Organizing data exchange between computers without external storage is a basic task for any user working with multiple devices. Modern software allows you to establish a stable connection in minutes using only the built-in capabilities of the operating system and a wireless router. You won't need to install cables or purchase additional equipment if your home already has internet access.
Creating a local environment opens up a wide range of possibilities: from quickly transferring large files to sharing peripheral devices such as printers or scanners. Local area network Wireless LAN (LAN) operates on the same principles as wired LAN, but offers greater mobility. The key is to properly configure security settings and shared resources to prevent unauthorized access from outside.
In this guide, we'll cover two basic connection scenarios: using an existing Wi-Fi router and creating a direct computer-to-computer connection without an access point. Windows 10 And Windows 11 Both versions have similar network settings interfaces, so the steps are virtually identical for both versions. Follow the steps sequentially to avoid IP address conflicts or device visibility issues.
Selecting a connection method and preparing equipment
Before you begin setting up your network, you need to decide on the topology of your future network. The most common option is to use Wi-Fi router, which acts as a central node distributing traffic between connected clients. In this case, both laptops must be connected to the same wireless network, ensuring they are on the same subnet segment.
If you don’t have a router at hand or you need to transfer a file in a place where there is no infrastructure, you can use the technology Wi-Fi Direct or create a virtual access point on one of the laptops. Direct connection Often referred to as Ad-Hoc mode, this term is less commonly used in modern versions of Windows, giving way to the "Mobile Hotspot" feature. This method requires more careful firewall configuration.
⚠️ Note: When using public Wi-Fi networks (such as cafes or airports), local access settings may be blocked by the hotspot administrator. In such cases, the system automatically marks the network as "Public," hiding your computer from other devices.
Make sure that the wireless module is activated on both devices and that the latest network card drivers are installed. For stable transfer speeds for large files (over 10 GB), it is advisable that both laptops support the 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) standard or newer, operating in the 5 GHz band. You can check technical specifications through the device manager or specialized software.
Configuring network settings in Windows 10 and 11
The foundation of a proper connection is a valid network profile. By default, the operating system assigns new connections the "Public Network" profile, which severely limits the device's visibility. You must manually change this status to "Private Network" to allow discovery by other computers.
To perform this task, open the Start menu and go to Parameters (gear icon). Next, select a category. Network and Internet, then click on the item Wi-Fi or Managing known networksFind the name of your current wireless network in the list and change the connection profile from "Public" to "Private."
After changing your profile, you need to activate the detection features. Go to Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing CenterIn the left column, select the item Change advanced sharing optionsHere you will need to expand the "Private" tab and make sure the following options are enabled:
- 📡 Turn on network discovery.
- 📂 Enable file and printer sharing.
- 🔒 Allow Windows to manage HomeGroup connections (if applicable).
Don't forget to save your changes by clicking the "Save Changes" button at the bottom of the page. Otherwise, the system will continue to block incoming connection requests, and the laptops won't be able to "see" each other, even if they're on the same network.
☑️ Network preparation checklist
Creating a shared folder for data exchange
Once the network infrastructure is configured, you need to determine which resources will be accessible to the second laptop. Simply enabling sharing isn't enough—you need to explicitly tell the operating system which folder you want to share. This is usually accomplished by creating a new directory with a descriptive name, such as "Exchange" or "Share."
Right-click on the selected folder and select the item from the context menu Properties. Go to the tab Access and press the button Advanced settingsIn the window that opens, check the box next to "Share this folder." Below, in the "Permissions" field, you can fine-tune user permissions.
For a home network where all devices are trusted, the easiest way is to grant full permissions to the "Everyone" group. Select the group in the list and check "Full Control," "Modify," and "Read" in the boxes below. This will allow the second laptop to not only read files but also write new ones and delete old ones.
| Permission type | Description of action | Recommended status |
|---|---|---|
| Full access | Allows you to read, modify, delete files and change access permissions | For trusted PCs |
| Change | Allows reading, writing, and deleting files | Optimal |
| Reading | Only viewing and copying files, no editing rights | For archives |
| Special permits | Fine-tuning rights for specific users | For professionals |
There's also a simplified method via the "Sharing" tab in the folder properties, where you can select a user from the drop-down list and click "Add." However, the advanced settings provide more granular control over who exactly has access to the data.
Connecting via a Wi-Fi router (standard method)
This is the most stable and preferred method of establishing a connection. Both laptops are connected to the same router, which automatically assigns them IP addresses from the same subnet (usually in the 192.168.0.x or 192.168.1.x range). The router acts as a switch, ensuring packet forwarding between the devices.
To find the second laptop, open File Explorer and select the item in the left navigation pane. NetIf network discovery is working correctly, you'll see the second computer's name in the list of devices. For direct access, you can use File Explorer's address bar by entering the target device's IP address in the following format: \\192.168.1.55 (replace the numbers with your current IP).
You can find out the IP address of the second laptop by running the command line (cmd) and entering the command ipconfigWe're interested in the "IPv4 address" line. If the system asks for a username and password when you try to log in, enter the username and password for the second laptop's Windows account.
⚠️ Note: If you use a Microsoft account (linked to an email address) to sign in to Windows, your login will be your email address, and your password will be your Microsoft account password, not the PIN you enter when you boot the system.
For ease of use, it's recommended to map the network folder to a drive letter. To do this, right-click the mapped network folder in File Explorer and select "Map network drive." Select an available drive letter (e.g., Z:) and check "Reconnect at logon."
What to do if computers can't see each other?
If the "Network" section is empty, try restarting both laptops and the router. Also, make sure the "Print Spooler" and "SSDP Discovery Service" service startup types are set to "Automatic." Often, the problem lies with your antivirus software, which can block local connections. Try temporarily disabling your antivirus's firewall to check.
Establishing a direct connection without a router (Ad-Hoc / Hotspot)
Situations when a router is not available require creating an improvised network. In Windows 10 and 11, this feature is implemented through "Mobile Hotspot." One laptop distributes Wi-Fi, while the second connects to it as if it were a regular internet connection, creating a direct connection.
On the first laptop (which will be the server), open Parameters → Network and Internet → Mobile hotspotTurn the switch to the "On" position. Note the network name and password displayed on the screen. Now, on the second laptop, find this network in the list of available Wi-Fi connections and sign in.
After a successful connection, it's important to check your firewall settings, as the system may perceive the new connection as public. Ensure that network discovery is enabled in the network profile created by the hotspot, as described in the second section of this article. The transfer speed in this mode may be lower than through a router due to the way the wireless adapter operates in receive-transmit mode.
- 📶 The adapter operates in access point mode, which may reduce overall throughput.
- 🔋 The laptop server will consume more power, so it is recommended to connect it to a power supply.
- 🔒 Use a strong hotspot password to prevent neighbors from connecting to your local network.
This method is ideal for quickly transferring files in the field or when setting up new equipment. However, for regular use, it's better to invest in an inexpensive router, which will provide a more stable signal and lower latency.
Diagnosing problems and troubleshooting access errors
Even with proper setup, errors may occur that prevent the connection. The most common issue is "Windows cannot access...". First, check whether the computers can see each other using the command pingOpen a command prompt on one laptop and type ping 192.168.x.x (IP of the second laptop).
If the ping fails (requests are lost), the blocking is occurring at the Windows Firewall or antivirus level. Try temporarily disabling the firewall to test. If the connection is established, you'll need to add an exception rule for "File and Printer Sharing" in the firewall settings.
Another common cause is a disabled SMB 1.0 service. In modern versions of Windows, this protocol is disabled by default for security reasons, but for older devices or some NAS systems, it may be required. Check for it in the "Turn Windows features on or off" section of the Control Panel.
⚠️ Note: Windows settings interfaces may vary slightly depending on the update version (21H2, 22H2, etc.). If you can't find the option, use the settings search or refer to the official Microsoft documentation for your OS version.
It's also worth checking the "Discovery Feature" service. Click Win + R, enter services.msc and find "Discovery" in the list. Make sure it's running and the startup type is set to "Automatic." Without this service running, your computer won't broadcast its presence to the network.
Questions and Answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect laptops via Wi-Fi if one is running macOS and the other is running Windows?
Yes, this is possible. To do this on a Mac, open System Preferences → Sharing and enable File Sharing. Then, in Windows, enter your Mac's IP address in the address bar in File Explorer in the format IP addressYou will be asked to enter your Mac username and password.
Why is the file transfer speed via Wi-Fi much lower than what is stated for the router?
Actual speed is always lower than theoretical due to protocol overhead, interference, and distance to the router. Furthermore, if one of the laptops operates in the 2.4 GHz band, the speed will be limited by the physical limits of that standard (usually 20-40 Mbps).
Is it safe to keep sharing enabled all the time?
If you're on a home network with a strong Wi-Fi password, the risks are minimal. However, in public places (cafes, hotels), leaving network discovery and sharing enabled is strongly discouraged, as this makes your files vulnerable to attacks from other network users.
How to remove the password when entering a shared folder?
In "Network and Sharing Center" → "Change advanced sharing settings," find the "All Networks" section. At the bottom, there's a checkbox labeled "Turn off password-protected sharing." Enabling this option will prevent you from being prompted for credentials when accessing shared folders, but this reduces security.