Setting up a local network between computers without Ethernet cables is a challenge faced by many home appliance users. This setup allows for instant transfer of large amounts of data, online gaming, or sharing of printers and other peripherals. The main advantage of a wireless connection is its portability and the elimination of the need to run wires throughout an entire apartment or office.
Modern operating systems such as Windows 10 And Windows 11, have built-in tools for creating local networks, but their settings are often hidden from the average user. To successfully integrate devices into a single infrastructure, both devices must be within range of a strong signal from the same router. It's also crucial that the network profile is configured correctly, otherwise the security system will simply block external connection attempts.
In this guide, we'll cover every detail of setup, from checking basic adapter settings to sharing specific folders. You'll learn how to avoid common errors, why computers might not see each other, and which commands can help diagnose the problem. Following these instructions will allow you to create a stable connection in minutes.
Checking basic router requirements and settings
Before you begin configuring the operating system software, you need to ensure physical connectivity. Both computers must be connected to the same wireless network. Wi-FiIf one device is connected to the router's guest network and the other to the main network, they can be isolated from each other at the hardware level.
Access your router's settings via the web interface and find the section responsible for wireless networking. There may be an option called AP Isolation (Access Point Isolation) or Client IsolationIf this feature is enabled, devices on the network are prevented from exchanging data directly. It must be disabled to create a local network.
⚠️ Note: On some corporate routers or in public places (cafes, hotels), client isolation is enabled at the ISP level. In this case, connecting computers will be impossible, even if all Windows settings are correct.
It's also worth paying attention to the frequency range. If your router is dual-band, it can broadcast two networks: 2.4 GHz And 5 GHzWhile modern routers typically group devices into a single subnet regardless of frequency band, in rare cases, older equipment may not see devices in a different frequency band. Make sure the IP addresses of both computers begin with the same address (e.g., 192.168.1.x).
Setting up a network profile in Windows
By default, the Windows operating system treats new Wi-Fi connections as public networks. In this mode firewall Blocks incoming connections and hides the computer from detection by other devices. To allow data exchange, the network profile must be changed to private.
Open the Start menu and go to Settings, then select Network & Internet. In the list of active connections, click on your Wi-Fi network properties. In the Network profile type section, select PrivateThis action will tell the system that you are in a trusted environment, such as your home.
After changing the profile, the system will automatically apply a set of rules for the private network. This includes allowing other devices to discover the computer and access shared folders. If you are using Windows 11, the interface may be slightly different, but the logic remains the same: find the active connection and change its type from "Public" to "Private".
Turn on network discovery and sharing
The next critical step is enabling discovery services. Even with the correct network profile, these services can be disabled manually or by third-party antivirus software. These settings can be managed using the Network and Sharing Center.
Press the key combination Win + R, enter the command control.exe /name Microsoft.NetworkAndSharingCenter and press Enter. In the left pane, select "Change advanced sharing settings." This will open a panel with settings for the current profile (Private).
You need to activate the following switches:
- 📡 Turn on network discovery.
- 📡 Enable automatic configuration of connected devices.
- 📂 Enable file and printer sharing.
We also recommend finding the "All Networks" section in this menu and enabling the "Turn off password-protected sharing" option if you want to simplify connecting without entering login credentials. However, for increased security on your home network, it's best to leave password protection enabled and use the same logins and passwords on both computers.
☑️ Detection settings
Create a shared folder for file sharing
After setting up the network, you need to create a point through which files will be transferred. You can't simply share the entire C drive; that's unsafe. It's better to create a separate folder, for example, on the D drive or in the root of the C drive, and name it Shared_Folder.
Right-click the created folder and select "Properties." Go to the "Sharing" tab and click "Advanced." Check the box next to "Share this folder." Below, in the "Permissions" button, ensure that the "Everyone" group or a specific user has "Read" and "Write" permissions.
There's also a "Security" tab in the folder's properties. The permissions here must match the access settings. If the system returns a "Deny" error, check if the user has been added. Everyone to the list of security groups with read and write permissions. Without this step, even with open network access, the system may block file writes.
⚠️ Note: When password-protected sharing is enabled, the second computer will prompt you for a username and password when accessing the folder. Enter the account credentials for the computer where the folder is located, not the one you're connecting from.
Connecting to a network resource by IP address
Sometimes automatic discovery fails, and computers don't appear in the "Network" list. In this case, the most reliable method is a direct connection via IP address. First, you need to find the IP address of the computer hosting the shared folder.
On the target computer, click Win + R, enter cmd and in the black console window enter the command ipconfigFind the "IPv4 Address" line for your wireless adapter. Write down these numbers, for example, 192.168.1.55.
Now go to the second computer. Open File Explorer and in the address bar, enter the address in double backslash format followed by the IP address:
\\192.168.1.55After pressing Enter, the system will attempt to connect to the remote resource. If all settings are correct, you will see a list of all open folders on that computer. For ease of use, you can right-click the folder and select "Mount as network drive," assigning it a letter (e.g., Z:). This folder will now appear in "My Computer" as a regular hard drive partition.
What should I do if I get the message "Windows cannot access"?
The problem often stems from the SMB 1.0 service. Although it's considered deprecated, some older devices require it to be enabled. Go to "Turn Windows features on or off" and check the "Support SMB 1.0/CIFS file sharing" checkbox. However, for modern Windows 10/11, it's better to use SMB 2/3, and the problem is most likely a firewall or password issue.
Comparing Connection Methods and Troubleshooting
There are several ways to establish a connection between PCs, each with its own advantages. The method you choose depends on your version of Windows, the availability of a router, and the required data transfer speed. Below is a table comparing the main approaches.
| Connection method | Necessary equipment | Difficulty of setup | Transfer speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Via a router (LAN) | Wi-Fi router | Low | High (depending on the router) |
| Direct connection (Ad-Hoc) | Wi-Fi adapters | High | Average |
| Mobile hotspot | Laptop with Wi-Fi | Average | Low/Medium |
| Specialized software | Any connection | Low | Depends on the network |
If you encounter problems, first check your antivirus. Third-party firewalls (Kaspersky, ESET, Avast) often block the local network, considering it suspicious. Try temporarily disabling network protection in your antivirus. Also, make sure the service Workstation And Server running in Windows (checked via services.msc).
Another common cause of errors is a mismatch in computer or workgroup names. Although modern versions of Windows do not require the same workgroup (WORKGROUP) has become less strict, so it's a good idea to check this parameter. Computer names must be unique and written in Latin characters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect computers without a router, directly via Wi-Fi?
Yes, this is possible using the Mobile Hotspot feature in Windows 10/11 or creating a computer-to-computer network (Ad-Hoc). One laptop distributes the Wi-Fi, and the other connects to it. However, the speed in this mode will be lower than through a router, since the Wi-Fi module operates in half-duplex mode.
Why can computers see each other but not open folders?
The issue is most likely related to NTFS permissions or password protection. Check the "Security" tab in the folder properties and ensure the user has read access. Also, try disabling password protection in the advanced sharing settings.
What is the maximum speed when transferring files via Wi-Fi?
Speed depends on the Wi-Fi standard (n, ac, ax) and distance. In the 2.4 GHz band, actual speeds rarely exceed 3-4 MB/s. In the 5 GHz band, where standard support is supported, Wi-Fi 5 (AC) or Wi-Fi 6 You can reach 20-50 MB/s and higher, which is comparable to fast USB drives.
Do I need to install drivers to create a network?
Windows usually automatically installs the necessary drivers for your Wi-Fi adapter. However, for proper network functionality, make sure there are no errors for the network adapter in Device Manager and that the protocol is installed. Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4).