How to connect laptops to a local network via Wi-Fi

The modern ecosystem of digital devices demands the rapid transfer of large amounts of data, and the question of how to connect laptops to a local network via Wi-Fi is becoming critical for many users. Wired connections are becoming a thing of the past, giving way to flexible wireless technologies that allow you to create complete home or office networks without the clutter of cables. Local area network (LAN) allows you to not only share files, but also play online games, use a shared printer, or remotely control computers.

There are two main scenarios for implementing this task: connecting via an existing Wi-Fi router or creating a direct computer-to-computer connection (Ad-Hoc mode). The choice of method depends on your infrastructure and goals. In both cases, you will need to properly configure the operating system's network settings so that the devices can "see" each other and exchange information securely.

In this article, we'll cover both methods in detail, with a particular focus on setting up Windows 10 and 11, as these are the most common OS versions. The key point is to set the network profile to "Private", otherwise the detection of devices will be blocked by the security system. Please follow the instructions in order to avoid configuration errors and ensure stable data transfer speed.

Preparing equipment and checking drivers

Before configuring the software, make sure the hardware is working properly. Both laptops must have working Wi-Fi modules. If you're using an external USB adapter, make sure it's connected and the drivers are installed correctly. Lack of up-to-date drivers is the most common cause of unstable wireless network performance.

Check the status of your wireless adapter in Device Manager. To do this, right-click the Start button and select device ManagerIn the "Network Adapters" list, find your device (usually labeled "Wireless," "Wi-Fi," or "802.11"). If there's a yellow exclamation point next to the name, the driver needs to be reinstalled.

It's also important to ensure that discovery is enabled on both devices. In modern versions of Windows, this is controlled by the network profile. If the system considers your network "Public," it will enforce strict security rules, hiding your computer from other devices in its range.

Make sure both laptops are within range of a strong signal. If the distance between them is large or there are many obstacles, file transfer speeds may drop to a minimum and the connection may be interrupted. For testing purposes, it's best to place the devices in the same room.

Method 1: Creating a network via a Wi-Fi router

This is the most common and convenient method if you already have a configured router. In this setup, the router acts as a central hub, assigning IP addresses and routing traffic between connected devices. You don't need to build a network from scratch; simply connect your laptops to a single access point.

Connect the first laptop to your Wi-Fi network using the standard method. Make sure the network profile is set to "Private." When you first connect, Windows will ask, "Do you want to allow other computers to find this PC?" Select "Yes." If you skipped this step, you can change the settings in the network settings.

Repeat the same steps on the second laptop. It's critical that both devices connect to the same network (SSID). If you have a dual-band router, make sure both laptops are on the same frequency (either both on 2.4 GHz or both on 5 GHz), although modern routers often group them under a single name.

Once connected, check if the devices can see each other. Open File Explorer and go to the Network section. If you see your computer and possibly other devices (printers, phones), then the basic connection has been established successfully. If the list is empty, there may be a block at the Windows service level.

Method 2: Direct Laptop-to-Laptop Connection (Ad-Hoc)

If a router is unavailable or faulty, you can set up a local network directly between two laptops. In Windows 10 and 11, the classic Ad-Hoc networking feature was hidden, but you can still use the "Mobile Hotspot" feature or manually create a network via the command line.

On the first laptop (the one that will distribute Wi-Fi), go to Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile HotspotEnable the feature and remember the network name and password. Now, on the second laptop, find this network in the list of available connections and sign in using the password.

An alternative, more flexible method for advanced users is to create a virtual adapter via the command line. Open the command line as administrator and enter the following command to create the network: netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=MyNetwork key=Password123Then start the network with the command netsh wlan start hostednetworkThis method gives more control over network parameters.

What to do if the virtual adapter is not created?

If an error occurs when running the command, it's possible that your Wi-Fi adapter driver doesn't support hosted network mode. Try updating the driver from the manufacturer's website or use the built-in "Mobile Hotspot" feature in the Windows interface, which works on top of this technology.

After connecting via Wi-Fi, the system can assign addresses automatically, but for stable local network operation, it's best to manually assign static IP addresses, which will be discussed in the next section. A direct connection is especially useful when traveling or when you need to quickly transfer files without internet access.

Setting up IP addresses and sharing

For computers to communicate reliably, they must be on the same subnet. When connecting through a router, this happens automatically (DHCP), but for a direct connection or to improve stability, it's recommended to manually enter the addresses.

On each laptop, open the adapter settings. Click Win + R, enter ncpa.cpl and press Enter. Find your wireless connection, right-click and select "Properties." Find the protocol in the list. Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4), select it and click "Properties".

Select the "Use the following IP address" option. For the first laptop, enter: IP address 192.168.1.10, subnet mask 255.255.255.0For the second laptop: IP address 192.168.1.11, subnet mask 255.255.255.0The primary gateway field can be left blank or duplicated with the IP of the first computer if it is distributing the Internet.

After setting up the IP addresses, you need to enable file sharing. Go to "Control Panel" → "Network and Sharing Center" → "Change advanced sharing settings." In the "Private" profile, enable "Turn on network discovery" and "Turn on file and printer sharing."

Create a shared folder and share files

Once the network is set up, you need to determine which files will be accessible. You can share any folder on the drive, making it visible to the second laptop. This is the basic mechanism of a local network, allowing you to work with documents as if they were local.

Create a new folder or select an existing one. Right-click it, select "Properties," and go to the "Sharing" tab. Click "Advanced" and check "Share this folder."

Then click "Permissions." Here you can configure access rights. For a home network, it's easiest to select the "Everyone" group and allow "Full Control," "Modify," and "Read." This will allow the second laptop to not only open files but also write new ones or delete old ones.

⚠️ Important: Granting "Full Control" to the "Everyone" group is only safe on a trusted home network. If others can connect to your Wi-Fi, they will have access to your files. In public places, use passwords on folders or disable sharing.

To access the shared folder from another computer, open File Explorer and enter the IP address of the first laptop in the address bar (for example, \\192.168.1.10) and press Enter. If everything is configured correctly, you will see the accessible folder. For convenience, you can right-click the folder and select "Mount as network drive" to make it appear as a separate drive (e.g., Z:) in "My Computer."

Solving common connection problems

Even with proper configuration, situations may arise where laptops cannot communicate with each other. Most often, the problem lies with Windows Firewall or antivirus software, which are blocking incoming connections. Try temporarily disabling your third-party antivirus and testing access.

Another common cause is a disabled Discovery Resource Publishing service. Click Win + R, enter services.mscFind the services related to discovery (Function Discovery Resource Publication, SSDP Discovery) in the list and make sure they are running and the startup type is set to "Automatic".

If the system asks for a login and password when you access a shared folder and you don't know what to enter, try the following options:

• 💻 Login: the username of the second computer, Password: the password for his account.
• 🔓 Login: Guest, Password: (leave blank) — if guest access is allowed.
• ⚙️ Login: MicrosoftAccount (email), Password: Microsoft account password.

It's also worth checking if SMB 1.0 support is enabled (although this is an older protocol, it's sometimes needed for communication with older devices). For modern Windows 10/11, it's better to use SMB 2/3. Make sure "SMB 1.0/CIFS Client" is enabled in Windows Features if you need compatibility with older hardware.

⚠️ Note: Windows settings interfaces may vary slightly depending on the update version (21H2, 22H2, etc.). If you can't find the item, search for keywords in system settings, such as "sharing" or "IP."

Local Wi-Fi network security

When setting up a local network, don't forget about security. Openly accessing files on a public network (like a cafe or airport) is a surefire way to leak data. Always check the network profile type. If you connect to someone else's Wi-Fi, Windows automatically sets the profile to "Public," which blocks your PC's visibility—this is the system's proper response.

Use complex passwords for your Wi-Fi connection. The encryption standard should be WPA2 or WPA3. The older WEP standard can be cracked in minutes and provides no protection for transmitted data. You can check the encryption type in your wireless network properties under "Wireless Network Properties" → "Security."

Regularly update your router's firmware. Manufacturers often patch vulnerabilities that allow attackers to penetrate your local network. Even if you're using a direct connection, make sure both laptops have the latest Windows security updates.

Is it possible to hide a folder from other users?

Yes, you can restrict access to a folder to a specific user. In the sharing settings, remove the "Everyone" group and add the username of the second laptop. Then, only that user will be able to log in by entering their username and password.

Remember that a local Wi-Fi network is less secure than a wired one, as the radio signal extends beyond the premises. Use strong encryption and do not store critical data in shared folders without additional protection using password-protected archivers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why doesn't the second laptop see the first one, even though both are connected to Wi-Fi?

Most likely, one of the devices is set to the "Public" network profile. In this mode, Windows prevents discovery. Go to the network settings and change the profile to "Private." Also, check that Network Discovery is enabled in Control Panel.

What is the maximum file transfer speed over Wi-Fi?

Speed ​​depends on the Wi-Fi standard (n, ac, ax) and environmental conditions. Under ideal conditions, Wi-Fi 5 (AC) can achieve 40-50 MB/s of real-world file copying, comparable to fast USB 2.0. Wi-Fi 6 (AX) can deliver significantly higher speeds, but is often limited by hard drive write speeds.

Is it possible to play online games over such a network?

Yes, a local network is ideal for multiplayer gaming (LAN parties). Ping within a local network is minimal (1-3 ms), ensuring smooth gameplay. The main thing is that both laptops are on the same subnet and the firewall doesn't block the gaming application.

Is internet required for a local network to function?

No, internet access is not required. The local network works regardless of whether you have access to the global network. You can disconnect the ISP cable from the router, and file sharing between laptops will continue to work as long as they are connected to the router or to each other.