Creating a local network between two computers is a basic skill that enables instant file sharing without external drives. In the age of cloud storage, a direct connection is often faster and more secure, especially when transferring large amounts of data or when working in poor internet conditions. Modern operating systems like Windows 10 and Windows 11 have built-in tools for this, but their default settings often limit device visibility for security reasons.
To successfully complete this task, you'll need a working Wi-Fi router connected to both devices, or create a virtual access point on one of the laptops. The process doesn't require extensive programming knowledge, but it does require careful consideration when entering network security settings. Proper configuration SMB protocol and network profiles guarantee a stable data transfer rate and the absence of access errors.
In this article, we'll cover every setup step in detail, from checking your equipment to fine-tuning access rights to shared folders. You'll learn how to avoid common mistakes most users encounter when first setting up a home network. Having your equipment ready and your wireless adapter drivers up-to-date will be the foundation for a successful connection.
Checking equipment and preparing network infrastructure
Before beginning software configuration, ensure that the devices can physically see each other. Both computers must be within range of the router's Wi-Fi signal. If one computer is connected via Ethernet and the other via Wi-Fi, they will also be on the same local network unless the router is configured to isolate client devices.
Make sure both devices have the latest drivers for the wireless adapter. Outdated software can cause connection drops or incorrect discovery protocols. Check the connection status in Device Manager and ensure the adapter is working correctly.
⚠️ Attention: Some corporate routers and public access points have a "Client Isolation" feature. When enabled, devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network will be unable to see each other. On home routers, this option should be found in the wireless network section and disabled.
For stable operation of the local network, it is recommended to use the encryption standard WPA2/WPA3Outdated security methods, such as WEP, may not support the necessary network resource discovery features in newer versions of Windows. It's also important that both computers are on the same subnet, which usually happens automatically when connected to the same router.
Check the IP addresses of your devices. They should all start with the same three numbers (e.g., 192.168.1.x), indicating they are in the same logical group. If the addresses are significantly different (e.g., 192.168.0.x and 10.0.0.x), a direct connection will be impossible without complex routing.
Setting up a network profile and discovery in Windows
By default, the Windows operating system classifies new connections as "Public Network," which severely limits the computer's visibility to other devices. To connect two computers, you must change this profile to "Private Network." This action makes the computer discoverable and opens ports for local data exchange.
You can change the network type through the Wi-Fi settings. Click the wireless network icon in the system tray, select the current connection properties, and switch the profile from "Public" to "Private." This is the first and most critical step, as without it, further settings may not work.
- 📡 Open "Settings" (Win + I) and go to "Network & Internet".
- 💻 Select "Wi-Fi" in the left menu and click on the name of your active network.
- 🔒 In the "Network profile" section, select the "Private" option.
- 🔄 Repeat the procedure on the second computer if it also runs Windows.
After changing your profile, you need to enable discovery features. Go to "Network and Sharing Center" and select "Change advanced sharing settings." Here, you need to enable network discovery and file and printer sharing for the current profile.
⚠️ Attention: When you enable sharing, Windows may ask you to confirm the creation of firewall rules. Be sure to accept this request, otherwise the security system will block incoming connections and the other computer will not be able to see the shared folders.
It's also important to pay attention to the "Password-protected file access" setting. If you disable this feature, anyone who connects to your Wi-Fi will be able to access your shared folders. This is convenient for a home network with trusted devices, but in multi-family buildings, it's best to leave the protection enabled.
Setting up shared access to folders and files
Once the network infrastructure is in place, it's necessary to determine which resources will be shared. Windows allows you to share individual folders, drives, or even connected printers. Setting up access rights requires understanding the difference between NTFS file system permissions and network permissions.
To create a shared folder, create a new directory or select an existing one. Right-click it and select "Properties." Go to the "Sharing" tab and click "Advanced." Check the "Share this folder" box.
The key is setting user permissions. Click the "Permissions" button. By default, it may be "Everyone," but for security, it's best to add a specific user or a "HomeGroup" group with "Full Control," "Modify," or "Read" permissions.
☑️ Check access rights
There's also a "Security" tab in the folder's properties. Make sure the account you plan to use to log in from another computer is listed in the groups or users. If it's not there, add it and grant the appropriate permissions. Access issues often arise from conflicts between the "Access" and "Security" tabs.
To quickly transfer temporary files, you can use the "Public Folders" feature, which is located in the user profile. However, for permanent work, it's better to create a dedicated folder structure, for example, C:\Share, so as not to mix personal files with network resources.
Port forwarding and setting up a static IP address
For stable local network operation, especially if you plan to use specialized gaming or remote control software, it's recommended to assign IP addresses to devices. Dynamic address assignment (DHCP) can result in the computer receiving a new address after a router reboot, causing shared folder paths to stop working.
Setting up a static IP address is done in the protocol properties. IPv4Open your Wi-Fi connection properties, find Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), and click "Properties." Select "Use the following IP address."
Enter the address corresponding to your subnet. If your router's address is 192.168.1.1, you can assign 192.168.1.50 to your computer. The system usually enters the subnet mask automatically (255.255.255.0). The default gateway is your router's address.
| Parameter | Example of meaning | Description |
|---|---|---|
| IP address | 192.168.1.150 | A unique address of a computer on a network |
| Subnet mask | 255.255.255.0 | Determines the size of the local network |
| Main gateway | 192.168.1.1 | Router address (Internet access) |
| Preferred DNS | 8.8.8.8 | Domain name server (can be left automatic) |
When setting up a static IP address, it's important to avoid address conflicts. Make sure the address you choose isn't already in use by another device on the network. It's best to choose addresses from a range that the router doesn't automatically assign (usually addresses above 100 or below 50, depending on your DHCP pool settings).
What to do if there is an IP address conflict?
If you see a message about an IP address conflict, it means there's already a device with the same address on the network. Try changing the last digit of the IP address (for example, from 1.50 to 1.55) and reconnecting. You can also temporarily disable the static IP address and reboot the router to reset the address lease.
Connecting to network resources and mapping disks
After setting up sharing on the first computer, move on to the second. To access files, you don't need to search for the computer in the network environment every time, which is unstable in newer versions of Windows. Directly entering the address or mapping a network drive is the most reliable method.
Open "This PC" in File Explorer. In the top menu, select "Map network drive." Select any available drive letter (e.g., Z:) and enter the path to the resource in the "Folder" field. The path should look like this: \\IP-address-of-the-first-PC\Folder_Name or \\Computer-Name\Folder_Name.
Using the IP address instead of the computer name often solves name resolution issues, especially on simple home networks without a dedicated DNS server. If the system prompts for credentials, enter the username and password of the user on the first computer that has permissions to access this folder.
- 📂 Open "This PC" and click "Map network drive".
- 🔗 Enter the path in the format
\\192.168.1.X\Share. - ✅ Check the box "Reconnect at logon."
- 🔑 Enter your credentials if prompted for authorization.
The shared folder will now appear as a regular local drive in File Explorer. You can work with files on it just like with files on your hard drive: open, edit, and save. Copy speed will be limited only by the power of your Wi-Fi router and the signal quality.
Troubleshooting and securing your connection
Even with proper configuration, situations may arise where computers can't see each other. First, check your Windows Firewall. It may be blocking incoming SMB connections. Make sure "File and Printer Sharing" is allowed in your firewall rules.
It's also worth checking Windows services. The following services should be running on both computers: "SSDP Discovery Function," "Network Discoveries," and "Function Discovery Resource Publishing." If these services are stopped, the computer will not be visible on the network.
⚠️ Attention: SMB version 1.0 is outdated and vulnerable. Windows 10 and 11 disable it by default. If you're connecting a very old device (like Windows XP), you'll have to manually enable SMB 1.0 in Windows Features, but this reduces overall network security.
For diagnostics, use the command line. Command ping [IP address] This will show whether the computer is physically accessible. If you can ping but the folders won't open, the problem lies with your access settings or firewall. If there's no ping, the problem lies with your Wi-Fi connection or IP settings.
Don't forget about security. Don't leave shared folders open to the "Everyone" group with full access rights if outsiders may access your Wi-Fi network. Use strong passwords for Windows user accounts, as they protect access to your data on the local network.
Why doesn't the second computer see the first one, even though Wi-Fi is working?
Most often, the problem lies with the network profile. If Windows considers the network "Public," it hides the computer from others. Also, check that the Network Discovery service is enabled and that your antivirus or firewall isn't blocking the connection.
What is the maximum speed I can get over Wi-Fi when transferring files?
Actual speed depends on the Wi-Fi standard. For Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), it's around 30-50 Mbps, for Wi-Fi 5 (ac), it's up to 400-500 Mbps under ideal conditions, and Wi-Fi 6 can deliver even more. However, the speed will always be lower than with a gigabit cable due to protocol overhead and interference.
Do I need to turn off the Internet for the local network to work?
No, the internet can work simultaneously with the local network. Local traffic flows directly between devices through the router (or directly), without affecting the ISP's bandwidth. You can download files from torrents and simultaneously stream video over the local network.