Creating a local network between computers via a wireless connection opens up a wide range of data sharing options. You can transfer large files, play co-op games, or share a printer across multiple devices without the need for wires. Modern operating systems, such as Windows 10 and 11, have built-in tools to implement this task, making the process accessible even for beginners.
To get started, make sure all computers you plan to connect are connected to the same router. This can be either a cable connection or a Wi-FiThe main thing is that they're on the same subnet. If the devices see each other in the list of available networks, you can begin configuring the operating system.
It's important to understand that data transfer speed will directly depend on the quality of the wireless signal and the standard your router supports. In densely populated areas or with a lot of interference, speeds may be lower than with a wired connection, but for most home use, this is sufficient.
Checking network profile settings
The first and most critical step is choosing the correct network profile. Windows may classify new connections as "Public" by default, which automatically hides your computer from detection by other devices for security reasons. You need to change this status to "Private Network" to allow visibility.
To do this, go to the Start menu and select "Settings," then open "Network & Internet." In the list of active connections, find your Wi-Fi connection and change the network profile. The system will now allow data exchange with trusted devices.
Make sure all computers on your local network have the same profile. If one computer is set to "Private" and another to "Public," they won't see each other in the network neighborhood.
⚠️ Important: By changing your profile to "Private," you make your computer visible to other devices on this network. Only do this on trusted home or office networks, not on public hotspots (cafes, airports).
After changing the profile, the system will apply the new firewall rules. This will take a few seconds, after which you can proceed to configuring sharing settings.
Enabling Sharing and Discoverability
The next step is to fine-tune the discovery settings. Even with the correct network profile, file sharing features may be disabled manually or by system policies. You'll need access to the Network and Sharing Center.
Open Control Panel by searching in the Start menu and find the appropriate section. In the left column, select "Change advanced sharing settings." This section displays the settings for your current profiles.
- 📡 Turn on network discovery - allows the computer to see other devices and be visible to itself.
- 📂 Turn on file and printer sharing — enables access to shared folders.
- 🔐 Use 128-bit encryption - ensures the security of transmitted data.
Pay special attention to the "All Networks" section. Here you'll find an important option called "Password-protected sharing." If you enable this option, the system will prompt you for your username and password when attempting to connect to your computer.
For home use, it's often more convenient to disable password protection to allow access from any device on the network. However, in an office environment or if there are children in the home, it's best to leave it enabled to control access.
⚠️ Warning: If you disable password protection, anyone who connects to your Wi-Fi will be able to access shared folders. Make sure your Wi-Fi password is strong and complex.
Setting up shared folders and resources
Once the network infrastructure is configured, you need to determine what data will be accessible to other users. You can share any folder on your hard drive, making it readable or fully writable.
Select the desired folder, right-click it, and go to "Properties." Look for the "Sharing" tab. Click the "Advanced" button and check the "Share this folder" box.
In the Permissions window, you can fine-tune permissions for different users. For example, you can grant one user read-only access to files, while another can modify and delete them.
You can also use the "Sharing" feature, which is located directly in the context menu of the "Sharing" tab. This is a simplified option that automatically shares the file with the "Everyone" group.
Please remember that shared folders must be located on disks with a file system to work correctly. NTFSThe FAT32 file system does not support extended permissions or network permissions.
Connecting a network printer
One of the most useful features of a local network is the ability to share a single printer between multiple computers. If the printer is connected to one PC via USB, you can share it with other devices on the network.
On the computer where the printer is physically connected, go to "Devices and Printers." Right-click the desired printer and select "Printer properties," then the "Sharing" tab. Check the "Share this printer" box.
On other computers, open "Devices and Printers" and click "Add a printer." The system should automatically find the shared device on the network. If the automatic search fails, select "The printer I want is missing" and search for it by name or IP address.
| Parameter | Default value | Recommended value |
|---|---|---|
| Network profile | Public | Private |
| Network discovery | Disabled | Included |
| Access to files | Disabled | On |
| Password protection | Included | Depending on the situation |
It's important to note that the computer the printer is connected to must be on to print from other machines. If it's off or asleep, the print queue will freeze.
What to do if drivers are not found automatically?
If Windows can't find a driver for your network printer, download the full driver package for your model from the manufacturer's website. During installation, select the "Network" connection type and specify the path to the device.
Access by IP address and computer name
Sometimes automatic discovery doesn't work correctly, and computers don't see each other in the "Network" section. In this case, the most reliable connection method is to directly enter the IP address or device name.
You can find out your IP address by opening the command line (press Win + R, enter cmd and press Enter) and execute the command ipconfigYou're interested in the "IPv4 address" line, which usually looks like 192.168.xx
ipconfig /allTo connect to resources of another computer, click Win + R and enter two backslashes followed by the IP address, like this: \\192.168.1.55If the information is correct, a window will open with a list of available shared folders.
You can find the computer name in the system properties. It must be unique within the local network. If the names are the same, a conflict will occur, and one of the devices will be unable to connect.
⚠️ Please note: IP addresses assigned by the router via DHCP may change after a device reboot. For constant access, it's best to configure a static IP address in the adapter properties or reserve an address in the router settings.
Solving common connection problems
Despite the simplicity of setup, users often encounter errors when connecting computers via Wi-Fi. The most common issue is the error "Windows cannot access..." with code 0x80070035 or similar.
Often the cause lies in disabled services. Check if the "Function Discovery Resource Publisher" and "Function Discovery Provider Host" services are running. They can be found via services.msc.
- 🔄 Restart your router and all computers—this solves 50% of DNS cache and network conflict issues.
- 🛡️ Check your antivirus software—third-party firewalls may be blocking your local network, considering it a threat.
- 📶 Make sure all devices are on the same subnet (the first three digits of the IP address must match).
It's also worth checking the SMB 1.0 protocol. In newer versions of Windows, it's disabled by default due to vulnerabilities, but some older network-attached storage (NAS) devices or printers require it to be enabled. Only do this if you're confident in the security of your network.
☑️ Check before connection
If all else fails, try temporarily disabling Windows Firewall. If the connection reappears afterward, the issue lies with the filtering rules, which need to be configured manually.
Local network security
Ensuring data security when connecting computers via Wi-Fi is a priority. Wireless networks are more vulnerable to data interception than wired ones, so basic security measures cannot be ignored.
Use a modern encryption standard WPA3 Or at least WPA2-AES on your router. Outdated WEP and WPA protocols are easily cracked, giving an attacker access to your entire local network.
Update your router firmware regularly. Manufacturers often patch vulnerabilities that can lead to internal network penetration. Also, change your router's administrator password from the factory default to a strong one.
If you only use a shared folder for temporary file transfers, it's best to disable sharing after you're finished. This minimizes the risk of information leakage in the event of a network compromise.
Why can't computers see each other even though they have the same Wi-Fi?
Most often, the problem is with the network profile. If one computer considers the network "Public," it will be hidden. Also, check that the "Workstation" service is enabled on both devices and that they are in the same workgroup (WORKGROUP by default).
Is it possible to connect computers without a router?
Yes, it's possible to create a computer-to-computer (Ad-hoc) network directly via Wi-Fi adapters, but in modern versions of Windows, this feature is hidden and requires complex command-line manipulation. It's easier to use a smartphone as an access point or buy an inexpensive router.
What speed can I expect when transferring files via Wi-Fi?
Actual speed depends on the router standard. For Wi-Fi 4 (N), it's around 3-5 Mbps, for Wi-Fi 5 (AC), it's 10-40 Mbps, and Wi-Fi 6 (AX) can deliver over 80 Mbps under ideal conditions. In practice, speeds are always lower than those advertised on the box due to protocol overhead.