Setting up a local network between two computers without using a twisted pair cable is a challenge faced by many users who want to quickly transfer gigabytes of data or launch an online game. Modern technologies make it possible to create a stable connection solely using the wireless module built into every laptop and most desktop systems. You don't need to purchase additional equipment if both devices are already connected to the same router.
The setup process may seem confusing due to the operating system's specific features. Windows 10 And Windows 11, which by default hide computers on the network for security reasons. However, by understanding the logic behind the protocols and properly configuring sharing settings, you can transform disparate devices into a unified computing system. In this article, we'll cover all the nuances, from checking drivers to setting folder access rights.
⚠️ Important: When setting up a network in public places (cafes, airports), use only the "Public Network" profile to hide your computer from prying eyes. At home, you can use the "Private" profile.
Checking hardware and drivers
The first step should always be a hardware diagnostic, as software settings are useless without proper hardware. Ensure that the Wi-Fi adapters on both computers are enabled and functioning properly. Users often forget that one of the laptops may have a physically disabled module, either via a button on the case or a key combination.
Go to Device Manager and check for exclamation marks next to your network adapters. If the drivers are outdated or not working correctly, you won't be able to achieve a stable connection. Data transfer rate directly depends on the supported Wi-Fi standard (for example, 802.11ac or 802.11ax).
- 📡 Make sure both adapters are running at 5GHz for maximum speed.
- 💻 Make sure that IP addresses are assigned automatically or manually entered in the same subnet.
- 🔌 Update your network card drivers from the manufacturer's official website.
It's also important to understand the difference between operating modes. To connect two PCs via a router, both must be connected to the same access point. If there's no router, one of the computers will have to act as an access point, which will put a strain on its processor.
Setting up a network profile in Windows
The operating system needs to "know" that you're in a trusted environment. By default, Windows assigns new connections to the "Public Network" profile, which blocks discovery of other devices. This is a basic security mechanism that should be disabled for a home network.
To change the profile, go to network settings and select your Wi-Fi connection. In the properties, you need to change the network type to "Private." After that, the system will allow network discovery and the ability to share files. Without this step, the computers simply won't see each other in the list of available devices.
Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Change sharing settingsIn the Advanced Sharing settings, ensure "Turn on network discovery" and "Turn on file and printer sharing" are enabled. It's also recommended to enable "Allow management of HomeGroup connections" if available in your OS version.
Creating a Local Area Network: Step-by-Step Instructions
After preparing the profile, you need to configure specific IP addressing settings if the router's automatic address distribution (DHCP) fails or malfunctions. Ideally, both computers should receive addresses in a range such as 192.168.1.X, where X is a unique number for each device.
To configure manually, open the protocol properties. IPv4 In your Wi-Fi adapter's properties, enter the IP address, subnet mask, and gateway. The gateway is usually the router's address. DNS servers can be manually entered using public addresses, such as those from Google or Yandex, to speed up name resolution.
☑️ Check network settings
After entering the settings, test the connection between the devices using the ping command. Open a command prompt and enter the address of the second computer. If you see a response from the host, the physical connection and basic routing are working correctly.
⚠️ Important: When manually registering IP addresses, make sure they do not match the addresses assigned by the router's DHCP server. Otherwise, an address conflict will occur and the network will crash on both devices.
Organizing file sharing
The most common purpose of connecting PCs is to share documents, photos, and videos. Windows allows you to share entire folders or even drives. To do this, right-click the desired folder, select "Properties," and then go to the "Sharing" tab.
Use advanced settings to grant specific users read or modify permissions for files. Simply enabling sharing is often insufficient due to security requirements. You may need to create identical accounts with identical passwords on both computers to ensure seamless login.
| Access level | Description of rights | Recommended use |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | The user can only open and copy files. | Media libraries, document archives |
| Change | The user can edit and delete files | Working folders for joint projects |
| Full access | Full control over the folder and rights | System administrators |
| Ban | Access is completely blocked | Personal data |
If the system asks for your username and password when you try to log in and you can't remember them, try disabling password protection in the Network and Sharing Center. This will reduce security but simplify access to your trusted home network.
What to do if the password is not accepted?
Often, the problem lies in a blank account password. By default, Windows prevents network logins for users without a password. Create a password for the account or enable passwordless logins through Group Policy (gpedit.msc).
Using the Nearby feature for quick sharing
Modern versions of Windows 10 and 11 now feature a convenient Nearby Sharing feature, which allows file transfers similar to AirDrop in the Apple ecosystem. This method eliminates the need to create shared folders or configure complex access rights, working over standard Bluetooth and Wi-Fi protocols.
To enable this feature, go to System Settings > Sharing (or simply search for "Nearby"). Enable the feature on both computers and select "Everyone" or "My Devices" for visibility. Now, when you select a file in File Explorer and click "Share," you'll see the other computer listed as available.
This method is ideal for one-time transfers of several files, but is not suitable for setting up permanent network storage. Transfer speeds may vary, but for documents and photos, they are quite sufficient. The main advantage is that you don't have to enter passwords for each session.
Troubleshooting and diagnostics
Even with proper configuration, situations may arise where computers stop communicating with each other. Often, the culprit is an antivirus or firewall that blocks incoming connections. Check your security software settings and add the local network to the exceptions list.
It's also worth checking Windows services. The Discovery Resource Publishing service and Discovery Provider Host service should be started and running in automatic mode. If they are stopped, the computer will not be able to advertise itself on the network.
- 🔄 Restart both computers and the router to reset the network settings cache.
- 🛡️ Temporarily disable third-party antivirus software to check its impact.
- 🔍 Use the command line with a flag
-tfor constant ping and searching for the moment of breakage.
If all else fails, try resetting your Windows network settings to factory defaults. This will delete all saved Wi-Fi passwords and adapter settings, but often resolves issues with deep system protocol errors.
⚠️ Note: Settings interfaces and menu item names may vary depending on your Windows build version (Home, Pro, Enterprise) and system updates. If you don't find the item you're looking for, search within system settings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect two PCs via Wi-Fi without a router?
Yes, this is possible. One computer must create a mobile hotspot, and the other must connect to it as a regular Wi-Fi network. After that, sharing is configured as usual.
Why can't computers see each other in a network environment?
The most likely cause is that the network profile is set to "Public." The discovery service may also be disabled, or the connection may be blocked by a firewall. Make sure both PCs are in the same workgroup (usually WORKGROUP).
What is the maximum data transfer speed for Wi-Fi?
Speed depends on the Wi-Fi standard (N, AC, AX), distance from the router, and the number of obstacles. Under ideal conditions, speeds from 300 Mbps to several Gbps can be achieved on the 5 GHz frequency, which is comparable to a wired connection.
Is it safe to keep sharing enabled all the time?
If you're on a home network with a strong Wi-Fi password and a "Private Network" profile, the risks are minimal. However, enabling network discovery in public places is strongly discouraged.