Connecting two computers to a network via a WiFi router on Windows 10

Creating a local area network between two computers is a basic task that often arises in homes or small offices. Modern operating systems, such as Windows 10, have significantly simplified this process, making it accessible even to inexperienced users. However, despite automation, proper setup requires an understanding of the operating principles. local area network (LAN) and correct input of parameters in the system interface.

The main purpose of connecting devices is to share files without external drives, share printers, or even organize network gaming. To implement this scenario, you won't need to run additional cables if both PCs are connected to the same device. WiFi router wirelessly. It's just important to ensure that both devices are in the same broadcast domain and have the correct IP addresses.

In this article, we'll cover the entire process in detail, from checking the physical connection to fine-tuning folder permissions. We'll cover not only standard methods but also potential device visibility issues that frequently occur with recent Windows updates. The key condition for successful setup is that both computers belong to the same workgroup and have the same network type (Private).

Preparing equipment and checking connections

The first step before starting software configuration is to physically connect the devices to the router. Both computers must be connected to the same router. This can be done either via WiFi, as well as via a wired connection Ethernet, but for stable transfer of large files, it is recommended to use a cable, if possible.

Make sure the network connection indicator is lit on both devices, and an active connection icon is displayed in the system tray. If one of the computers is connected via a guest WiFi network, a connection between them will not be established, as guest networks typically isolate clients from each other for security reasons.

Make sure the network adapters are enabled on both PCs. Windows may sometimes disable the adapter to save power, which will cause the connection to be lost. Open Device Manager and check the properties of your network interface, ensuring that "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power" is unchecked.

Setting up the network type and workgroup

Windows 10 treats new connections as public by default, hiding your computer from detection by other devices. To change this behavior, you need to switch your network profile to "Private." Click the network icon in the system tray, select your connection, and ensure the "Make this PC discoverable" toggle is enabled.

The next important step is to check the workgroup name. By default, all versions of Windows use the name WORKGROUPIf it was previously changed on one of the computers, the devices will not see each other in the network neighborhood. To check, click Win + Pause/Break or go to System → About the system → Additional system settings.

In the window that opens, go to the "Computer Name" tab and click the "Change" button. Here you will see the current workgroup name. If it differs on different machines, standardize it, for example, MSHOME or leave WORKGROUPA reboot will be required after changing this.

It's also important to set unique names for each computer in this same tab. Names must not be the same, otherwise addressing conflicts will occur. Use Latin characters to avoid encoding issues, for example, PC-Office And PC-LivingRoom.

Turn on network discovery and sharing

After setting up the basic settings, you need to enable data sharing features in the operating system itself. Open the "Control Panel" and go to "Network and Sharing Center." In the left menu, select "Change advanced sharing settings."

You'll see several profiles: "Private," "Guest or Public," and "All Networks." We're interested in the "Private" (current) profile. In this section, you need to enable the following options:

• 📡 Turn on network discovery.
• 💾 Enable file and printer sharing.
• 🔐 Allow Windows to manage HomeGroup connections (if available).

Next, expand the "All Networks" tab. Here you'll find a critically important setting: "Password-protected sharing." If you're on a trusted home network, it's best to disable this feature. This will allow you to connect to your shared resources without entering your Windows account login and password, making your life much easier.

⚠️ Important: Disabling password protection is only allowed on fully trusted networks. If unauthorized people can access your WiFi, they will be able to access your files.

Be sure to save your changes by clicking the "Save Changes" button at the bottom of the page. The system will then apply the new firewall rules and update the network service status.

Expanding sharing to specific folders

Setting up a network by itself doesn't grant file access. You need to explicitly tell the system which folders or drives you want to make visible to the second computer. Select the desired folder, right-click it, and select "Properties."

Go to the "Sharing" tab and click the "Advanced" button. Check the "Share this folder" box. Below, you can configure permissions by clicking 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 read, but also change or delete files in this folder, select the "Everyone" group and check the "Full Control" box in the "Allow" column.

There's also a "Security" tab in the folder properties. Make sure "Everyone" or "Users" appears in the list of groups and users with the appropriate permissions. Sometimes NTFS permissions block access even if the network settings are correct.

Connecting to a network resource by IP address

Computers often don't appear automatically in the "Network" section of File Explorer due to list refresh delays or specific features of the SMB protocol. In this case, the most reliable connection method is to directly enter the IP address.

First, find out the IP address of the computer you want to connect to. On the target PC, open the command prompt (cmd) and enter the command ipconfigFind the line "IPv4 address", it will look like this 192.168.1.XX or 192.168.0.XX.

On the second computer, press the key combination Win + Rto open the Run window. Enter two backslashes and the IP address, like this: \\192.168.1.55Press Enter. If everything is configured correctly, a window will open with a list of shared folders on the remote computer.

For ease of use, you can map this network folder as a separate drive. In the File Explorer window where the shared folders are displayed, right-click on an empty space and select "Map Network Drive." Select any available drive letter (e.g., Z:) and enter the path to the folder. This resource will now be accessible in "My Computer" as a regular local drive.

Diagnosis and solution of typical problems

Despite the apparent simplicity, users often encounter access errors. One of the most common is the error "Windows cannot access your computer." Most often, the problem lies with Windows services.

Click Win + R and enter services.mscLocate SMB and Network Discovery-related services in the list. Ensure that the Function Discovery Resource Publishing, Function Discovery Provider Host, and SSDP Discovery Service services are running and have a startup type of Automatic.

Problem with SMB 1.0 protocol

In older versions of Windows or to connect to network-attached storage (NAS), you may need to enable SMB 1.0 support. You can find this option in Control Panel → Programs and Features → Turn Windows features on or off. However, enabling this feature should be done with caution due to security vulnerabilities.

Also, check your antivirus. Third-party antivirus programs often have a built-in firewall that blocks local connections, even if Windows Firewall is configured correctly. Try temporarily disabling network protection in your antivirus to test this hypothesis.

⚠️ Note: Windows and router settings interfaces may vary slightly depending on the system update version (21H2, 22H2, etc.) and the hardware model. If you can't find the required item, use the settings search.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why can't the second computer see the first, even though both are online?

Most likely, the network profile on one of the devices is set to "Public." In this mode, Windows hides the computer. Also, check that the "Computer List Service" is enabled and that NetBIOS over TCP/IP is enabled in the IPv4 protocol properties.

Is it possible to connect computers without a router?

Yes, this is called an ad-hoc network or direct connection. However, in Windows 10, this is implemented more complexly than in previous versions. The easiest way is to create a virtual access point using a mobile hotspot on one laptop and connect the second one to it.

What is the maximum speed when transferring files via WiFi?

Speed ​​depends on the WiFi standard (n, ac, ax) and signal strength. In real-world conditions, speeds at 2.4 GHz rarely exceed 3-5 MB/s, while at 5 GHz, speeds of 20-50 MB/s and higher can be achieved. Gigabit speeds require a cable.

Do I need a static IP address to set up my network?

For a one-time connection, a dynamic IP assigned by the router is sufficient. However, for ongoing access (for example, if you frequently map a network drive), it's better to reserve an IP address in the router settings or enter a static IP in the adapter properties so that the address doesn't change after a reboot.