Organizing data exchange between devices within an apartment or small office is a basic task faced by every modern user. Local area network Wi-Fi allows you to transfer files, play online games, or share a printer without the need for cables. This solution is ideal for laptops and desktop PCs equipped with wireless modules.
The process of creating a connection is based on the correct configuration of the network parameters of the operating system and the router configuration. Windows By default, it seeks to protect the user by limiting the computer's visibility to outsiders, so changing the network profile is key. You won't need complex utilities; standard system tools are sufficient.
It is important to understand that the stability of the connection directly depends on the quality of the signal. wireless routerIf the devices are located in different rooms with thick walls, the transfer speed may be lower than with a cable connection. However, for most everyday tasks—watching movies, working with documents, or backing up—the bandwidth of these standards is sufficient. 802.11n And 802.11ac will be quite enough.
Checking hardware compatibility and requirements
Before beginning software configuration, you need to ensure that your hardware is physically capable of supporting the infrastructure being created. Both computers must be equipped with working Wi-Fi adapters. For desktop PCs, these can be USB dongles or PCIe expansion cards, while laptops typically have a built-in module.
The central element is the router. It must operate in access point mode (Access Point) and distribute IP addresses through the built-in DHCP serverThis is the default configuration for 99% of home routers immediately after power-on. If you're using a complex corporate gateway with manual address assignment, the configuration will need to be adapted to the system administrator's requirements.
It's also worth paying attention to the operating system version. Although data transfer protocols are universal, detection mechanisms in Windows 10 And Windows 11 differ from older versions like XP or Vista. For maximum compatibility and security, it's recommended that both computers have the latest system updates.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure both computers have up-to-date drivers for their Wi-Fi adapters. Outdated software can cause connection drops or incorrect discovery protocols.
Basic wireless setup
The first step is to physically connect both devices to the same wireless network. The computers must connect to your router's SSID (network name) using the correct password. If one PC is connected by cable and the other by air, they will also be on the same subnet unless the router is configured to isolate clients.
You can check the current connection status via the command line. Click Win + R, enter cmd and press Enter. In the black window, enter the command ipconfigFind the section that corresponds to your wireless adapter and look at the line IPv4 address.
The addresses of both computers must start the same, for example, 192.168.1.X or 192.168.0.X, where X is a unique number for each device. If the addresses begin with 169.254.X.X, this means that DHCP failed, and automatic address assignment failed. In this case, the connection will not work until the router issue is resolved.
☑️ Basic connection check
For ease of use, it's recommended to remember or write down the IP address of the computer whose folders you plan to access. Static addressing makes life easier, but dynamic addressing can be used at home if you check the address before each connection.
Setting up a network profile in Windows
By default, Windows assigns new connections to the "Public Network" profile. In this mode, the system hides your computer from detection by other devices and blocks incoming connections for your own security. We need to change this status to "Private Network" (or "Home" in older versions).
IN Windows 10 And Windows 11 go to Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-FiClick on the name of your connected network (or select "Properties"). Under "Network profile type," select the option PrivateThis action will allow the computer to become visible to other devices on this network.
Why does Windows block the network by default?
Microsoft adheres to the "security first" principle. In public places (cafes, airports), your computer should not be visible to other users to prevent attackers from accessing your files. By switching your profile to "Private," you manually confirm that you trust the devices on this network.
After changing your profile, the system may ask you to confirm whether to enable network discovery. Be sure to agree to this, otherwise all further settings will be useless. It's also worth checking that the "Allow other network users to discover this PC" option is enabled in the advanced settings.
⚠️ Attention: Don't switch your profile to "Private" if you're on public Wi-Fi (like at a hotel or cafe). This will make your folders accessible to everyone around you, which is a serious security breach.
Enable network discovery and sharing
Changing the network profile is only half the battle. Now you need to explicitly allow file sharing. Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing CenterIn the menu on the left, select "Change advanced sharing settings."
Expand the tab for your current profile (Private). Here, you need to enable the "Turn on network discovery" switch and check the "Turn on automatic configuration of connecting network devices" box. Below, in the "File and Printer Sharing" section, also select the option Enable sharing.
Pay special attention to the bottom of the window—the "All Networks" section. This is where the critically important "Password-protected sharing" option is located. If you want file access to be as simple as possible and not require you to enter your username and password each time you connect, select this option. Disable password-protected sharing.
| Parameter | Recommended value (Home) | Recommended value (Office) | Impact on safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| Network discovery | Included | Included | Low (within a trusted network) |
| File sharing | Included | Included | Average |
| Password protection | Disabled (for convenience) | Enabled (required) | High (protects against unauthorized access) |
| Encryption | 128-bit | 256-bit | Data protection during transmission |
After making all changes, be sure to click "Save Changes." The system will apply the new firewall rules, and your computer will be open to local network connections.
Expanding access to specific folders
Now that the network infrastructure is ready, we need to tell the system which resources we want to share. Select the folder you want to share, right-click it, and select Properties. Go to the tab Access.
Click the "Advanced Settings" button. Check the "Share this folder" box. Below, in the "Permissions" field, you can fine-tune permissions: allow or deny reading, editing, or full access for the "Everyone" group or specific users.
net share ResourceName=C:\Path\To\Folder /grant:All,fullAn alternative, faster method is to use the "Share" feature in the top bar of File Explorer (the "Share" tab). Select "Specific users," select "Everyone" from the drop-down list, click "Add," and set the permission level to Read and Write. This method is more intuitive for beginners.
This could lead to vulnerabilities or accidental deletion of important operating system files by another network user.
Connecting to a network resource and troubleshooting
To access shared folders from another computer, open File Explorer (Win + E). In the address bar, enter two backslashes and the IP address of the target computer, for example: \\192.168.1.105Press Enter. If the settings are correct, you will see a list of available folders.
For easy, permanent use, the folder can be mapped as a network drive. In File Explorer, right-click "This PC" and select "Map network drive." Select the drive letter and specify the path to the resource. The folder will now appear in "My Computer" as a separate drive.
If the computers cannot see each other, check the Function Discovery Resource Publication (FDP) service. Click Win + R, enter services.msc, find this service in the list and make sure it's running and the startup type is set to "Automatic." Often, disabling this service for "optimization" purposes disrupts network visibility.
⚠️ Attention: Windows and router settings interfaces may vary depending on the update version and device model. If you don't find the item described, search for a similar one or consult the manufacturer's documentation.
In rare cases, the problem lies in the router's settings. Some models have a feature called "AP Isolation," which prevents devices connected over the air from communicating with each other. This feature should be disabled in the router's wireless settings.
Why can't computers see each other even though their IP addresses are in the same subnet?
Most often, the problem lies with Windows Firewall or antivirus software, which are blocking incoming connections. It's also possible that the network profile on one of the PCs is still set to "Public." Check if SMB 1.0 is enabled (although it's best not to enable it for security reasons; it's better to use SMB 2 or 3).
Is it possible to connect computers without a router?
Yes, it's possible to create a computer-to-computer (Ad-hoc) network directly using Wi-Fi adapters, but this requires more complex manual IP address configuration and is less stable. Having a router, even without internet access, significantly simplifies the process.
What is the maximum speed when transferring via Wi-Fi?
Actual speed is typically 40-60% of your router's theoretical speed due to protocol overhead and interference. For an AC1200 router, the actual file copy speed will be around 4-6 MB/s, which is sufficient for Full HD video.