Organizing data exchange between devices without flash drives or wires is a challenge faced by many users. A local Wi-Fi network allows for instant file transfers of any size, printer sharing, and even online gaming. This is especially useful when you need to transfer gigabytes of video or archives but your internet connection is busy or limited.
In this article, we will examine all the nuances of creating such a connection in Windows 10 and 11 operating systems. You will learn how to set up network profile, enable device discovery, and grant access to specific folders. Following these steps, you'll create a stable environment for exchanging information between two PCs located within the same wireless access point coverage area.
Before proceeding with software settings, you need to ensure that the connection is physically possible. Both devices must be connected to the same wireless network. If one laptop is on guest Wi-Fi and the other on the main Wi-Fi, or one is using mobile data, a direct connection will not be established. Make sure that IP addresses are issued by one router.
Checking conditions and preparing equipment
The first step is to check the connection status. The operating system must correctly identify the network type as private, not public. On public networks, Windows blocks device visibility by default to protect against hackers in cafes or airports. You need to manually change this setting.
Open the Settings menu and go to the Network & Internet section. Here, select your Wi-Fi connection properties. In the list of profiles, find your current network and toggle the switch to Private. This will enable network discovery and make your computer visible to other devices within the router's range.
It's also worth checking the adapter's functionality. Sometimes wireless card drivers can malfunction, causing connection drops. Make sure the Wi-Fi indicator is on on both computers and the signal is stable. If you're far from the router, file transfer speeds may be slow, so it's best to move closer to the signal source.
⚠️ Note: If you are on a corporate network or in a dorm, your system administrator may be blocking local connections between clients. In this case, software settings won't help until hardware restrictions are lifted.
Make sure the required services are enabled on both devices. In Windows, this is the responsibility of the Function Discovery Resource Publishing service. If it is disabled, the computers will not be able to see each other, even if they are on the same network. Check its status in the Services control panel.
Setting up sharing options in Windows
Once the network profile has been changed to private, you need to enable sharing features. Go to Control Panel, 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 window that opens, you'll see several profiles: private, guest, and all networks. You'll need the "Private" section. Enable the "Turn on network discovery" option and check the box next to "Turn on network discovery and file and printer sharing." This will allow other computers to see your shared resources.
Next, scroll down to the "All Networks" section. Here you'll find the important "Public Folder Sharing" setting. Enabling this option allows access to the system folder, but for more flexibility, it's better to configure your own directories. You can also disable password protection here if you trust all users on your network, but this reduces security.
- 📁 Enable network discovery for the private profile.
- 🖨️ Enable file and printer sharing.
- 🔒 Decide whether you need password protection (it is often disabled for home use).
- 💾 Save the changes using the button at the bottom of the page.
☑️ Check network settings
Be sure to click the "Save Changes" button at the bottom of the page, otherwise all actions will be in vain. Afterwards, the system may require a reboot, although changes often take effect immediately. Check if your computer appears in the list of network devices on the second PC.
Create a shared folder for file sharing
Now that the network is configured, you need to determine what data will be accessible. You can share any folder on your hard drive. Create a new directory, for example, on drive D, and name it "Sharing." Right-click on it and select "Properties."
Go to the "Access" tab and click "Advanced." Check "Share this folder." Below, click "Permissions." Here you can fine-tune permissions: allow read-only access or grant full access, allowing the second user to modify and delete files.
It's also important to check the "Security" tab. Sometimes access is allowed, but NTFS permissions block access. Add the "Everyone" user to the group list and ensure they have read and execute permissions. This ensures the system doesn't deny access due to internal file system restrictions.
| Access type | Description of rights | Recommended use |
|---|---|---|
| Read only | The user can copy files but not change them. | To transfer documents, photos, music |
| Change | Creation and editing of files is allowed | For collaborative work on projects |
| Full access | Full control, including folder deletion | For trusted users only |
After setting the permissions, click "OK" in all windows. The folder is ready for use. Now, on another computer, when you open the Network Places, you can see this folder and work with it as if it were a local folder. Copy speed will depend on the strength of your Wi-Fi signal.
What to do if the folder won't open?
If the system displays "Access Denied" when attempting to log in, check that the user accounts match. Try entering the login and password for the first computer when connecting. Also, make sure your antivirus isn't blocking the connection.
Connecting to a computer by IP address
Sometimes automatic discovery fails, and computers don't see each other in the "Network" list. In this case, the most reliable method is a direct connection via IP address. You'll need to know the local address of the target computer, which usually begins with 192.168.xx.
On the computer you are connecting to, open a command prompt (cmd) and enter the command ipconfigFind the "IPv4 Address" line in the wireless adapter section. Write down these numbers. Now, on the second computer, press the following key combination: Win + R.
In the Run window that opens, enter the address in the format \\192.168.1.5 (insert your IP address). Press Enter. If all settings are correct, a File Explorer window will open displaying the remote PC's available shared resources. This is the fastest way to resolve display issues in your network environment.
If the system prompts you for a username and password, enter the credentials of the user account logged in to the remote computer. If there is no password, you may need to create one or disable the password requirement in the sharing settings, as mentioned earlier. Without authorization, logging in from another computer is impossible.
Solving common visibility problems
Even with proper configuration, problems can arise. Windows Firewall or third-party antivirus software is often the culprit. They may block incoming connections, deeming them suspicious. An exception for the sharing service needs to be added.
Go to your firewall settings and select "Allow the app to communicate." Find "Network discovery" in the list and make sure the checkboxes for private networks are checked. If you're using a third-party antivirus (Kaspersky, ESET, Dr.Web), check its network settings—they're often set to "Public network," which should be changed to "Home."
Another common issue is different versions of Windows. Connecting between Windows 10 and Windows 7 sometimes requires enabling SMB 1.0 protocol support, although this is less secure. On modern systems (10 and 11), it's better to use SMB 2 or 3, which are enabled by default.
⚠️ Note: Windows settings interfaces may differ depending on the update version (21H2, 22H2, etc.). If you can't find the item, search for it in system settings or enter the control command in the Run window.
Also check the "Computer" service. It should be running and have the startup type set to "Automatic." If the service is stopped, the computer will not be able to participate in the local network. Open the Services Manager (services.msc) and check its status.
Alternative methods of data transfer
If you don't want to mess around with Windows settings, there are simpler methods. For example, using cloud storage (Google Drive, Yandex.Disk, Dropbox). You upload a file to one PC, and it appears on another. The downside of this method is that speed is limited by your provider's plan and cloud storage.
Another option is to use instant messenger programs or specialized software like Send Anywhere or ShareitThey create their own transmission channel, often using QR codes for pairing. This is convenient for one-time transmission, but less effective for continuous use with network resources.
For advanced users, creating an FTP server is a good option. This allows flexible access to the file system through any browser or file manager. However, setting up FTP requires more technical knowledge and proper port configuration on the router if external access is required.
- ☁️ Cloud services are convenient, but slow for large files.
- 🚀 Specialized software is fast, but requires installation on both PCs.
- 📡 FTP server - a professional approach with wide capabilities.
The choice of method depends on your needs. For regular work with large volumes of data, a classic local Wi-Fi network remains the most effective solution, requiring no internet connection or additional subscriptions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect computers if one of them does not have a Windows login password?
Yes, this is possible, but it requires disabling password protection in the sharing settings. However, this reduces the security of the entire network, as anyone connected to your Wi-Fi will be able to access your files.
Why is Wi-Fi transmission speed so much slower than cable?
Wireless signals are subject to interference, attenuation through walls, and bandwidth sharing between devices. Actual Wi-Fi speeds are often 50-60% of the router's theoretical speed, while cables offer nearly 100%.
Will the files be visible if one computer is running Windows 10 and the other is running Windows 11?
Yes, Windows 10 and 11 operating systems are fully compatible with SMB network protocols. There shouldn't be any visibility issues with the correct network profile settings.
How do I find out another computer's IP address if it's not showing up?
On the desired computer, click Win + R, enter cmd, then ipconfigLook at the IPv4 address line. You can also view the list of connected clients in the router interface (DHCP Client List section).