Connecting two computers into a single local area network via Wi-Fi is a basic yet extremely useful feature of the Windows operating system. This configuration allows users to instantly exchange large files without external drives, share printers, or even organize local gaming sessions. Unlike a wired connection, creating a wireless network eliminates the need for unnecessary cables, but requires more careful configuration of security and sharing settings.
In modern versions of Windows, such as Windows 10 And Windows 11The setup process has become more automated, but old methods of managing network profiles are still relevant for stable operation. You don't need to be a system administrator to establish communication between devices; just follow a few steps in the operating system interface. Proper setup not only guarantees data transfer speed but also protects your local network from unauthorized access.
Before proceeding with software setup, make sure both computers are connected to the same router. This fundamental requirement, without which further steps are pointless. If one device is connected to guest Wi-Fi and the other to the main Wi-Fi, or they are on different subnets, they will be unable to detect each other, even with ideal Windows settings.
Checking basic network settings
The first step toward creating a fully functional local network is verifying the current IP addressing settings. Computers must be on the same logical subnet to "see" each other. Routers typically assign addresses automatically via DHCP, but sometimes static settings on one device can create a conflict or isolation.
To check, open the command prompt by typing cmd in the Start menu and run the command ipconfigFind the "IPv4 Address" and "Subnet Mask" lines. The first three digits of the address should match for both computers (e.g., 192.168.1.x), and the subnet mask should be the default. 255.255.255.0If the addresses are significantly different (for example, 192.168.0.x and 10.0.0.x), then the devices are on different networks.
It is also critical to check the workgroup name. By default, Windows uses the name WORKGROUPIf a group is renamed on one computer, the other computer may simply ignore its connection requests. You can change the name through the system control panel, but in most home scenarios, changing this value is not necessary.
⚠️ Caution: Antivirus programs and the built-in Windows firewall often block the detection of new devices on private networks. Make sure your network profile is marked as "Private Network" and not "Public."
If you use third-party antivirus software (for example, Kaspersky, ESET or Norton), their built-in firewalls may have their own rules for blocking local connections. In such cases, it's necessary to temporarily disable network protection or add the current connection to the exception list to check whether the software is the cause of the connection failure.
Setting up a network profile and sharing
The Windows operating system strictly separates settings for public and private networks. When you connect to Wi-Fi for the first time, the system asks you about the network type. For home use and connecting computers together Necessarily You need to select the "Private network" (Home) option. In "Public network" mode, Windows hides your computer from other devices for security.
To change your network type later, go to Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi. Click on your connection name and select the "Private" profile. After that, you'll need to enable discovery. Go to Network and Sharing Center and select "Change advanced sharing settings."
In the window that opens, for the current profile (private), do the following:
- 📡 Turn on network discovery and check the box next to "Turn on automatic connection configuration."
- 📁 Enable file and printer sharing.
- 🔐 Disable password-protected access if you want to simplify the connection (not recommended for networks with strangers).
Save the changes. The system will now allow incoming connections and broadcast your computer's name to the local network. Please note that changes do not take effect immediately; sometimes a reboot of the network adapter or the computer itself is required for the new firewall rules to take effect.
An important nuance is the configuration of discovery services. Service Function Discovery Resource Publication must be running for the computer to be visible in the network neighborhood of other devices. If the PC is not visible, check the status of this service via services.msc and set the startup type to "Automatic".
Creating a folder for data sharing
After configuring your network settings, you need to prepare the resource you plan to share. Simply having files on the disk isn't enough—you must explicitly grant access to a specific folder or disk. This ensures security, as other network users won't have access to your entire file system without your permission.
Select the folder you want to share, right-click it, and go to "Properties." Look for the "Sharing" tab. Click "Advanced" and check "Share this folder." Here you can also configure permission levels for different users.
The table below lists the main types of permissions and how they affect user activity on the network:
| Permission type | Description of actions | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | The user can only open and copy files. | Safe for shared documents |
| Change | Permission to read, write, modify, and delete files | For work projects |
| Full access | All actions, including changing access rights | For administrator only |
| Recording | Only adding files, no viewing of contents | To collect reports |
Don't forget to also go to the "Security" tab in the folder properties. It often happens that network access is allowed, but the NTFS (file system) permissions block reading. Add the "Everyone" group or a specific user and grant them the appropriate permissions from this list.
Connecting to a remote computer
Once the settings are complete on both computers, you can begin the actual connection. The most reliable connection method is using the remote device's IP address, as computer names on a Wi-Fi network can take a long time to resolve or be incorrect due to the specifics of the NetBIOS protocol.
Find out the IP address of the target computer (as described in the second section). On your computer, press the key combination Win + Rto open the Run window. Enter two backslashes and the IP address, like this: \\192.168.1.55. Press Enter.
If everything is configured correctly, a File Explorer window will open displaying all shared folders on the remote computer. For convenience, you can right-click the desired folder and select "Map network drive." This will create a permanent link to the folder in "My Computer" with the assigned drive letter.
⚠️ Note: When you first connect, the system may ask for credentials. Enter the login and password for the computer you're connecting to, not the one you're currently using. If your account doesn't have a password, your login may be blocked by security policies.
If you receive the error "Windows cannot access...," try adding the credentials manually. Open Control Panel → Credential Manager → Add a Windows credential. Enter the IP address in the "Interest" field, and the login and password of the remote machine in the username fields.
☑️ Checklist for a successful connection
Using Shared Folder and HomeGroup (Alternatives)
Older versions of Windows had a feature called "HomeGroup," which made connecting computers much easier. However, in Windows 10 (after version 1803) and Windows 11, this feature has been completely removed. Users must now rely on traditional sharing methods or cloud services.
However, Windows 10 and 11 introduced a simplified feature called "Public folder sharing." It allows you to share a special system folder accessible to everyone on the network. You can find it at C:\Users\Public (or Users\General). Files placed here are visible to everyone, but it is less secure than customizing folders.
To enable this feature, go to "Settings" → "Network & Internet" → "Advanced sharing settings." Under "All Networks," find "Public folder sharing" and select "Turn on sharing." This is a quick way to transfer files, but it's not suitable for regularly working with sensitive data.
What if the HomeGroup feature is still showing?
Traces of the removed feature may remain in the Windows registry. If you see errors related to HomeGroup, you can use scripts to completely clean up these entries from the registry, but generally, ignoring them is sufficient, as they don't affect the standard SMB protocol.
A modern alternative to complex network settings for ordinary users is the use of the SMB protocol via cloud storage or specialized software like Resilio Sync or SyncthingThese programs create a virtual local area network (VLAN) over Wi-Fi, automatically bypassing many firewall and router settings.
Diagnostics and troubleshooting
Even with careful configuration, situations may arise where computers cannot see each other. One of the most common causes is a disabled SMB 1.0 service. Although this protocol is considered obsolete and less secure, many network devices and older PCs still use it for discovery.
To enable support, go to Control Panel → Programs and Features → Turn Windows features on or off. Find "SMB 1.0/CIFS file sharing support" and ensure the "SMB 1.0 client" checkbox is checked. A reboot will be required after enabling support.
The Network Discovery service may also be causing problems. Make sure it is running. Also, in the network adapter properties (via ncpa.cpl) in the IPv4 protocol, the “Network discovery” and “LLDP” protocol boxes must be checked.
⚠️ Note: Windows settings interfaces and service names may vary slightly depending on the update version (21H2, 22H2, etc.). If you can't find the item, use the system settings search.
If all else fails, try temporarily disabling your antivirus and Windows Firewall on both computers. If the connection reappears, the issue is due to blocked ports (usually port 445 for SMB). In this case, create a new inbound firewall rule allowing TCP on port 445 for private networks.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to connect computers via Wi-Fi if one of them is running Windows 7 and the other is running Windows 11?
Yes, this is possible. However, on Windows 11, you may need to manually enable SMBv1 support, as it's disabled by default for security reasons, while Windows 7 often relies on it. Also, make sure network discovery is enabled on both PCs.
Why does it ask for a login and password when connecting, even though I didn’t set them?
Windows requires authorization to access resources. If the target computer has a blank password, the security system may block login. Solution: Either set a password on the target PC's user account or use Group Policy (gpedit.msc) allow “Unrestricted guest access” (path: Computer Configuration → Windows Policies → Security Settings → Local Policies → Security Options).
What is the maximum data transfer speed that can be achieved over Wi-Fi?
Speed depends on the Wi-Fi router standard (802.11n, ac, ax) and distance. Under ideal conditions, 40-80 MB/s of actual file transfers can be achieved on a 5 GHz frequency. On a 2.4 GHz frequency, speeds will be lower, around 3-10 MB/s, and the connection will be less stable.
Is it safe to keep folder sharing enabled all the time?
If you're on a home network with a strong Wi-Fi password (WPA2/WPA3), the risk is minimal. However, in public places (cafes, hotels), it's strictly forbidden to enable public access—your files could become accessible to attackers on the same network.