How to Connect Two Computers via Wi-Fi in Windows 10: 3 Proven Methods

Connecting two computers directly via Wi-Fi V Windows 10 — a task that users face when they need to quickly transfer files, collaborate on documents, or organize a multiplayer game. Unlike a wired connection (via Ethernet), wireless communication does not require additional cables, but it has its own nuances: limited speed, dependence on interference and the need to properly configure network protocols.

Many people mistakenly believe that this requires router or Wi-Fi adapter with mode support AP (Access Point). In fact, Windows 10 allows you to create a direct connection ("computer-to-computer") using built-in tools - ad-hoc networks or regime mobile hotspotHowever, both methods have limitations: for example, Ad-hoc networks do not support the secure WPA3 protocol, and the data transfer rate in them rarely exceeds 54 Mbps (802.11g standard)In this article, we'll examine all the working methods, their pros and cons, and provide recommendations for troubleshooting common problems.

If you need to do more than just connect a PC, but organize a full-fledged file exchange or access to a printer, you will have to additionally configure public access through SMB or FTPWe'll cover this in a separate section. But first, let's determine which of the three methods is right for you.

1. Method 1: Create an access point on one of the computers (hotspot mode)

The easiest and most reliable method is to turn one of the PCs into virtual router, and connect the second one to it as to a regular Wi-Fi network. This method works reliably and supports modern security standards (WPA2-PSK) and allows you to connect not only a second computer, but also other devices (smartphones, tablets).

The main requirement is that the computer that will distribute Wi-Fi must have Wi-Fi adapter with mode support Hosted Network (most modern adapters can do this). You can check this through command line (cmd), by entering the command:

netsh wlan show drivers

Find the line in the output Hosted network support - it should be indicated there Yes.

If there is support, follow the instructions:

• 📋 Open Command Prompt as Administrator (click Win + X → Command Prompt (Administrator)).
• 🔧 Set network settings command:

  netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid="NetworkName" key="Password123" keyUsage=persistent

  Replace GridName And Password123 to your values. The password must be at least 8 characters long.

• 🚀 Start the distribution:

  netsh wlan start hostednetwork

• 🔄 Enable Internet Sharing (if necessary). To do this, go to Control Panel → Network Connections, find your primary connection (eg. Ethernet), right-click → Properties → Access and check the box Allow other network users to share your Internet connection.

Now, on the second computer, find the created network in the list of available Wi-Fi networks and connect to it by entering the password. To test the connection, you can use the command ping in the command line:

ping [IP address of the second PC]

If the ping is successful (no packet loss), the connection is successful.

2. Method 2: Ad-hoc network (direct computer-to-computer connection)

If your Wi-Fi adapter does not support the mode Hosted Network (or you are using outdated hardware), you can create ad-hoc network — a direct connection between two devices without an intermediary. This method is slower (maximum 54 Mbps) and less secure (only WPA2-PSK or WEP), but does not require additional software.

Instructions for Windows 10:

1. Open Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Set up a new connection or network → Set up a wireless ad hoc network.
2. Set the network name (SSID), security type (WPA2-Personal is recommended) and password.
3. After creating the network, connect the second computer to it manually (in the list of Wi-Fi networks it may be displayed with a mark Ad-hoc).

An important nuance: in Windows 10 the interface for creating an ad-hoc network is hidden deeper than in Windows 7If there is no menu item, use the alternative command line method:

netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid="AdHocNet" key="password123" keyUsage=persistent
netsh wlan start hostednetwork

But in this case the network will operate in the mode Infrastructure, and not Ad-hocFor a true ad-hoc network, third-party software like Connectify or Virtual Router Plus.

⚠️ Attention: Some antiviruses (for example, Kaspersky Internet Security) block ad-hoc connections, considering them potentially dangerous. If the network fails to create, temporarily disable protection or add an exception for the network adapter.

3. Method 3: Using third-party programs (for advanced users)

If built-in tools Windows If your network isn't suitable (for example, due to driver issues or advanced features), you can use specialized utilities. These allow you to flexibly configure network settings, monitor traffic, and even limit the speed of connected devices.

Top 3 programs for creating a Wi-Fi network between PCs:

• 🛠️ Connectify Hotspot — a paid utility with a trial period, supports WPA3, has a built-in firewall and the ability to distribute the Internet with 3G/4G modem.
• 🔧 Virtual Router Plus - a free alternative, but without support WPA3 and with reduced security settings.
• 🌐 mHotspot — a simple program with a minimalist interface, suitable for one-time tasks (for example, file transfer).