Creating a local network between two computers is a basic task that opens up a wide range of data exchange opportunities for users without the need for external storage. In an era where the volume of transferred files is growing exponentially, the ability to transfer gigabytes of video or archives over the air is becoming not just a convenience, but a necessity. Modern Wi-Fi routers allow you to organize such a connection in a matter of minutes, turning disparate devices into a single ecosystem.
You don't need special cables or complex network equipment; both devices need to be connected to the same router. Whether it's a wired LAN connection or a wireless one, the setup process remains similar. In this article, we'll cover all the details, from checking the physical connection to setting access rights to specific folders.
Many users mistakenly believe that file sharing requires internet access, but a local network operates autonomously. Even if your ISP disconnects your connection, your computers will continue to "see" each other and exchange data at high speeds. The key is to properly configure detection settings and security protocols in your operating system.
Preparing equipment and checking physical connections
The first step is to ensure a stable physical or wireless connection between the devices. Both computers must be connected to the same router, whether via LAN cable or by Wi-FiIf you're using a wireless connection, make sure the signal is stable on both devices, as file transfer speed directly depends on the quality of the radio channel.
Check the router's indicators: the LAN lights should be on or blinking, indicating a link. If using Wi-Fi, it's best to have both computers within a strong reception area, preferably within the 5 GHz band for maximum speed if your router is dual-band. Connecting computers through one router is only possible if they are on the same subnet, which usually happens automatically when a DHCP server is running.
Sometimes, one device is connected to a guest network and another to the main network. In this case, they won't see each other for security reasons. Make sure you're not using Client Isolation in your router settings, as this feature specifically blocks communication between devices within the local network.
⚠️ Warning: If you use public networks or corporate Wi-Fi with a strict security policy, direct connection between PCs may be blocked at the ISP or system administrator level.
Configuring network settings in the Windows operating system
After physically connecting, you need to ensure that the operating system correctly classifies the network. By default, Windows assigns new connections the "Public Network" profile, which hides your computer from other devices. You need to change this status to "Private Network" or "Home" to allow discovery.
To do this, go to Network & Internet settings, select the active connection, and change its profile. This will allow discovery and file sharing protocols, which are blocked in the public profile. Without this step, the computers can be physically connected, but the software firewall will block any connection attempts.
Next, you should check the IP addresses of the devices. Open the command prompt and enter the command ipconfigMake sure both computers' addresses begin with the same three numbers, for example, 192.168.1.X, where X is a unique number for each computer. If the addresses differ in the first three segments, the devices are on different subnets and will not be able to communicate.
☑️ Check network settings
It's also important to ensure that the services responsible for networking are running. In particular, the Function Discovery Resource Publishing service should be running in automatic mode. If it's stopped, the computer won't broadcast its presence on the network, even if all the settings are correct.
Enabling sharing and managing passwords
The central setting is the Sharing control panel. This is where you give permission for other network users to see your files. Go to "Network and Sharing Center" and select "Change advanced sharing settings."
In the menu that opens, enable network discovery and file and printer sharing for the current network profile. Also, pay attention to the "Password-protected sharing" setting. If enabled, you'll need to enter the username and password of the user account on the target computer to access files.
For home use, where all devices are trusted, it's often more convenient to disable password protection so access is immediate. However, in offices or apartments with unauthorized guests, it's best to leave protection enabled, creating a separate user with read-only permissions to avoid compromising key data.
Risks of disabling password protection
Disabling password protection allows access to your shared folders to any device connected to Wi-Fi. If neighbors or guests know your Wi-Fi password, they can access your files without asking. Use this method only in a completely trusted environment.
After making changes, be sure to click "Save Changes," otherwise the settings will not be applied. The system may require a reboot or simply confirm that the settings were applied successfully. Your computer is now ready to receive and send connection requests.
Expanding access to specific folders and resources
Simply enabling network sharing isn't enough—you need to tell the system which folders you want to share. Select the desired directory, right-click, and go to Properties. On the "Sharing" tab, click "Advanced Settings."
In the window that opens, check the box next to "Share this folder." Here you can also specify the resource name that the user will see and limit the number of simultaneous connections. For a home network, limiting connections is usually irrelevant, but for office scenarios, it can be useful.
Don't forget to configure permissions using the "Permissions" button. By default, the system often grants read-only permissions, meaning another user can copy the file but not modify or delete it. If you need full collaboration, add the "Everyone" group or a specific user and check the "Full Control" box.
| Access type | Reading | Change | Full access | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guest | Yes | No | No | For general documents |
| Employee | Yes | Yes | No | For work projects |
| Administrator | Yes | Yes | Yes | For the main PC |
| Closed | No | No | No | For personal data |
An alternative and simpler method is to use the Share Folder feature via the Sharing tab in the Properties, where you can quickly share a folder with a HomeGroup or specific users without having to delve deep into the NTFS security settings.
Connecting to network resources from another computer
After setting up the first computer (the server), move on to the second (the client). Open File Explorer and go to the "Network" section. If the settings are correct, you should see the name of the first computer in the list of available devices. If the computer doesn't appear, you can try entering its IP address directly into File Explorer's address bar.
Enter the path in the address bar in the format \\192.168.1.XX, where XX is the IP address of the first computer. This method is often more reliable than waiting for the name to appear in the neighbor list, as it eliminates DNS or NetBIOS issues. The system may prompt for credentials if password protection is enabled on the first computer.
For ease of use, we recommend mapping the network folder as a network drive. Right-click "This PC" and select "Map network drive." Select an available drive letter (e.g., Z:) and enter the path to the shared folder. The folder will now appear in "My Computer" as a regular local drive.
If you receive a "No access" error when attempting to access the network, check whether your antivirus or firewall is blocking incoming connections. Third-party antivirus programs often have built-in firewalls that can ignore Windows system settings and block the local network.
Solving typical problems and diagnosing errors
Despite automated processes, users often encounter situations where computers can't see each other. One of the most common causes is different workgroups. Make sure both computers have the same workgroup name in their system settings; by default, this is WORKGROUP.
Problems can also arise due to outdated protocols. In new versions of Windows 10 and 11, the SMB 1.0 protocol is disabled by default. While it's used by older devices, it's unnecessary and even dangerous for modern PCs. However, if you're connecting an older network drive or printer, you may need to enable it through Windows Features.
Check Windows Services. Enter services.msc In the Run menu, locate the services related to network discovery. Make sure the Discovery Feature, Discovery Provider, and Discovery Provider Host services are started and running in automatic mode.
⚠️ Note: Windows and router settings interfaces may differ depending on the software version. Always consult the official documentation from your equipment manufacturer if the default menu paths differ.
If all else fails, try temporarily disabling your antivirus and firewall on both computers to diagnose the issue. If the network works again, the issue lies with your traffic filtering rules, and you'll need to add an exception for the local network in your security settings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect two computers directly without a router?
Yes, this is possible using a special crossover cable (although modern network cards support Auto-MDIX and work with a regular patch cord). You'll have to manually assign static IP addresses to both computers, as there won't be a DHCP server in this setup.
Why is file transfer so slow?
Speed may be limited by the Wi-Fi band (2.4 GHz is slower than 5 GHz), interference, an old network adapter (100 Mbps instead of 1 Gbps), or bandwidth congestion from other devices. Speed also drops when transferring many small files.
Is it safe to keep sharing enabled all the time?
If you have a strong Wi-Fi password (WPA2/WPA3) and enabled password protection for folder access, the risks are minimal. However, in public places or when you have guests, it's best to disable network discovery or use the router's guest network.
How do I find out the IP address of another computer on the network?
On the target computer, click Win + R, enter cmd and in the command line type ipconfigYou're interested in the "IPv4 address" line. You can also often find the address in the router's web interface's client list.
Does this instruction work for Windows 7 and Windows 11?
The setup principles remain the same for all versions of Windows since XP, but the menu layout and item names may differ. In Windows 11, some settings have been moved to the new Settings app, but the classic Control Panel is still available.