Setting up a local network between two computers is a standard task for any user who wants to share files without flash drives or play online games. Modern operating systems, such as Windows 10 And Windows 11, have built-in tools that allow you to do this in a few minutes. However, due to constant security updates, the default settings often block device visibility, requiring manual adjustments.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at how to properly configure both devices so they can "see" each other through the router. We'll cover not only network creation, but also the intricacies of granting access to shared folders, as well as address common errors users encounter when trying to establish a connection.
To successfully complete this task, you don't need complex programming knowledge or special equipment. All you need is for both computers to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If the router distributes internet to both devices, the physical basis for the connection is already in place, and all that remains is to configure the software.
Checking the basic connection conditions
Before diving into complex setup, you need to make sure the foundation is laid properly. The most important requirement is that both computers must be on the same subnet. This means they must be connected to the same router, whether via Wi-Fi or cable. If one device is connected to the guest network and the other to the main network, the connection will fail.
It's also critical that the network type in your system is set to "Private" and not "Public." By default, Windows hides your computer from other devices for security reasons when using a public profile. You can check this by clicking the Wi-Fi icon in the system tray and selecting the properties of the current connection.
Make sure network discovery is enabled on both devices. Without this setting, your computer will ignore requests from network neighbors, even if the passwords and names match. This is a basic level of security that people often forget to enable when first connecting to a home router.
- 📡 Both PCs are connected to the same Wi-Fi access point with the same SSID.
- 🔒 The network type is set to "Private" in Windows settings.
- 👁️ Network discovery is enabled in Network and Sharing Center.
- 🆔 Each computer on the network must have a unique name.
⚠️ Warning: If you're using a third-party antivirus or firewall, it may be blocking local connections. Temporarily disable protection to test or add your home network to the list of trusted zones.
Setting up sharing options
After checking the physical connection, you need to go to Windows software settings. Open Control Panel and find the Network and Sharing Center section. In the left menu, select Change advanced sharing settings. This is where you decide whether your files are visible to others.
In the "Private" (current) profile, you need to enable several key options. First, enable network discovery and check the box for automatic configuration of connected network devices. This will allow the system to automatically open the necessary ports for the protocol to work. SMB.
Next, enable file and printer sharing. Without this option, you'll be able to see your computer in the list of devices, but you won't be able to sign in or copy data. It's also recommended to disable password protection if you're on a trusted home network to avoid having to enter your credentials every time you log in.
☑️ Setting up sharing
Be sure to apply the changes on both computers. After saving the settings, the system may require a network service restart or a full device reboot for the rules to take effect. If this is not done, the changes may persist only at the interface level and not affect system services.
Assigning names and workgroups
For proper identification on a local network, each computer requires a unique name. If two devices have the same name (for example, a standard DESKTOP-PC), a conflict will arise, and one of them will become unavailable. You can change the name through "Settings" -> "System" -> "About."
In addition to the device name, it is important to check the workgroup name. By default, Windows uses the name WORKGROUPBoth computers must be in the same workgroup. If the user has changed the workgroup on one computer and the other computer remains set to the default, they will not be visible to each other in the network environment.
After changing the computer name, the system will require a reboot. This step should not be ignored, as old network IDs may be cached by the router and other devices. Renaming a workgroup also often requires a reboot for registry changes to take effect.
| Parameter | Computer 1 (Example) | Computer 2 (Example) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Working group name | WORKGROUP | WORKGROUP | ✅ Matches |
| Device name | OFFICE-PC | HOME-LAPTOP | ✅ Unique |
| IP address | 192.168.1.15 | 192.168.1.22 | ✅ In the same subnet |
| SMB 1.0 protocol | Disabled | Disabled | ✅ Safe |
Using static IP addresses can make life easier in the future, but for a one-time connection, dynamically assigning addresses by the router is sufficient. The main thing is that the first three digits of the address (for example, 192.168.1) matched on both devices.
Why do you need a static IP?
A static IP address is useful if you frequently access a specific computer (such as a home server or media center). This ensures that the device's address won't change after a router reboot, so you won't have to search for it again each time.
Sharing folders and files
Once the network is set up, you need to select the data you want to share. Simply having files on the drive isn't enough—you need to explicitly tell the system that this folder is accessible to others. Right-click the folder, select "Properties," and go to the "Sharing" tab.
Click the "Advanced Settings" button and check the "Share this folder" box. In the "Permissions" section, you can configure what other users can do: read-only files or also modify and delete them. For home use, full access is usually sufficient.
There's also a quick way to do this via the "Sharing" tab, where you can select a specific user from the list or the "Everyone" group. If you select "Everyone," anyone connected to your Wi-Fi will be able to access your data, so be careful with sensitive information.
- 📂 Right-click on the folder and select Properties.
- 🔓 Go to the "Access" tab and click "Advanced settings".
- ✅ Check the "Share this folder" box.
- 👥 In the permissions, add the user "Everyone" with read/write rights.
Once configured, the folder will be accessible over the network. To access it from another computer, you'll need to know the host computer's name or IP address. In File Explorer, enter the following in the address bar: \\ComputerName or \\192.168.1.XX.
Connecting via direct IP address entry
Sometimes automatic detection doesn't work correctly, and computers don't appear in the "Network" section. In this case, the most reliable way to connect two computers via Wi-Fi is to directly enter the address. First, you need to find out the IP address of the target computer.
On the target PC, open a command prompt (press Win + R, enter cmd) and enter the command ipconfigFind the "IPv4 Address" line in the wireless adapter section. Write down these numbers; you'll need them to connect.
C:\Users\User>ipconfigWireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi:
IPv4 Address. . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.45
Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1
Now go to the second computer. Open any file explorer or click Win + RIn the input field, enter two backslashes and the IP address, for example: \\192.168.1.45Press Enter. If the settings are correct, a window will open displaying all the shared resources of the remote machine.
⚠️ Note: Router and operating system interfaces are subject to update. If you cannot find the menu items listed, check the official documentation from the manufacturer of your version of Windows or router, as the location of the settings may vary slightly.
Troubleshooting common errors
Even with the correct settings, problems can still arise. One of the most common errors is "Windows cannot access...." This is often due to the SMB 1.0 support service, which is required for communication with older devices, being disabled, or, conversely, its presence being blocked by an antivirus program.
The problem may also lie with the Function Discovery Resource Publication service. Make sure it's running and set to Automatic. Without it, the computer won't announce its presence on the network, remaining invisible to its neighbors.
If all else fails, try temporarily disabling antivirus software on both computers. Aggressive security settings often interpret a local connection as an external attack and block data packets. Add your home network to your firewall's exceptions.
In rare cases, resetting network settings can help. Windows 10 and 11 have a "Network Reset" feature in Settings that reinstalls network adapters and returns all settings to factory defaults. This is a drastic but effective method.
How to enable SMB 1.0 for older devices?
Connecting to very old computers or printers may require the SMB 1.0 protocol. Click Start, type "Turn Windows features on or off." Find "SMB 1.0 file sharing support" in the list, check the box, and click OK. A reboot is required.
What should I do if it asks for a password even though it has not been set?
This happens if the target computer has a Microsoft account without a password or password protection enabled. Solution: Disable "Password-protected sharing" in the advanced sharing settings. Alternatively, create identical accounts with the same passwords on both PCs.
Is it possible to connect computers without a router?
Yes, you can create a direct computer-to-computer connection (Ad-hoc network) using Wi-Fi adapters, but in modern versions of Windows, this is more complicated than using a router. It's easier to use the "Mobile Hotspot" feature on one laptop to distribute the Wi-Fi signal, which the second PC can then connect to.