Creating a local area network (LAN) in your home or office is more than just a way to transfer a few photos from one laptop to another; it's the foundation for convenient resource sharing. Imagine not having to fiddle with flash drives or use limited cloud storage; simply open "My Computer" and see the drives of a neighboring device. Local network via Wi-Fi allows you to connect desktop PCs, laptops, and even some Smart TV models into a single ecosystem controlled by your router.
Unlike a wired connection, which requires laying cables, a wireless connection offers freedom of movement and minimizes visual noise in the room. However, for this system to operate stably and securely, it's necessary to properly configure not only the Windows operating system but also ensure the router itself is functioning properly. In this article, we'll cover all the details, from basic network profile settings to troubleshooting common device visibility issues.
Modern operating systems like Windows 10 and 11 have made the connection process much easier, but old bugs and security settings sometimes still require manual intervention. Routers (routers) from manufacturers such as TP-Link, Asus or Keenetic, usually have standard settings that are suitable for most use cases. The key is to understand the logic behind the data exchange protocols.
Preparing equipment and checking connections
Before tackling complex operating system settings, you need to ensure that the physical connection is working properly. All computers you plan to connect must be connected to the same router. This means they must be on the same subnet, meaning the IP addresses of their network adapters must start with the same IP address, for example, 192.168.1.X.
Check that the Wi-Fi indicator on the router is lit and that your devices are connected to the correct network. If you have a dual-band router, ensure all devices are connected to either the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band, although this isn't a strict requirement for most modern models thanks to the feature. Smart ConnectHowever, for maximum transfer speeds for large files, it is better to use the 5 GHz band, as it is less noisy and provides higher throughput.
⚠️ Caution: If you use a guest network on your router, devices on it may be isolated from each other for security reasons. To create a local network, be sure to connect computers to the main SSID (network name), not the guest one.
You can use built-in Windows tools to diagnose the current connection status. Open a command prompt and enter the command ipconfigto your IP address. Write this address down; you'll need it later for a direct connection if the automatic search doesn't work.
Setting up a network profile in Windows
By default, the Windows operating system considers new networks "Public," which prevents other devices from discovering your computer. This is a security measure, but it prevents the creation of a local network. You need to change the network profile to "Private." This can be done through the system settings menu.
Go to the section Settings → Network & Internet → StatusIn the list of active connections, click on your Wi-Fi network properties. Here you will see a profile switcher. Make sure "Private" is selected. This will make your computer visible to other trusted devices and open ports for file sharing.
- 🔹 Open Settings from the Start menu or with a keyboard shortcut
Win + I. - 🔹 Go to the "Network & Internet" section and select "Wi-Fi".
- 🔹 Click on the name of your current network and select the "Private" profile.
After changing the profile, the system will automatically apply more appropriate firewall rules. Network discovery This will now be enabled, allowing your PC to search for and be found by other computers. If you're using a corporate network or public Wi-Fi at a cafe, changing your profile to private is strongly discouraged, as it will reduce your digital security.
Enabling Sharing and Discoverability
Even with the correct network profile, file sharing features may be disabled at the operating system level. You need to access advanced sharing settings. To do this, open Control Panel, find Network and Sharing Center, and then select Change advanced sharing settings.
In the window that opens, you'll see several profiles: "Private," "Guest or Public," and "All Networks." We're interested in the "Private" tab. Here, you need to enable key features: "Turn on network discovery" and "Turn on file and printer sharing." It's also helpful to enable automatic configuration of connected network devices.
⚠️ Note: Enabling sharing without password protection (under "All Networks") simplifies the connection but reduces security. If you have strangers on your network, it's best to leave password protection enabled and create a separate user for accessing shared folders.
Be sure to save your changes by clicking "Save Changes." Windows may then prompt you for administrator confirmation. The system will reconfigure the services responsible for SMB (Server Message Block) protocols, which are used to transfer data between Windows computers.
☑️ Checking sharing settings
Create a shared folder for file sharing
Now that the network layer is configured, you need to determine what data you want to share. You can share the entire drive, but this is risky from a security standpoint. It's better to create a separate folder, for example, Shared_Files on drive D, and set access rights specifically for it.
Right-click the folder, select "Properties," and go to the "Sharing" tab. Click "Advanced" and check "Share this folder." Below, click "Permissions" to determine whether other users can only read files or also modify and delete them.
There's also a "Security" tab in the folder properties. Here, it's important to ensure that the "Users" group (or the specific user you use on other PCs) has "Modify" and "Read" permissions. If these permissions are insufficient, Windows may display an access error even with the correct network settings.
- 📁 Create a folder and go to its “Properties”.
- 📁 In the "Access" tab, click "Advanced settings".
- 📁 Add the "Everyone" group or a specific user and grant permissions.
To access this folder from another computer, you need to know the computer name or its IP address. In File Explorer, enter \\ComputerName or \\192.168.1.55 (where the numbers are the IP address of the computer hosting the shared folder). If everything is done correctly, you will see the shared folder and be able to work with it as if it were a local folder.
What should I do if Windows asks for a login and password?
Use the login and password for the account on the computer where the folder is located. If there's no password, create one or enable guest access (not recommended for sensitive data).
Comparing connection methods and troubleshooting
Despite standardized processes, users often encounter situations where computers cannot communicate with each other. The causes can be varied, ranging from antivirus blocking to DNS service failure. Below is a table to help diagnose the problem based on symptoms.
| Symptom | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Computers are not visible on the network | Network discovery is disabled | Check your network profile and sharing settings |
| Password prompt upon login | Password protection is enabled | Enter the remote PC account details or disable protection |
| Low transmission speed | Weak Wi-Fi signal or interference | Move closer to the router or switch to 5 GHz |
| "Access Denied" error | Invalid permissions in the Security tab | Add permissions for the Everyone group in the folder properties |
Often the problem lies in the service Publishing Function Discovery Resources (Function Discovery Resource Publication). If disabled, the computer will not be visible in the network neighborhood. Click Win + R, enter services.msc, find this service and set the startup type to "Automatic", then start it.
It's also worth checking whether a third-party antivirus or firewall is blocking the connection. Try temporarily disabling protection (just to test!) and see if the computers connect to the network. If so, add an exception rule for the local network in your antivirus settings.
Local network security in modern conditions
Setting up a local network opens up not only opportunities but also potential vulnerabilities. If an attacker connects to your Wi-Fi, they can access your shared files. Therefore, it's critical to use a strong encryption protocol on your router. An outdated standard WEP or even WPA should be replaced by WPA2-AES or WPA3.
Avoid using simple passwords for Windows accounts, especially if you have passwordless sharing enabled (though the latter is not recommended). Regularly update your router firmware, as manufacturers often patch security holes that could allow data interception within the local network.
⚠️ Note: Router interfaces and Windows versions are constantly being updated. Menu locations and item names may differ from those described. Always consult the official documentation from your equipment manufacturer if you cannot find the setting you need.
For maximum security, it's recommended to create a separate account on a computer with shared resources specifically for network connections, restricting its permissions to only necessary folders. This will prevent access to system files in the event of a network compromise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect computers via a local network if one is connected via cable and the other via Wi-Fi?
Yes, this is completely normal. The router acts as a bridge, and the operating systems don't care about the physical connection type, as long as both devices are on the same subnet and have access to the router's internet gateway.
Why does the speed drop when transferring files over Wi-Fi?
Wireless network speeds are always slower than wired ones due to protocol overhead, interference from neighboring networks, and physical obstacles (such as walls). Furthermore, the speed is split between all connected clients. For larger data volumes, it's better to use cable or the 5 GHz standard.
How to find the IP address of another computer on the network?
On the desired computer, click Win + R, enter cmd, then in the black window enter ipconfigThe "IPv4 address" line will show the value you're looking for. You can also view the list of connected clients in the router's admin panel.
Is it safe to share the C: drive?
It's strongly recommended not to share your entire system drive. This creates a massive security hole. Create a separate folder for sharing and share only that folder.