Creating a local network between two computers is a fundamental task faced by almost every home internet user. The need to exchange large files, play online games, or share a printer makes the issue local connection It's extremely relevant. Fortunately, modern operating systems like Windows 10 and 11 offer built-in tools that allow you to organize data exchange without the need for unnecessary cables.
Using a wireless connection Wi-Fi Eliminates the need to run Ethernet cables throughout the apartment, which is especially important for rented spaces or offices with strict design rules. However, wireless data transfer requires more careful configuration of security and sharing settings to ensure your files remain protected from prying eyes. In this article, we'll cover all setup steps, from checking the equipment to resolving common device visibility issues.
Before beginning software configuration, ensure both computers are physically connected to the same wireless network. This is a basic requirement, without which further steps are pointless. If one laptop is connected to the router via cable and the other via wireless, they can still "see" each other, but for the sake of clarity and ease of diagnosis, it's best to use identical connection types.
Equipment check and preparatory stages
The first step is to verify the connection status of both devices. Make sure the adapter is active on both computers. Wi-Fi and the connection indicator is lit. Users often forget that one of the laptops might be connected to a guest network or a neighbor's router with a similar name, making them invisible to each other on the local network.
It's also critical to ensure that the same network type is set to "Private" on both devices. If Windows classifies the connection as "Public," it will automatically apply strict firewall rules, hiding the computer from other devices. You can change this setting through the Network and Sharing Center or the current connection settings in the system tray.
- ✅ Make sure both PCs are connected to the same router.
- ✅ Check if the Wi-Fi indicator is on on both devices.
- ✅ Set the network type to "Private" in Windows settings.
- ✅ Update your wireless adapter drivers to the latest version.
It's a good idea to check the IP addresses assigned by the router. While they may be dynamic, they will all be in the same subnet during a single session. To quickly check, open the command prompt and enter ipconfigThe addresses must match in the first three digits, for example, 192.168.1.5 and 192.168.1.15.
Setting up sharing options in Windows
After the physical preparation, we move on to the software part. The operating system must receive explicit permission to exchange data. Go to "Control Panel," then select "Network and Sharing Center," and click "Change advanced sharing settings." This is where you'll find the key switches that control your PC's visibility.
In the "Private" profile (current network) you need to activate the option enable network discoveryCheck the box next to "Turn on network discovery" and be sure to select the "Turn on automatic configuration of connected devices" checkbox. This will allow your computer to automatically respond to requests from other network nodes.
⚠️ Attention: Enabling network discovery makes your computer visible to other devices on the network. Make sure you're connected to a trusted home router, not public Wi-Fi at a cafe or airport, where this could create a security breach.
Next, you need to set up file and printer sharing. Find the appropriate section in the menu and select "Turn on file and printer sharing." Without this option, even if the computers "see" each other, attempts to open a folder will fail with an access error. It's also recommended to disable password protection if you're working in a fully trusted home environment, although this reduces security.
Creating a shared folder for data exchange
Now that the network protocols are configured, you need to create a location where the files to be shared will be stored. You can select any existing folder or create a new one, for example, on drive D, and name it ExchangeRight-click on it and select "Properties", then go to the "Access" tab.
Click the "Advanced Settings" button and check the "Share this folder" box. Below, in the "Permissions" field, select the "Everyone" group (or a specific user) and grant them full access or read-only access, depending on your needs. Full access will allow the second PC to not only read, but also delete or modify files in this folder.
| Access type | Reading | Recording | Removal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Read only | Allowed | Forbidden | Forbidden |
| Full access | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed |
| Change | Allowed | Allowed | Forbidden |
There's also a "Security" tab in the folder properties. Make sure "Everyone" is listed in the groups and users list with the appropriate permissions. Sometimes NTFS file system permissions block access even if the network settings are correct. Synchronizing permissions between the "Access" and "Security" tabs is key to successful configuration.
Search for connected computers and connect
After setting up the folder on the first computer, move on to the second. Open File Explorer and select "Network" in the left pane. The names of both computers should appear here. If you see your device but not the other one, it may take a few minutes for the list to refresh or for the discovery service to restart.
When attempting to open a shared folder, the system may prompt you for credentials. In this case, you must enter the login and password of the user who owns the folder on the first computer. Important: If the first PC does not have a Windows login password, the system may block network access for security reasons—in which case you will have to set a password.
- 🔍 Open File Explorer and go to the Network section.
- 🔍 Wait for the computer names to appear in the list.
- 🔍 Enter the first PC's administrator login and password when prompted.
- 🔍 For convenience, right-click on the folder and select "Mount as network drive".
☑️ Checking your network connection
To avoid searching for the folder each time, use the "Map as network drive" feature. This will assign a letter (e.g., Z:) to the shared folder, making it appear in "My Computer" as a regular hard drive partition. This greatly simplifies working with documents and media files between the two devices.
Setting up via HomeGroup (for older versions) and new methods
Windows versions prior to 10 used a feature called "HomeGroup," which automatically synced libraries. However, in modern systems, Microsoft has abandoned this feature in favor of more flexible, albeit slightly more complex, configuration methods. The emphasis now shifts to the standard SMB protocol and manual access rights configuration.
For Windows 10 and 11 users, Near Share remains a popular option for quickly transferring individual documents via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct, but for full file system access, the classic Network method remains the most reliable. It provides stable access to large volumes of data without file size limits.
⚠️ Attention: The Windows Settings interface may differ depending on the update version (21H2, 22H2, etc.). If you don't find the described option, search in the Start menu using the keywords specified in the instructions.
If the classic method doesn't work, you can try entering the IP address of the first computer directly into the address bar of the second computer's Explorer. Input format: \\192.168.1.X (where X is the address of the first PC). This often helps bypass DNS or name discovery errors on the local network.
Solving common access problems and errors
One of the most common issues is the "Windows cannot access..." error, which occurs even with the correct settings. This is often caused by an antivirus or built-in firewall blocking incoming connections. Try temporarily disabling your third-party antivirus and testing access. If the issue is resolved, add an exception rule for the local network in the security settings.
It's also worth checking the "Function Discovery Resource Publishing" service. Click Win + R, enter services.msc and find the services related to network discovery in the list. Make sure the "Discovery Provider Host," "Discovery Function," and "Discovery Resource Publishing" services are running and have the startup type set to "Automatic."
- 🛠 Check if your antivirus is blocking the connection.
- 🛠 Restart Network Discovery Services.
- 🛠 Make sure that SMB 1.0 is enabled on both PCs (rare, but sometimes necessary for older devices).
- 🛠 Try disabling IPv6 in the adapter properties, leaving only IPv4.
What to do if computers see each other but don't open folders?
Often, the problem stems from mismatched user accounts. Try creating a user with the same name and password on both computers. Windows often uses these credentials for automatic authentication on the local network. If this doesn't help, check whether SMB 1.0 support is enabled in Windows components.
In some cases, resetting your network settings can help. In Windows 10/11, there's a "Network Reset" button in the network settings that will reinstall drivers and reset all network components to factory defaults. After rebooting, you'll need to re-enter your Wi-Fi password, but this often resolves mysterious connection issues.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to connect two PCs via Wi-Fi without a router?
Yes, it's possible. Windows 10 and 11 have a "Mobile Hotspot" feature. One computer broadcasts the Wi-Fi, and the other connects to it. However, the transfer speed in this mode may be lower than when both devices are connected to a powerful router.
Why can't the second computer see the first one on the network?
Most likely, the network is marked as "Public" on one of the computers. Also, check that Network Discovery is enabled and that a firewall or antivirus isn't blocking the connection.
What is the maximum file transfer speed over Wi-Fi?
Speed depends on the Wi-Fi standard (n, ac, ax) and the distance to the router. Under ideal conditions, speeds of up to 40-50 MB/s and higher can be achieved at 5 GHz, which is comparable to fast USB 2.0 but inferior to a Gigabit cable.
Do I need to set a password on the folder?
The password is set not on the folder itself, but on the login page of the user who owns it. If you disable the password requirement in the sharing settings, access will be open to everyone on the network, which is unsafe.
Does this method work between Windows and macOS?
Yes, but the settings will be different. On a Mac, you need to enable "File Sharing" in System Preferences and use the SMB protocol. When connecting from Windows to a Mac, you may need to enter your Mac user credentials.