Setting up a local network between two PCs via a WiFi router

Creating a local area network between computers is a basic skill that greatly simplifies working with files in a home office or game room. Modern routers allow data exchange without unnecessary wires, using a standard Wi-Fi signalThis solution eliminates the need to carry files on flash drives or upload them to cloud storage, which is especially important when working with large volumes of information.

To successfully implement your plans, you won't need in-depth programming knowledge or complex software. Operating system Windows 10 has built-in tools that make the setup process as transparent as possible. The key is to follow a few steps to change network security and access settings.

In this guide, we'll cover all the details, from checking your hardware to granting access to specific folders. You'll learn how to avoid common mistakes that often lead to computers simply not "seeing" each other in a network environment. Proper configuration SMB protocol will be the key to the stable operation of your mini-grid.

Preparing equipment and checking connections

Before proceeding with software configuration, you need to ensure that the physical infrastructure is ready. Both computers must be connected to the same Wi-Fi routerIt doesn't matter whether you're using a wireless connection or an Ethernet cable, the main thing is to be on the same network segment.

⚠️ Note: If one of the computers is connected via a guest Wi-Fi network, they will not be able to exchange data. Guest mode isolates devices from each other for security purposes.

Check the connection status on each device. The network icon should appear in the system tray without any warning signs. Make sure the IP addresses are assigned automatically or manually assigned within the same subnet, for example, 192.168.1.x.

You can use the command line for diagnostics. Click Win + R, enter cmd and press Enter. In the black window, enter the command ipconfigWrite down the IPv4 address of each computer; we'll need it later for direct connection.

Setting up a network profile in Windows 10

By default, Windows 10 considers new networks to be public, which prevents the device from being visible to others. We need to change this status to "Private Network." This will make the computer discoverable in the local area.

Open the Start menu and go to the section Parameters (gear icon). Next, select the item Network and Internet. In the left column, find the section Wi-Fi (or Ethernet if you are using a cable) and click on the name of your current connection.

In the window that opens, under the heading "Network Profile", select the option PrivateRepeat this procedure on the second computer. Without this step, all further access settings will be ignored by the security system.

After changing your profile, the system may prompt you to enable network discovery. Accept this prompt. Your computers are now ready to "see" each other, but they are not yet allowed to share files.

Configuring sharing settings

The next step is fine-tuning the data sharing rules. Windows provides flexible tools for managing who can access your resources and how. We'll enable basic file sharing features.

Return to the menu Network and Internet and scroll down the page to the link Network and Sharing CenterIn the left menu, select the item Change advanced sharing optionsHere we see profiles for the private and guest networks.

In the "Private (Current Profile)" section, make sure the following items are enabled:

• 🔍 Enable network discovery
• 📂 Enable file and printer sharing
• 🔐 Allow Windows to manage HomeGroup connections

Next, open the "All Networks" tab. This is where a critical setting is located. Password-protected sharingIf you want to allow access to files from any device on the network without entering a login and password, select the "Disable password-protected sharing" option.

⚠️ Important: Disabling password protection is only allowed on trusted home networks. In offices or public places, leave this setting enabled to prevent data leaks.

Don't forget to press the button Save changes at the bottom of the page. The operating system is now ready to grant access to shared resources according to the specified rules.

Creating and sharing a shared folder

Now you need to create a location where the files will be stored for transfer. You can use any existing folder or create a new one, for example, on your desktop and name it "Share."

Right click on the folder and select Properties. Go to the tab Access and press the button Advanced settingsCheck the box next to "Share this folder."

In the same window, click the button PermissionsSelect the "Everyone" group and check the "Allow" column for full access or read-only access, depending on your needs. Click OK to save.

There is also a second way through the tab SecurityHere you need to make sure that the "Everyone" group has read and execute permissions. If such a group does not exist, add it using the button Change -> Add, entering the word "All" and checking the names.

Searching for computers and connecting to resources

Once the settings on both PCs are complete, you can begin connecting. Open File Explorer and select NetIf you followed all the steps correctly, you will see the names of both computers.

If computers don't show up automatically, you can force a connection using their IP address. Click Win + R, enter two backslashes and the IP address of the target computer, for example: \\192.168.1.55. Press Enter.

The system may ask for confirmation when you first connect. If you've disabled password protection, the folders will open immediately. Otherwise, you'll need to enter the username and password for the remote computer's user account.

What should I do if it requires a password even though it is disabled?

Sometimes the credential cache can get in the way. Open Control Panel -> Credential Manager -> Windows Credentials. Find the entry with the IP address or computer name and delete it. Then try connecting again.

For easy, ongoing use, you can mount the network folder as a separate drive. In File Explorer, right-click "This PC" and select Add a new network environment item or use the button Map a network drive in the menu above.

Diagnosis and solution of typical problems

Even with the correct settings, problems may still occur. Most often, the problem lies with antivirus software or firewall software blocking incoming connections. Try temporarily disabling your third-party antivirus and testing access.

Also make sure that the service Publishing discovery resources launched. Click Win + R, enter services.mscFind the service in the list, double-click it and select the startup type "Automatic", then click Launch.

⚠️ Note: Windows settings interfaces may vary slightly depending on the build version (21H2, 22H2, etc.). If you can't find the option, use the search in system settings.

If nothing helps, try resetting your network settings. In the section Network and Internet There is a button at the bottom Network resetThis will reset all network components to factory defaults, after which you will have to go through the setup procedure again.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to connect computers if one is on Windows 10 and the other is on Windows 7?

Yes, this is possible. However, on Windows 10, you may need to enable SMB 1.0 protocol support via "Turn Windows features on or off," as older systems use it by default.

Why is file transfer so slow?

Speed ​​depends on the quality of the Wi-Fi signal and the router standard. If the router only supports 2.4 GHz, the speed will be lower than at 5 GHz. Speed ​​is also limited by the slowest device in the chain.

How do I disable folder sharing?

Go back to the folder properties, the "Sharing" tab, click "Advanced settings" and uncheck "Share this folder."

Is my computer visible on the cafe's Wi-Fi network?

No, if you have the "Public Network" profile enabled (which is the default in public places), your computer is hidden from other devices. Enable network sharing only on trusted networks.