Creating a local network between two devices based on the operating system Windows 10 — is a basic but critical skill for the modern user. It allows you to share large files without external drives, play online games, or even share a printer that's physically connected to only one computer. Many users mistakenly believe that this requires wires, but modern standards Wi-Fi provide sufficient throughput for comfortable work.
The setup process may seem confusing due to the multitude of security settings Microsoft has implemented in recent years. However, if you break the task down into sequential steps, everything becomes clear and logical. You don't need to be a network engineer to link two laptops or desktop PCs into a single system; you just need to carefully follow the steps and verify the settings at each step.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at the connection creation mechanism, focusing on access profiles and setting up shared access. The key condition for a successful connection is that both computers are on the same subnet, that is, connected to the same router. We'll cover both the system's standard features and the nuances that often cause mistakes among beginners.
Checking requirements and preparing equipment
Before proceeding with software settings, you need to ensure that the connection is physically possible. Both computers must have working wireless modules. If you're using desktop computers without built-in Wi-Fi, you'll need to connect a USB adapter or PCIe card. Make sure the drivers are installed correctly and the devices are working properly.
The second, and most important, requirement is that both devices must be connected to the same access point. This means they must "see" the same router and be part of its network. If you have a dual-band router broadcasting 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, make sure both PCs are connected to one of them, although modern routers typically combine them into a single logical network.
- 📡 Make sure the Wi-Fi indicator on both computers is on and shows a connection.
- 🔌 Make sure both devices are connected to your home network, not a guest or neighbor's network.
- 🔋 On laptops, it's a good idea to disable power-saving mode for the Wi-Fi adapter so it doesn't turn off while you're using it.
⚠️ Attention: If one computer is connected via Ethernet to the same router as the other computer via Wi-Fi, the connection will also work. The key is a single source for IP address distribution.
It's also worth checking your operating system version. Although the SMB protocols used for file sharing are compatible between different versions of Windows, Windows 10 And Windows 11 The settings are identical. Make sure both PCs have the latest security updates installed, as some older protocol versions may have been disabled by developers for security reasons.
Network profile setup and discovery
The most common reason computers can't see each other is because of the network profile. Windows 10 assigns new connections the "Public Network" profile by default, which provides maximum security: your computer is hidden from other devices and doesn't detect them. For a local network, you need to change this status to "Private Network."
To perform this procedure, go to the menu Start → Settings → Network & Internet. In the left part of the window, select the section Wi-Fi, and then click on the name of your current connection. In the menu that opens, find the "Make this computer discoverable" switch and set it to OnThis action will automatically change the network profile to "Private".
The same operation must be repeated on the second computer. Without changing the profile on both devices, they will ignore each other's broadcast requests, assuming they are in a potentially dangerous public space, such as a café.
After changing your profile, the system may ask you to confirm the action. Accept the changes. Now your devices are formally ready to "communicate" with each other, considering each other trusted members of the local group.
Enabling file and printer sharing
Changing the network profile is only half the battle. Even when on a "Private" network, Windows may block access to resources by default. You need to manually enable sharing features. To do this, open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center.
In the left menu, select "Change advanced sharing settings." A window will open with three tabs: "Private," "Guest or public," and "All networks." We're interested in the first tab, "Private (current profile)." Here, you need to do the following:
- ✅ Enable network discovery and check the box "Turn on automatic configuration of connecting network devices."
- ✅ Enable file and printer sharing.
- ✅ Allow Windows to manage HomeGroup connections (if this option is present).
Next, go to the "All Networks" tab. Here you'll find a critically important setting: "Password-protected sharing." If you want your files to be accessible without entering a username and password (convenient for a home network), select this option. Disable password-protected sharingIf security is a priority, leave it enabled. Then, when connecting from another PC, you'll be prompted to enter the user credentials of the first computer.
Don't forget to click the "Save Changes" button at the bottom of the page. Without this step, all settings will remain in the interface's memory and will not be applied to the system. After saving, it is recommended to restart both computers to ensure that all network policies are applied.
Setting up shared folders and resources
Now that the network infrastructure is set up, you need to tell the system exactly what data you want to make available to the second computer. Simply scattering files across the desktop isn't enough—you need to create an entry point.
Select the folder you want to share (e.g., "Share" or "Movies"). Right-click it and select "Properties." Go to the "Share" tab. Access and click the "Advanced settings" button. Check the "Share this folder" box.
In the same window, click the "Permissions" button. By default, there may be an "Everyone" group with read-only permissions. If you want the second computer to be able to not only copy files but also delete or modify them, select the "Everyone" group and check "Full Control" in the "Allow" column.
The nuances of NTFS access rights
Sharing permissions and NTFS permissions represent different levels of protection. If a user doesn't have write access in the Security tab of a folder's properties, even full access won't help. For home use, the easiest way is to add the "Everyone" group or a specific user to the folder's security permissions with full access.
There's also a faster way: use the "Share" feature. Right-click the folder, select "Share with" → "Specific people." Select "Everyone" (or a specific user) from the list, click "Add," change the permission level to "Read & Write," and click "Share." This method will automatically configure the necessary file system permissions.
Searching for computers and connecting to network resources
Once the settings are complete on both PCs, you can begin connecting. Open File Explorer (by clicking Win + E) and select "Network" in the left panel. If the settings are correct, you should see the names of both computers in the list.
If computers don't show up automatically, you can connect to them using their IP address. To do this, you'll need to find out the address of the target computer. On it, click Win + R, enter cmd and in the black window enter the command ipconfigFind the line "IPv4 address" - it will look like this 192.168.1.XX or 192.168.0.XX.
On the first computer, in the address bar of File Explorer, enter two backslashes and the IP address of the second computer, for example: \\192.168.1.54 and press Enter. If everything is configured correctly, a window will open with all the shared folders on the remote PC.
| Parameter | Value for PC 1 | Meaning for PC 2 |
|---|---|---|
| IP address | 192.168.1.10 | 192.168.1.15 |
| Subnet mask | 255.255.255.0 | 255.255.255.0 |
| Gateway (Router) | 192.168.1.1 | 192.168.1.1 |
| Network status | Private | Private |
For ease of use, you can map a network folder as a local drive. To do this, right-click "This PC" in File Explorer and select "Map network drive." Select a drive letter (e.g., Z:) and enter the path to the folder. It will now appear in "My Computer" as a regular hard drive.
☑️ Connection check
Troubleshooting common errors and problems
Even if you follow the instructions carefully, problems may arise. One common one is the error "Windows cannot access..." accompanied by an error code. This is often due to disabled services or being blocked by an antivirus program.
Check that the Discovery Resource Publishing service is running. Click Win + R, enter services.mscFind the services related to in the list. Discovery And Function DiscoveryMake sure they are running and the startup type is set to "Automatic." Without these services, your computer will not be visible in the network neighborhood.
⚠️ Attention: Third-party antivirus programs (Kaspersky, ESET, Avast, etc.) often have their own built-in firewalls that block local networks regardless of Windows settings. If all else fails, try temporarily disabling network protection in your antivirus.
The SMB 1.0 protocol is also worth mentioning. It's enabled by default in older versions of Windows (7, XP), but is disabled in Windows 10 due to vulnerabilities. If you're trying to connect a modern PC to a very old device or NAS, you may need to enable SMB 1.0 support via "Turn Windows features on or off," but do so with caution.
If you're not happy with the data transfer speed, check your Wi-Fi frequency. Transferring large files over a 2.4 GHz channel can be slow and unstable. In this case, marking Your router must support 5 GHz, and both adapters must also support this standard.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect two computers via Wi-Fi without a router?
Yes, it's possible. The technology is called "Computer-to-Computer" (Ad-Hoc) or the "Mobile Hotspot" feature in Windows 10. One computer creates a virtual network to which the second one connects. However, the speed and stability of such a connection are usually lower than when connected to a full-fledged router.
Why can computers see each other but not open folders?
The issue is most likely related to NTFS permissions or the password. Check the "Security" tab in the folder's properties and ensure that the "Everyone" user or a specific user with read access is listed. Also, check if the system requires a password to log in to the account.
Does internet speed affect file transfer speed over a local network?
No, it doesn't. A local network operates within your home between devices. Speed is limited only by the power of your Wi-Fi router, signal quality, and the speed of the wireless adapters in your computers. Internet access is not used.
Is it safe to keep sharing enabled all the time?
If you have a "Private" network profile and a strong Wi-Fi password, the risks are minimal. However, if you frequently connect to public Wi-Fi in cafes or airports, always choose the "Public" profile to hide your PC from prying eyes.