How to Connect Two Computers via Wi-Fi for Gaming: 5 Proven Methods

Connecting two computers Wi-Fi for co-op gaming — a challenge faced by both novice and experienced gamers. Unlike a wired connection (Ethernet), wireless communication requires proper setup. network protocols, choosing the optimal connection method and taking into account the specifics of the games. In this article, we will examine all the current methods - from creating ad-hoc networks before using the router in mode WDS, and we will also tell you how to minimize delays (ping) up to 10-15 ms even on weak adapters.

Many people mistakenly believe that local multiplayer requires simply connecting to the same Wi-Fi network. In practice, this only works for certain games (for example, Minecraft or Terraria), while most projects (like Counter-Strike 2 or Call of Duty: Warzone) manual configuration required IP addresses, ports and sometimes even the creation of a virtual network (VPN). We tested all methods on Windows 10/11 with the latest updates from 2026 - the results are summarized in the comparison table below.

If you play on laptops or PCs with integrated Wi-Fi adapters (eg. Intel AX200 or Qualcomm Atheros QCA61x4), please note: their performance in mode ad-hoc may be 30-40% slower than a router connection. For competitive shooters, it's better to use gigabit router with support Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) or direct connection via Wi-Fi Direct.

1. Preparing computers: checking hardware and software

Before setting up the connection, make sure both computers meet the minimum requirements. The most important thing is Wi-Fi adapter with support for one of the modes:

• 📡 Infrastructure mode (connection via router) - works on all adapters.
• 🔄 Ad-hoc (direct PC-to-PC connection) - requires standard support 802.11a/b/g/n/ac.
• 🤝 Wi-Fi Direct — adapters are needed WFD-certification (for example, Broadcom BCM4352).

You can check the adapter model through device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager → Network Adapters). If there is a device with the name in the list Wireless, Wi-Fi or Dual Band - it can be used. For Wi-Fi Direct Please check support in addition Adapter Properties → Advanced (parameter Wi-Fi Direct or WFD).

Important! On Windows 11 some functions (for example, creating ad-hoc via the command line) may require administrative rightsIf you have an account Microsoft Without admin rights, temporarily enable the built-in account Administrator:

net user Administrator /active:yes

⚠️ Attention: If one of the computers is connected to the Internet via PPPoE (for example, via a DSL line), disconnect this connection before setting up the local network. Simultaneous operation PPPoE And ad-hoc may cause route conflicts.

2. Method 1: Connecting via a router (recommended for most games)

The most stable method is to connect both PCs to one routerThis ensures minimal latency (ping < 10 ms) and is supported by all modern games. Here's how:

1. Connect both computers to the same Wi-Fi network. Use WPA2-PSK or WPA3 (Not WEP!).

2. On the first PC, open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Change advanced sharing settings.

3. Turn on network discovery, file and printer sharing and turn it off password-protected sharing.

4. Repeat step 3 on the second PC.

Now check the connection: on the first PC, open Command line (Win + R → cmd) and enter:

ping [IP address of the second PC]

If the answers come without losses (0% loss), the connection is established. You can find out the IP address of the second PC using the command ipconfig (look for the line IPv4 address in the block Wireless network adapter).

Connected to the same Wi-Fi network|Network discovery enabled|Password protection disabled|Ping works without loss|IP addresses in the same subnet (e.g. 192.168.1.x)

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For games with a dedicated server (For example, CS2, Dota 2) It is enough to launch the game on one PC and connect to it from the second one via a local IP. For peer-to-peer games (For example, L4D2, Killing Floor 2) you may need to manually specify the IP in the multiplayer settings.

⚠️ Attention: If the router uses DHCP With dynamic IPs, computer addresses may change upon reboot. To avoid problems, assign static IP in the router settings (bind by MAC address) or manually on each PC.

3. Method 2: Direct Ad-hoc connection (without a router)

If you don't have a router, you can create one access point on one of the computers. This method is suitable for games with support LAN, but can give delays of up to 30-50 ms due to protocol features 802.11.

Instructions for Windows 10/11:

1. On the first PC, open Command prompt as administrator.

2. Create a network with the command (replace SSID And PASSWORD):

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

3. Start the network:

   netsh wlan start hostednetwork

4. Allow sharing: Go to Network connections, find a new connection Local Area Connection* X, open Properties → Access and check the box Allow other network users to use this computer's Internet connection.

On the second PC, connect to the created network MyGameNetwork with a password 12345678After this, check the connection with the command ping (as in method 1).

Limitations of the method:

• 🐢 High latency in games with fast reactions (shooters, fighting games).
• 🔌 When the host PC is turned off, the network disappears.
• 📶 Speed ​​is limited by the standard 802.11n (max 150 Mbps).

4. Method 3: Wi-Fi Direct (for modern adapters)

Wi-Fi Direct allows you to connect devices directly without creating a network. This method is supported by adapters with WFD-certification (for example, Intel Wireless-AC 9560 or Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650). The advantage is lower delays compared to ad-hoc (ping ~15-20 ms).

How to set up:

1. On the first PC, open Settings → Devices → Bluetooth & other devices → Add a device.

2. Select Wireless display or docking station (yes, it's the same protocol Wi-Fi Direct).

3. On the second PC, in the same menu, select Wireless display and wait until the first PC is detected.

4. Confirm the connection on both devices.

After connecting, check the network with the command ipconfig - a new adapter should appear Wi-Fi Direct With an IP address. For games, use this IP when creating a local session.

⚠️ Attention: Some antiviruses (for example, Kaspersky Internet Security) are blocking Wi-Fi Direct as a "suspicious connection." Add an exception for the process. svchost.exe (Windows process host) in the antivirus settings.

5. Method 4: WDS Bridge (for advanced users)

If you have two routers, you can set them up wireless bridge (WDS). This will allow you to connect networks wirelessly while maintaining low ping. The method requires support WDS on both routers (I have ASUS RT-AX88U, TP-Link Archer C8 and others).

Procedure:

1. On the main router, turn on WDS in the settings (Wireless Mode → Bridge).

2. Enter the MAC address of the second router (find it on the sticker or in the web interface).

3. Set up the same settings on the second router. SSID and password, but disable it DHCP.

4. Connect your computers to different routers so they are on the same network.

Advantages WDS:

• 🚀 Low ping (5-10 ms).
• 📶 Extended coverage area.
• 🔄 Multiple device support.

Flaws:

• ⚙️ Complex setup.
• 📉 Speed ​​drops by 30-50% due to retransmission.

How do I know if my router supports WDS?

Open the router's web interface (usually at 192.168.1.1) and find the section Wireless → WDS or BridgeIf there is no such item, the function is not supported. Alternative: mode Repeater (repeater), but it gives big delays.

6. Optimizing your connection for games

Even after a successful connection, problems may occur lags, connection breaks or high ping. Here's how to fix it:

For competitive games (eg. Valorant or Fortnite) recommended:

• 🎮 Use wired connection (if possible).
• 📡 Switch the router to mode Game (Game Mode) or turn on QoS to prioritize traffic.
• 🔧 Update your Wi-Fi adapter drivers (download from the manufacturer's website, not through Windows Update).

7. Alternative solutions: Hamachi, ZeroTier, Steam Remote Play

If the local network is not working, you can use virtual networks:

• 🌐 Hamachi — creates a VPN network, but adds ping ~30-100 ms.
• 🔗 ZeroTier — a more modern alternative with fewer delays.
• 🎮 Steam Remote Play Together — streams the game online (suitable for co-op).

Disadvantages of virtual networks:

• 🐢 High ping (not suitable for shooters).
• 🔒 Risk of being blocked by anti-cheat (in CS2, PUBG and others).
• 💰 ZeroTier requires payment for a network of more than 50 devices.

If you choose Hamachi, follow the instructions:

1. Download the program from official website.
2. Create a network on the first PC and connect to it from the second.
3. Use IP from Hamachi (starts with 5.x.x.x) to connect in the game.

⚠️ Attention: Some games (eg. Escape from Tarkov) block connections through Hamachi/ZeroTierIn this case, only a physical connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) remains.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to play on Wi-Fi? CS2 without lags?

Yes, but only if the ping between PCs doesn't exceed 15 ms. To do this:

• Use a router with Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax).
• Connect to the network 5 GHz (and not 2.4 GHz).
• Turn it off QoS on the router (sometimes it adds delays).

If the ping is higher than 20 ms, the game will be "rubber-band" - it is better to use a cable.

Why doesn't the second computer see the created file? ad-hoc net?

Reasons and solutions:

• The adapter driver does not support ad-hoc. Update the driver from the manufacturer's website (not through Windows Update).
• The password is too long or too short. Use a password of 8-15 characters (numbers + letters).
• Conflict with antivirus. Turn it off Avast/Kaspersky at the time of connection.

How to reduce lag in Wi-Fi gaming?

Try these methods:

1. Switch to the channel 5 GHz (less busy).
2. Enable it in your router settings. WMM (Wi-Fi Multimedia) and turn it off IGMP Snooping.
3. Use static IP for both PCs.
4. Reduce MTU up to 1472 (in the network connection properties).

If nothing helps, the only option left is a wired connection.

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

Yes, but with some reservations:

• On Mac no built-in support ad-hoc (via terminal only).
• It is better to use a router or Wi-Fi Direct (if the adapter supports it).
• For games like Minecraft will do Hamachi, but in CS2 or Valorant there will be lags.

Which games definitely work over a local Wi-Fi network?

Tested games with LAN over Wi-Fi support:

Game	Connection type	Max players
Minecraft	Any (router, ad-hoc, Wi-Fi Direct)	Unlimited
Counter-Strike 2	Router or wire	10
Terraria	Any	8
Left 4 Dead 2	Router or Wi-Fi Direct	4
StarCraft II	Router	8

Games with dedicated servers (For example, GTA V) usually do not support local multiplayer over Wi-Fi.