Creating a local network between two computers is a basic skill that eliminates the need to constantly use USB drives to transfer data. When both devices are connected to one Wi-Fi routerThe Windows operating system automatically detects them, but often hides file sharing capabilities for security reasons. Understanding how network profiles and permissions work allows you to establish stable information exchange in minutes.
Modern versions of Windows 10 and 11 have a similar network configuration architecture, but the interfaces may differ slightly. The main difficulty lies not in the physical connection provided by the router, but in software-based access rights configuration. You'll need to ensure that both computers are on the same network. working group and use the same network type so that the system does not block incoming connections.
In this article, we'll walk you through the setup process, from basic connections to sharing specific folders. We'll also cover security issues, explaining which ports and services need to be enabled for the protocol to function properly. SMBThis guide will help you create a complete home network without using additional software.
Checking physical connection and network profiles
The first step is to establish a physical connection between the devices via a wireless network. Both computers must be connected to the same router. Verify this by opening the list of available networks in the system tray and ensuring that the names are correct. SSID match on both devices. If one PC is connected via cable and the other via Wi-Fi, they will also see each other, as they are on the same subnet.
A critical point is the network profile type. Windows assigns new connections to the "Public network" profile by default, which hides your computer from other devices for security purposes. You need to change this setting to "Private network." To do this, go to Settings → Network & Internet → Properties your connection and select the appropriate item.
Changing the network profile opens ports for device discovery and enables public services. Without this step, computers can physically "hear" the router but will ignore each other's requests. After changing the profile, a reboot is not required; the changes take effect immediately.
⚠️ Important: Only change your network type if you're in a trusted home environment. In public places (cafes, airports), always leave your network profile set to "Public" to prevent hackers from accessing your files.
Make sure network discovery is enabled on both computers. You can check this in the Network and Sharing Center section of the Control Panel. Enabling this option allows the system to automatically establish connections with other devices and make your PC visible to them.
Setting up sharing options in Windows
Once the network profile has been modified, you need to configure the sharing settings. This is the central hub where the rules for interaction between computers on the local network are regulated. Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Change advanced sharing settings.
In the window that opens, you'll see profiles for private and guest networks. In the "Private" (or "Current Profile") section, enable the following options: network discovery, automatic configuration of connecting devices, and file and printer sharing. These settings establish basic trust between devices.
Pay special attention to the "All Networks" section. This section contains settings that affect access security. "Password-protected sharing" is enabled by default. This means that to access folders on another computer, you'll need to enter the username and password of the user account on that computer. This is the most secure option.
If you disable password protection, anyone connected to your Wi-Fi will be able to access shared folders without entering credentials. On a home network with trusted devices, this is acceptable for easier access, but it reduces security. The choice you make depends on how secure you are with your wireless channel.
After making all changes, be sure to click "Save Changes." Sometimes the system may prompt you to confirm administrator privileges. If the computers don't immediately see each other after configuration, try flushing the DNS cache or simply rebooting both devices.
Organizing shared access to folders and files
Now that the network infrastructure is configured, you can move on to sharing specific resources. Select the folder you want to make available to the second computer. Right-click it and select "Properties," then go to the "Sharing" tab.
Click the "Advanced Settings" button and check the "Share this folder" box. In the "Permissions" menu, you can fine-tune permissions for the "Everyone" group or specific users. Typically, checking the "Read" and "Modify" boxes is sufficient to allow the second PC to not only open files but also write new ones.
There's also a simplified method using the "Sharing..." button in the same properties window. It allows you to quickly add users from a list and assign them access levels (Read/Write). This method is less flexible, but more intuitive for beginners. Once configured, the folder paths are copied to the clipboard.
If the user doesn't have read permissions in the folder's security properties (Security tab), network settings won't help. Make sure the "Everyone" user or group with the appropriate permissions has been added to the list of security groups.
⚠️ Warning: Do not grant Full Control access to system folders or the root of the C: drive. This could lead to critical vulnerabilities and data loss if an error occurs on the second computer.
To check functionality, try opening the shared folder from the same computer by entering the network path in the File Explorer address bar. If local access is possible, the file system settings are correct, and the issue may simply be with the network connection.
Search for connected devices and map a network drive
To find computers on your network, open Windows Explorer and select "Network" in the left navigation pane. All devices in the same workgroup and with network discovery enabled should be displayed. If you see your computer but not the neighboring one, check your firewall settings.
A common problem is that computers are on the network, but Windows requires credentials when attempting to log in. Enter the username and password for the user account. remote computer. Your local account login may differ from your Microsoft account name, so be careful when entering it.
For permanent access to shared resources, it's convenient to use the "Map Network Drive" feature. This allows you to display a folder from another computer as a regular local drive (e.g., Z:) in "My Computer." To do this, in File Explorer, click "This PC" → "Map Network Drive."
In the window that opens, select the drive letter and in the "Folder" field, enter the path to the resource in the format \\ComputerName\Folder or \\IP address\FolderUsing an IP address often works more reliably if the network is experiencing problems with NetBIOS name resolution.
☑️ Checking the network drive connection
If you receive an access error when entering the correct password, try adding credentials manually using the Credential Manager in the Control Panel. Delete any old saved passwords for this address and re-enter them to avoid cached data conflicts.
Solving visibility and access issues
Even with proper configuration, situations may arise where computers cannot see each other. One common cause is the Network Discovery Helper service. Ensure the "Function Discovery Resource Publisher" and "Function Discovery Provider Host" services are running and in automatic mode.
Windows Defender Firewall may block incoming connections if the network profile is incorrectly defined. Check the list of allowed applications in the firewall. For the local network to function, "File and Printer Sharing" and "Network Discovery" must be enabled for the private profile.
Issues with the SMB 1.0 protocol can also interfere with the connection, especially if one of the computers is running an older operating system (Windows 7 or XP). However, enabling SMB 1.0 support on modern systems (Windows 10/11) is not recommended due to vulnerabilities. It's best to update the security settings on the older device or use a third-party file manager.
Sometimes resetting network settings helps. In Windows 10/11, this can be done via Settings → Network & Internet → Advanced network settings → Network resetThis operation will reinstall the network adapters and return protocol settings to their original values, which often resolves software conflicts.
⚠️ Note: Resetting your network will delete all saved Wi-Fi passwords and VPN settings. Make sure you know the passwords for your wireless networks before performing this procedure.
Comparison of data transfer methods in a local network
There are several ways to organize data exchange, and the choice depends on your needs. The standard SMB protocol (via File Explorer) is convenient for constant file access. FTP requires server software but is faster when transferring large amounts of data. A direct connection via LAN cable provides the highest speed, but limits mobility.
Below is a table comparing the main characteristics of different methods of organizing communication between two PCs.
| Method | Speed | Difficulty of setup | Security |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi (SMB) | Average (depending on the router) | Low | Average (depending on Wi-Fi encryption) |
| LAN Cable (SMB) | High (1 Gbps and above) | Low | High (physical access) |
| Direct Wi-Fi (Ad-hoc) | Low/Medium | High | Low |
| Cloud services | Depends on the Internet | Very low | High (channel encryption) |
For most home users, the combination of a Wi-Fi router and standard Windows sharing is the optimal balance between convenience and speed. static IP address For frequently used network drives, this will eliminate problems with changing DHCP addressing after rebooting the router.
If you regularly need to transfer files hundreds of gigabytes in size, consider using an Ethernet cable to connect the two PCs directly or through a switch. A wireless network, even Wi-Fi 6, may not provide stable write speeds over long periods of time.
What should I do if the connection is lost after sleep?
When your computer goes into sleep mode, the network adapter may be turned off to save power. Go to Device Manager, find your Wi-Fi adapter, open its properties, go to the 'Power Management' tab, and uncheck 'Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power'.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why can't computers see each other even though they're both connected to the same Wi-Fi?
Most likely, one or both computers are using the "Public" network profile. In this mode, Windows blocks discovery. Also, check if Network Discovery is enabled in the advanced sharing settings and that your antivirus software isn't blocking the connection.
What password should I enter when connecting to a network folder?
You must enter the login and password for the user account on the computer whose folder you are connecting to. If the target PC uses a passwordless login (a local account), try creating a new user with a password specifically for the network.
Is it possible to connect two PCs via Wi-Fi without a router?
Yes, this is possible by creating a virtual access point (Mobile Hotspot) on one of the laptops. The second computer connects to the created network as if it were a regular Wi-Fi hotspot. However, the speed and stability of this connection will be lower than with a full-fledged router.
How to find out the IP address of a second computer?
On the second computer, click Win + R, enter cmd and press Enter. In the black window, enter the command ipconfigYou're interested in the "IPv4 address" line. The IP address can also often be found in the wireless connection properties in the system tray.