Creating a local network between computers without using cables is a task that is no longer the prerogative of system administrators of large companies. Modern routers and operating systems allow you to connect devices into a single ecosystem in just a few minutes. This allows users to instantly exchange large files, share printers, and even host online games without having to run Ethernet cables through the entire apartment.
Setup process local area network (LAN) Over-the-air communication is based on correctly identifying IP addresses and configuring Windows security profiles. If you're wondering how to connect a PC via Wi-Fi, you don't need to be an expert in network protocols; just follow a series of steps in the operating system interface. The main thing is to understand that both devices must be in the same location. frequency range and under the control of one router.
In this guide, we'll cover all the configuration details, from basic checks to troubleshooting common errors. You'll learn which registry parameters need to be changed, how to grant access to folders, and why your antivirus might be blocking connections. The key to success is the identity of the workgroup on all connected computers. Follow the instructions to turn a collection of disparate PCs into a powerful computing cluster.
Checking the basic connection conditions
Before moving on to complex settings, you need to ensure that the physical connection is stable. Both computers must be connected to the same wireless network. This means that they receive IP addresses from the same router, whether it's a home router. Wi-Fi router or corporate access point.
A common mistake is trying to connect devices when one is connected via LAN cable and the other via Wi-Fi, without the router being configured to bridge these segments (although in 99% of home networks, this happens automatically). Make sure the wireless connection icon is lit on both devices and your network name is displayed.
⚠️ Note: If one of the computers is connected to a Guest Network, the connection to the main network segment will be blocked by client isolation.
It's also worth checking that Wi-Fi is enabled on both devices. On laptops, this is often done with a keyboard shortcut. Fn + F2 or a physical switch on the case. On desktop PCs, make sure the external adapter's antennas are securely attached and the signal is strong enough.
Setting up a network profile in Windows
By default, the Windows operating system treats new networks as public, which prevents other devices from seeing your computer. To connect your PC via Wi-Fi, you need to change the network profile to "Private." This tells the system you're in a trusted environment, such as your home or office.
To do this, open the Start menu and go to "Settings" (the gear icon). Then select "Network & Internet" and find "Status" or "Wi-Fi," depending on your version of Windows. Click on the properties for your current connection.
In the window that opens, you'll see a profile switcher. Select "Private." This will allow the system to discover your device and access shared resources. Without this step, network discovery It won't work no matter how much you adjust the other parameters.
- 🔹 Open Settings from the Start menu.
- 🔹 Go to the "Network and Internet" section.
- 🔹 Select an active Wi-Fi connection.
- 🔹 Set the network profile to "Private".
After changing the profile, it's recommended to restart the network adapter or completely reconnect to Wi-Fi for the changes to take effect. Your computer is now ready to be visible to your network neighbors.
Configuring sharing settings
The next step is setting up data sharing rules. Windows has a flexible sharing system that allows you to control who has access to which resources. To get started, we need to enable basic discovery features.
Open Control Panel and go to Network and Sharing Center. In the left menu, select Change advanced sharing settings. Here you'll see profiles for different network types (Private, Guest, All Networks).
In the "Private" section, you need to enable network discovery and file and printer sharing. It is also recommended to enable automatic configuration of connected network devices. This will allow the system to automatically open the necessary ports. firewall.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Network discovery | Turn on | Makes your PC visible on the network |
| File sharing | Turn on | Allows reading/writing files |
| Access to printers | Turn on | Allows you to print from other PCs |
| Managing a HomeGroup | Allow | Windows Access Coordination |
Be sure to save your changes by clicking the "Save Changes" button at the bottom of the page. If the system asks for administrator rights, confirm this. Without these settings, attempting to connect your PC via Wi-Fi will result in an access error.
☑️ Setting up sharing
Unification of working group and names
For a local network to function correctly, all computers must be in the same workgroup. By default, Windows uses the name WORKGROUP, but sometimes different values may be set on different machines, especially if one of the systems has been reinstalled or is a corporate one.
To check and change this setting, right-click "This PC" and select "Properties." In the window that opens, find the "Advanced system settings" link or use the command sysdm.cpl in the progress bar (Win + R). Go to the "Computer Name" tab.
Here you will see the current workgroup name. It must be identical on all devices you want to connect. The computer names themselves must also be unique—two PCs with the same name DESKTOP-PC will create an addressing conflict.
⚠️ Note: The computer name must not contain spaces or special characters other than hyphens. Use Latin characters to avoid encoding issues.
After changing the workgroup name, the system will require a reboot. This is a mandatory requirement for the new network identifiers to apply. Only after the reboot will the computers "see" each other in the list of network devices.
Why is a working group needed?
A workgroup is a logical grouping of computers on a local network for sharing resources. Unlike a domain, there is no central authorization server, and each PC manages its own accounts. This is the standard for home networks and small offices.
Opening folders and sharing resources
Once the network is configured, you need to determine what data will be available to other users. You can grant access to the entire drive (not recommended for security reasons) or to specific folders. Let's consider the option of selective access.
Select the folder you want to share. Right-click it and select "Properties." Go to the "Sharing" tab and click "Advanced." Check the "Share this folder" box.
Next, you need to configure permissions. Click the "Permissions" button. Here you can select a user. All (if you don't have a Windows login password) or a specific user. For All You can set permissions to "Full Access", "Change", or "Read Only".
- 📁 Right-click on the folder → Properties.
- 📁 Access tab → Advanced settings.
- 📁 Check "Share".
- 📁 Set permissions for the "Everyone" user.
There's also a "Security" tab in the folder's properties. Make sure the list of groups and users also includes "Everyone" or a specific user with read and execute permissions. Sometimes NTFS file system permissions block access even when network access is enabled.
Connecting to a network resource and troubleshooting
Now that all the settings are complete, you can try connecting the PCs via Wi-Fi. Open File Explorer and select "Network" in the left pane. If everything is set up correctly, you will see the name of the second computer. When you try to log in, the system may ask for a username and password.
Enter the username and password for the second computer (their Windows login). If there is no password and the security policy requires one, you may need to create identical user accounts on both computers or disable the password prompt in the advanced sharing settings.
If the computer is not visible, try entering its IP address directly into the address bar of File Explorer. The address looks like this: \\192.168.1.XXYou can find out the IP using the command ipconfig in the command line on the target computer. The command ping to check the connection.
ping 192.168.1.55 -tIf you can ping but can't see the folders, the problem is most likely with your firewall or antivirus. Try temporarily disabling your third-party antivirus. If that helps, add your local network to your firewall exceptions.
⚠️ Warning: Antivirus software often blocks incoming connections via the SMB protocol (port 445). Check your antivirus software's network protection settings.
In some cases, you may need to enable SMB 1.0 support, even though modern systems use versions 2 and 3. This can be done through "Turn Windows features on or off" in Control Panel, but enabling the older protocol is only worthwhile if you're connecting a modern PC to a very old device (such as Windows XP or an old NAS).
What to do if Windows says "Access Denied"?
The "Access Denied" error is often caused by password synchronization issues or a disabled guest service. Try creating a user with the same name and password on both computers. Also, check that the "Server" and "Workstation" services are enabled in the Services.msc menu.
How to find out the IP address of a second computer?
On the second computer, click Win + R, enter cmd