How to connect two computers via Wi-Fi: all working methods in 2026

Sharing files between computers, collaborating on projects, or playing online games are tasks that every second user faces. Connecting two PCs via Wi-Fi solves them without unnecessary wires and complicated settings. But how do you choose the best method among dozens of instructions online? This article contains only the most relevant methods for Windows 10/11 And macOS, tested for speed, stability and security.

We'll explore not only standard operating system tools, but also alternative solutions for situations where "everything should have worked yesterday." We'll pay special attention to hidden router settings, which speed up data transfer by 2-3 times, and programs that automate the process. And at the end, a comparison table of all methods based on key parameters.

If you need to transfer a couple of files, cloud storage is enough. But when it comes to gigabytes of data, direct Wi-Fi connection Saves time and bandwidth. The key is to avoid common mistakes: from choosing the wrong security protocol to IP address conflicts that can crash your network for half an hour. We'll show you how to prevent them.

1. Direct connection via Wi-Fi (Ad-Hoc) - when there is no router

Method Ad-Hoc (from the Latin "for this occasion") creates a temporary network between two devices without intermediaries. This is ideal for laptops on the go or when a router is not available. Connection speed is limited by the standard. Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) — to 72 Mbps in practice, but this is enough for transferring documents or streaming videos in 720p.

On Windows 10/11 The function is hidden deep in the settings, but it is easy to activate via the command line. macOS The process is even simpler - just a couple of clicks in the menu General accessThe main disadvantage: no internet access on both devices simultaneously. If you need it, you'll have to use another method.

Before you begin, make sure that:

• 🔄 Both computers support Wi-Fi Direct (all models after 2012)
• 🔒 It's disabled on one of the PCs Windows Firewall (temporarily)
• 📡 The distance between devices does not exceed 10 meters (without obstacles)

Make sure Wi-Fi adapters are enabled on both PCs|

Run Command Prompt as Administrator|

Remember the network name (SSID) and password for the second device|

Disable VPN and proxy servers (they may block the connection)-->

Instructions for Windows:

1. Open Command line (Win + R → enter cmd → Ctrl+Shift+Enter).
2. Enter the command to create the network:

   netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid="MyWiFi" key="12345678" keyUsage=persistent

   Replace MyWiFi And 12345678 to the desired name and password.

3. Start the network:

   netsh wlan start hostednetwork

4. On the second PC, connect to the created network through the standard Wi-Fi menu.

2. Connection via a router: local network in 5 minutes

If you have a home router, this method is the most reliable. It allows you to not only share files, but also use a shared printer, play online games, or even remotely control one PC from another. Speed ​​depends on the router model: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) she reaches 1 Gbps under ideal conditions.

The key is to set it up correctly IP addresses And working groupBy default in Windows This WORKGROUP, but if you changed it, both PCs should have the same name. Also, make sure both devices are connected to the same network (e.g. TP-Link_5G, and not TP-Link_2.4G).

Algorithm of actions:

1. On the first PC, open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center.
2. Go to Changing advanced sharing options and turn on:
   • 🔹 Network discovery
   • 🔹 File and Printer Sharing
   • 🔹 Allow Windows to manage connections

On the second PC, repeat the same steps.

Check the visibility of computers in Net (in Windows Explorer).

TP-Link|

ASUS|

Xiaomi|

Keenetic|

D-Link|

Other-->

If computers cannot see each other:

• 🔧 Check that the router is turned on DHCP server (usually on the menu LAN).
• 🔄 Restart the router and both PCs.
• 🛡️ Temporarily disable your antivirus (for example, Kaspersky or Avast often block local connections).

What to do if the router does not distribute IP addresses?

If in the network settings you see an IP like this 169.254.x.x, this means the DHCP server is not working. Set the IP manually:

1. Open Control Panel → Network Connections.
2. Select your connection → Properties → Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
3. Specify IP 192.168.1.100 (on the second PC - 192.168.1.101), mask 255.255.255.0, gateway 192.168.1.1.

After this, the computers should see each other.

3. Using LocalSend - an AirDrop alternative for Windows

If standard methods seem complicated, LocalSend — a free, open-source program that simplifies file sharing between devices on the same network. It works on the principle AirDrop on Mac, but cross-platform: supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and even iOS.

Advantages LocalSend:

• 🚀 Transfer speed up to 50 MB/s (limited only by your Wi-Fi).
• 🔒 Traffic encryption (unlike Ad-Hoc).
• 📁 Support for folders and files of any size (no restrictions, like in Telegram).
• 🌐 Works via the Internet if the devices are on different networks (setup via Relay server).

How to set up:

1. Download LocalSend from the official website (localsend.org) and install on both PCs.
2. Run the program and allow network access in Windows Firewall.
3. On one device, select a file → click Send → select the second PC from the list.
4. On the second PC, confirm receipt of the file.

4. Setting up a Wi-Fi Bridge to expand your network

If you need to not just connect two computers, but expand Wi-Fi coverage (for example, when the second PC is in another room with a weak signal), setting bridge This method helps kill two birds with one stone. This method combines two networks into one, allowing both devices to access the internet and see each other.

For implementation you will need:

• 📡 Router with support for the mode WDS or Bridge (For example, ASUS RT-AX88U, TP-Link Archer C6).
• 🖥️ One of the PCs must be connected to the router via cable (preferably).

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Log into your router's control panel (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
2. Find the section Wireless → Bridge (or WDS).
3. Enter the MAC address of the second router (if any) or select the network to connect to.
4. Save the settings and reboot the router.

⚠️ Attention: When setting up a bridge, both routers must operate on the same Wi-Fi channel and use the same safety standard (For example, WPA2-PSK). If the parameters do not match, the connection will be unstable.

5. Remote control and file transfer via RDP

If you need not only to transfer files, but also control one computer from another, built in Windows protocol RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) — the best solution. It allows you to work with a remote PC as if you were sitting in front of it, including support for sound, clipboard, and even 3D acceleration.

To use RDP you need:

• 🖥️ Windows Pro or Enterprise on the computer to which they are connecting (in Home (version RDP server is disabled).
• 🌍 Static IP address or dynamic DNS service (eg. No-IP), if the connection is via the Internet.
• 🔑 Password for the account on the remote PC.

How to enable RDP:

1. On the computer you will be connecting to, open Settings → System → Remote Desktop.
2. Activate the slider Enable Remote Desktop.
3. Add users who are allowed to connect (by default, only administrators).
4. On the second PC, run Remote Desktop Connection (Win + R → mstsc) and enter the IP address of the first computer.

To transfer files via RDP:

• In the connection window, go to the tab Local resources.
• Click Read more and select the disks you want to make available.
• Once connected they will appear in This computer on a remote PC.

⚠️ Attention: By default, RDP uses the port 3389, which is often scanned by hackers. If you open access via the internet, Be sure to change the port in the Windows registry and configure the firewall rules.to restrict access to your IP only.

6. Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To make your choice easier, we've compiled the key parameters of all options in one table. Choose based on your needs: whether you need high speed, internet access, or remote control.

For most users The optimal solution would be to connect via a router — it combines high speed, security, and ease of setup. If you don't have a router, LocalSend will save the situation without any unnecessary fuss. And for administering remote PCs, it's indispensable. RDP.

Common mistakes and how to fix them

Even if you follow the instructions, the connection may not work. Here are the most common issues and their solutions:

1. Computers cannot see each other on the network:

• 🔹 Check that both PCs are in the same working group (WORKGROUP by default).
• 🔹 Turn on Network discovery V Network and Control Center.
• 🔹 Make sure that IP addresses belong to the same subnet (for example, 192.168.1.x).

2. Low file transfer speed:

• 🔹 Switch your router to 5 GHz (less interference than on 2.4 GHz).
• 🔹 Turn it off QoS in the router settings (it may limit traffic).
• 🔹 Use FTP server (For example, FileZilla) instead of standard sharing - it's faster on large files.

3. The connection is broken:

• 🔹 Update your router firmware (especially relevant for TP-Link And D-Link).
• 🔹 Change MTU in the network settings on 1472 (sometimes helps with packages with errors).
• 🔹 Check if the router is overheating (place it in a ventilated area).

⚠️ Attention: If you use VPN or proxyDisable them before setting up your local network. They can block traffic between computers, even if both devices are on the same subnet.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to connect a Windows PC and a Mac via Wi-Fi?

Yes, but there are some nuances:

• 🍎 On Mac turn on File sharing V System Preferences → Sharing.
• 🪟 On Windows use the protocol SMB (included in Control Panel → Programs → Turn Windows features on or off).
• 🔗 Connect using your Mac's IP address in the following format: smb://192.168.1.100.

To simplify the process, use LocalSend - it is cross-platform and does not require additional settings.

How to transfer files at speeds above 100 Mbps?

To achieve maximum speed:

1. Use a router with support Wi-Fi 6 (standard 802.11ax).
2. Connect both PCs to the network 5 GHz (it's less busy than 2.4 GHz).
3. Turn it off WMM (QoS) in the router settings - it can artificially limit the speed.
4. For transmission use FTP server (For example, FileZilla Server) instead of standard public access.

In practice, this method can be achieved 500-700 Mbps on modern routers.

Is it safe to use Ad-Hoc networks?

No, this is the least secure method of all listed. Problems:

• 🔓 Traffic is not encrypted (passwords and files can be intercepted).
• 🕵️‍♂️ It's easy to connect to a network if you know its name.
• 🚫 No protection against man-in-the-middle attacks.

Use Ad-Hoc only for transferring non-sensitive data in a trusted environment. For important files, it's better to set up a connection through a router with WPA3.

Is it possible to connect two PCs via Wi-Fi if one of them is running Linux?

Yes, but the setup is different:

• 🐧 On Linux use nmcli to create an Ad-Hoc network:

  nmcli dev wifi hotspot ifname wlan0 ssid MyLinuxHotspot password "12345678"

• 🪟 On Windows Connect to the created network as a regular access point.
• 📂 For public access, set up Samba on Linux:

  sudo apt install samba
  sudo smbpasswd -a username

For simplicity, use LocalSend - it is in the repositories of most distributions (sudo apt install localsend).

How to connect two PCs via Wi-Fi for online gaming?

For games, it's not just speed that matters, but also low pingOptimal methods:

• 🎮 Via router: Lowest latency (ping < 5 ms). Use a cable for one of the PCs, if possible.
• 🔗 Wi-Fi Direct: Suitable for modern games (eg Minecraft or Terraria). Included in Settings → Devices → Bluetooth & other devices → Add Bluetooth or other device → Everything else.
• 🚫 Avoid Ad-Hoc - high latency will make the game unplayable.

For games like CS:GO or Dota 2 better to use wired connection — Wi-Fi adds a delay of 10-30 ms.