically. It's also useful to check the list of active connections with the command netstat -anto make sure that SMB ports (usually 445) are not blocked.
Troubleshooting common access errors and issues
One of the most common problems is the error "Windows cannot access...." This is often due to a disabled SMB 1.0 service, which is required for compatibility with older devices, or, conversely, its presence being blocked by an antivirus program. In Windows 10, SMB 1.0 support is disabled by default for security reasons.
Antivirus software can also cause problems. Third-party firewalls (Kaspersky, ESET, Avast) often have their own "Network" module that blocks local connections, deeming them suspicious. In this case, you need to add your home network to the trusted list in your antivirus settings.
⚠️ Note: Windows and router settings interfaces may be updated. If you don't find the described option, search for a similar option or consult your router manufacturer's documentation.
Another common cause is time misalignment. If the system time on both computers is significantly different, the Kerberos protocol may block authentication. Ensure that the time and time zone on both devices match.
How to disable password protection for shared folders?
In "Advanced sharing settings," find the "All networks" section and select "Turn off password-protected sharing." This will reduce security but make access easier.
Local connection security
When sharing your files, you must be aware of the risks. Even on a home network, it's advisable to adhere to the principle of least privilege. Don't grant "Full Control" permissions to all users unless absolutely necessary. It's better to create a separate user with limited privileges for network access.
Use strong passwords for your accounts. If an attacker gains physical access to your Wi-Fi network, weak passwords on your PC will allow them to easily gain access to your system. WPA2/WPA3 encryption on the router - this is the first and obligatory line of defense.
- 🔒 Update your router firmware regularly.
- 🚫 Turn off folder sharing when you don't need it.
- 👁️ Monitor the list of connected devices in the router's admin panel.
Remember that open SMB ports on the global network (if your router is improperly configured) are one of the main vulnerabilities for ransomware. Make sure your router isn't forwarding ports 445 and 139 from the internet to your internal network.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect computers via Wi-Fi without a router?
Yes, this is possible by creating a computer-to-computer (Ad-Hoc) network. To do this in Windows 10, create a new access point via the command line or mobile hotspot settings, and connect the second PC to the created network as if it were a regular Wi-Fi hotspot.
Why can't the second computer see the first, even though the network is private?
Most often, the problem lies with the Windows Firewall or a third-party antivirus. Try temporarily disabling the firewall to test. Also, make sure the Function Discovery Resource Publishing service is running.
What is the maximum file transfer speed over Wi-Fi?
Speed depends on the Wi-Fi standard (n, ac, ax) and distance. In the 2.4 GHz band, actual speeds rarely exceed 4-6 MB/s. In the 5 GHz band, AC speeds can reach 40-80 MB/s, which is comparable to a wired Fast Ethernet connection.
Do both PCs need to have the same version of Windows?
No, Windows 10 works successfully on the same network as Windows 7, 8.1, and 11. However, additional settings may be required, such as enabling SMB 1.0 support, if one of the computers is very old.