Creating a local area network between two computers via a wireless connection is often necessary for quickly transferring large files, sharing a printer, or setting up a game server. Unlike wired Ethernet, Wi-Fi eliminates the need to run cables throughout the entire apartment, making the infrastructure flexible and mobile. Modern operating systems have significantly simplified this process, but basic security settings and data exchange protocols still require user attention.
Before you begin the configuration, you need to make sure that both devices are connected to the same wireless network. Wi-Fi routerThis is a fundamental requirement, without which the physical connection layer will not be established. If one computer is connected to a guest network and the other to the main network, or if they are on different frequencies with client isolation, the connection will fail. It is also important that both devices have the same network protocol installed. TCP/IP, which is present by default in current versions of Windows.
There are several options for establishing a connection: using an existing router or creating a direct computer-to-computer (Ad-hoc) network. The first option is the most stable and preferred for permanent use in an office or home environment. The second option is useful in the field, where centralized equipment is not available. In this article, we will examine both methods in detail, focusing on setting access rights and troubleshooting common errors users encounter when attempting to access shared folders.
Checking basic network parameters
The first step is to diagnose the current connection status. Users often try to set up sharing without ensuring that computers can see each other at a basic level. Open the command prompt by pressing Win + R and entering cmdOn the first computer, find out its IP address using the command ipconfigWrite down the address listed in the "IPv4 Address" line, it usually looks like 192.168.xx. You will need this address for a direct connection if automatic detection does not work.
On the second computer, run the command ping [IP address of the first PC]If you see responses from the host, the physical connection and underlying network stack are working correctly. If packet loss or timeouts occur, the issue may lie in the firewall settings or port isolation on the router. Make sure the network profile in Windows is set to "Private" and not "Public," as the system blocks incoming connections for security reasons when the network profile is set to "Public."
It's also important to check that the computers belong to the same workgroup. By default, in Windows, this group is WORKGROUPTo check, right-click "This PC," select "Properties," and find the corresponding setting. If the workgroup names are different, change them to match and restart both devices. This will sync them within the network environment.
Setting up sharing in Windows 10 and 11
After confirming the physical connection, you need to enable sharing features in the operating system. Go to the "Control Panel" and select "Network and Sharing Center." In the left menu, click "Change advanced sharing settings." This will open a set of profiles where you need to enable key features for your PC's visibility.
In the "Private (Current Profile)" section, enable "Turn on network discovery" and check "Turn on file and printer sharing." These two settings are critical: the first allows the computer to broadcast its presence on the network, and the second allows read requests. Without these settings enabled, even with a perfect connection, folders will remain inaccessible.
To simplify access in a home environment where security is less stringent, you can enable the "Disable password-protected sharing" option. This will allow any device on the network to access shared resources without entering the username and password. However, in an office environment or when there are strangers on the Wi-Fi network, it's best to leave the protection enabled and create a separate user with limited rights.
Why isn't network discovery working?
The Network Discovery service may be disabled on the system. Check the status of the Discovery Function and Discovery Resource Publishing services in services.msc. They should be running and set to Automatic.
Creating a shared folder for data exchange
Now that the network is configured, you need to determine what data will be accessible. Create a new folder on the drive or select an existing one. Right-click it, select "Properties," and go to the "Sharing" tab. Click "Advanced" and check "Share this folder."
Next, you need to configure permissions. Click the "Permissions" button. By default, the "Everyone" group is set to read-only. 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 the "Full Control" box in the "Allow" column. This will grant full control over the folder's contents to all users on the local network.
Don't forget about the "Security" tab in the folder properties. Sometimes NTFS permissions block connections even when network access is enabled. Add the "Everyone" user (or a specific user) to the list and grant them full permissions. Double-checking permissions—at the file system level and at the network protocol level—guarantees no access errors.
Connecting to shared resources
To access files on the first computer from the second, open File Explorer and enter two backslashes in the address bar, followed by the IP address or network name of the first computer. The command format is: \\192.168.1.10 or \\NameOfFirstPCPressing Enter will open a window with all the shared resources of this device.
If the system prompts you for credentials, enter the username and password for the user account on the first computer. If you've disabled password protection, you should be logged in automatically. For easy, ongoing use, you can right-click the open shared folder and select "Mount as network drive," assigning it a drive letter (e.g., Z:). The folder will then appear in "My Computer" as a regular local partition.
An alternative access method is through the "Network" section in File Explorer. However, this method is often finicky and relies on the WSD (Web Services for Devices) service. If computers don't appear in the "Network" list, directly entering the IP address is the most reliable method, which almost always works with properly configured firewalls.
☑️ Connection check
Comparison of connection methods
The choice of connection method depends on your goals and the equipment you have. Below is a table comparing the main methods for connecting two PCs, so you can choose the best option for your situation.
| Parameter | Via a router (Infrastructure) | Direct Wi-Fi (Ad-hoc) | Mobile hotspot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stability | High | Average | Low |
| Speed | Depends on the router | Below, the channel is divided | Limited by adapter |
| Difficulty of setup | Low | High | Average |
| Internet access | Both have it | Only one (when passing through) | Only at the host |
Connecting via a router is the de facto standard for home and office networks. It provides simultaneous internet access to both computers and stable data transfer speeds. A direct ad-hoc connection, where one computer creates the network and the other connects to it, requires more complex manual IP address configuration and is often slower due to the specific operation of Wi-Fi adapters in access point mode.
Using the "Mobile Hotspot" feature in Windows 10/11 is a modern equivalent of Ad-hoc, but with a simplified interface. One computer distributes the Wi-Fi, and the second connects. This method is convenient for temporary file transfers, but is not suitable for permanent use, as the network is lost when the sharing PC is turned off. Furthermore, the speed in this mode is often limited by software drivers.
Common errors and how to fix them
One of the most common problems is the error "Windows cannot access \\PC-2." This is most often caused by the SMB 1.0 protocol, which is required for working with older devices, being disabled in the system, or, conversely, being blocked by an antivirus program. Check Windows Features for "SMB 1.0/CIFS file sharing support."
Another common situation is when computers can see each other, but access is denied. This is a classic NTFS permissions conflict. Even if you've granted full access in the network settings, the file system may block write access. Go to the folder properties, select the "Security" tab, click "Advanced," and ensure the folder owner has full permissions and that permission inheritance is enabled.
⚠️ Important: When disabling password protection on your home network, make sure your Wi-Fi is protected with a strong encryption password (WPA2/WPA3). Otherwise, any neighbor will be able to access your files simply by connecting to the wireless network.
If all else fails, temporarily disable your antivirus and Windows Firewall on both computers to troubleshoot. If access is restored after this, you'll need to add an exception to the firewall rules for "File and Printer Sharing." Avoid leaving computers with disabled protection on public networks.
The problem with names
If the computer isn't visible by name but works by IP, the problem is with the DNS or NetBIOS service. Try entering the IP and name of the first computer in the hosts file on the second computer (C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect computers via Wi-Fi without a router?
Yes, this is possible. One computer must create a wireless network (in Ad-hoc mode or via the Mobile Hotspot feature in Windows 10/11), and the other must connect to it as a regular access point. However, the speed and stability of this connection will be lower than using a router.
Why can't computers see each other on the network?
Most likely, they have different network profiles (one "Private," the other "Public") or network discovery is disabled. Also, check that both PCs are in the same workgroup and have addresses on the same subnet (e.g., 192.168.1.x).
Is it safe to share with password protection?
Yes, this is the most secure option. In this case, when attempting to connect from another device, the system will request the login and password of the user account from whose computer the folder is being shared. Without the correct credentials, access to the files will be denied.
How to increase file transfer speed over a local network?
Make sure both computers are connected to 5 GHz Wi-Fi, not 2.4 GHz, as the 5 GHz band provides significantly higher throughput. Also, use SSD drives on both ends of the connection to ensure write speed isn't a bottleneck.