Setting up a local network between two computers via WiFi in Windows 10

Creating a local network between two computers is one of the basic but extremely useful functions of the operating system. Windows 10This combination allows for instant transfer of large files without external drives, online gaming, or shared peripherals such as printers. Unlike Windows 7 or XP, modern Windows 10 requires a more careful approach to setting up security profiles, which often causes confusion for users.

The process of connecting two machines requires a working Wi-Fi router to which both devices are connected. You won't need special cables or complex utilities, as all the necessary tools are already built into the OS. The main thing is to correctly configure sharing settings and ensure that the system doesn't block the connection with the built-in firewall. Below, we'll cover each step in detail to avoid any errors on the path to stable data exchange.

Before proceeding with the software settings, you need to ensure that the hardware is physically ready. Both computers must be within range of a strong wireless network signal. If you plan to transfer gigabytes of data, it's advisable that both devices support the standard. Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or newer for high speed.

The first and most critical step is to verify that both computers are on the same network. Windows automatically classifies connections as "Private Network" or "Public Network," and this setting directly affects your PC's visibility to other devices. By default, the system often selects the "Public Network" profile for new connections, which hides your computer from detection for security reasons.

To change this setting, you need to open the network settings. Press the key combination Win + I to open the settings menu, then go to the "Network & Internet" section. In the left column, select "Status" and click on the properties of your current connection (usually labeled "Wireless Network" or your router's name). Here, you need to switch the profile to "Private."

The same procedure must be repeated on the second computer. If the "Public Network" profile is set on either device, they will not see each other in the network neighborhood, and any further steps will be useless. This is the most common reason why users are unable to connect PCs.

• 🔍 Open "Settings" via the Start menu or a combination Win + I.
• 🔍 Go to "Network & Internet" → "Status".
• 🔍 Select an active Wi-Fi connection and change the profile to "Private."
• 🔍 Repeat the steps on the second computer.

⚠️ Warning: If you are in a public place (cafe, airport), never switch your profile to "Private", as this will make your computer visible to other network users, which creates a security risk.

After changing network profiles, you need to enable discovery. Windows 10 may block your computer's visibility by default, even on a private network, if network discovery is disabled. To fix this, open Control Panel (found by searching in the Start menu), go to Network and Internet, and then Network and Sharing Center.

On the left side of the window, click the "Change advanced sharing settings" link. A list of profiles will open. Make sure you're in the "Private (current profile)" section. Here, you need to enable the "Turn on network discovery" toggle and be sure to check the "Turn on automatic configuration of connecting network devices" box.

Next, enable "File and Printer Sharing." Without this option, even if the computers can see each other, you won't be able to access folders. Save the changes by clicking "Save Changes." It's also a good idea to check these settings on the second computer, although it's often enough to have them enabled on the receiving computer.

⚠️ Note: The Control Panel interface in Windows 10 changes periodically depending on the update version (21H2, 22H2, etc.). If you don't see the items you're used to, use the search within Control Panel and enter "manage advanced settings."

Now that the network infrastructure is set up, you need to grant access to specific data. You can share any folder on the first computer so that the second computer can read its contents or write files to it. Find the folder you plan to share, right-click it, and select "Properties."

In the window that opens, go to the "Access" tab and click "Sharing...." From the drop-down list, select "Everyone" (or a specific user if you want to increase security) and click "Add." In the "Permission Level" column for "Everyone," select "Read and Write" if you want to be able to not only retrieve files but also upload them to this PC.

After adding the user, click "Share" and then "Done." The system may ask you to confirm the action with administrator rights. The folder is now accessible online. For more advanced permissions management, you can use the "Security" tab in the folder properties, but for home use, the standard method via the "Share" button is usually sufficient.

• 📂 Right-click on the folder and select "Properties".
• 📂 Go to the "Access" tab → the "Share..." button.
• 📂 Add the "Everyone" user and set "Read and Write" permissions.
• 📂 Click "Share" and "Done" to apply the settings.

The easiest way to find a second computer on the network is to use the standard Windows Explorer. Open "This PC" and find "Network" in the left navigation pane. If network discovery is enabled correctly, you'll see the second computer's name in the list of devices.

When you first connect, the system may prompt you for a username and password. This is an important detail: you must enter the account credentials for the computer you're connecting to (the host computer), not the one you're currently using. If the target PC doesn't have a password, signing in may fail, as Windows 10 security policies often block passwordless logins.

If the computer doesn't appear in the "Network" list, you can try accessing it directly using its IP address. To do this, find out the IP address of the target computer (command ipconfig in the command line) and enter it in the address bar of the explorer in the format \\192.168.1.XXThis often helps to bypass problems with the SMB discovery protocol.

What should I do if Windows requires a password and I don't have one?

If the target computer doesn't have an account password, Windows may block the connection. In this case, either set a password for the user or (less securely) disable the password requirement under "All Networks" -> "Password-protected Sharing" -> "Turn off password-protected sharing."

For those who prefer the command line or need automation, powerful tools are available. net view allows you to see a list of available computers on the network, and net use — connect a network folder as a separate drive.

For example, to mount a shared folder from the host computer as drive Z:, use the following command:

net use Z: \\COMPUTER_NAME\FOLDER_NAME /user:USERNAME PASSWORD

It is also useful to know the IP addresses of the devices. The command ipconfig will show your current address. If you see an address starting with 169.254.xx, it means your computer hasn't received an address from the router (APIPA), and the connection won't work. Normally, the address will be 192.168.xx or 10.xxx.

Despite proper configuration, users may encounter errors. One of the most common is "Windows cannot access your computer." This is often due to a disabled Function Discovery Resource Publishing service. Check its status by entering services.msc in the Run menu (Win + R). Find the service, double-click it and set the startup type to "Automatic", then click "Start".

Third-party antivirus software can also cause problems. Kaspersky, ESET, or Avast may block your local network, considering it potentially dangerous. Try temporarily disabling your antivirus's firewall or adding your home network to the trusted list.

Another important aspect is the SMB protocol version. In recent Windows 10 updates, the legacy SMBv1 is disabled by default, but sometimes older devices or NAS devices require it to be enabled. However, this is usually not necessary for connecting two Windows 10 PCs, and using SMBv1 actually reduces security.

⚠️ Please note: Wi-Fi data transfer speeds will always be slower than cable transfers. If you regularly transfer files larger than 50 GB, consider temporarily connecting your computers to your router via LAN cable to speed up the process.

Finally, it's worth noting that connection stability directly depends not only on Windows settings but also on the router's performance. If devices are located far apart or the signal passes through several solid walls, speeds may drop to a minimum and connections may be lost. In such cases, using the 5 GHz band (if the router is dual-band) provides a significant performance boost.

Don't forget to periodically check for network adapter driver updates. Laptop and Wi-Fi module manufacturers frequently release patches that fix compatibility and connection stability issues on local networks. This is especially true for older adapter models.

Why is the second computer not showing up in the network neighborhood?

The most common cause is a network profile. If at least one computer is set to "Public Network," it is hidden. Another common cause is that the "Function Discovery Resource Publishing" service is disabled or port 445 is blocked by an antivirus program.

Is it possible to connect computers without a router (directly)?

Yes, this is possible by creating an artificial wireless network (Ad-Hoc) or via Wi-Fi Direct, but in Windows 10 this functionality is hidden and difficult to configure. It's easier and more reliable to use even the cheapest router or connect the PCs directly with a cable if you have network cards.

What password should I enter when connecting to a shared folder?

You must enter the username and password for the account on the computer whose folder you're connecting to. If you log in to that computer without a password, Windows may not allow you to access the folder. In this case, create a password for the user or disable the password protection requirement in the sharing settings.