How to Connect a PC to a Laptop via Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide with Settings

Connecting a desktop computer to a laptop wirelessly opens up a host of possibilities, from file sharing to remote control and even internet sharing. However, many users encounter difficulties setting up such a connection— Wi-Fi network is not visible, That Windows returns an error, then the data transfer speed leaves much to be desired. In this article, we will analyze All current methods for connecting a PC to a laptop via Wi-Fi, including hidden settings and solutions to common problems.

It's important to understand that the method you choose depends on your purpose. If you just need to transfer files, then local area network or cloud services. For remote control, you will need to configure RDP or third-party utilities like TeamViewerAnd if the goal is to distribute the Internet from a laptop to a PC, you will have to create virtual routerWe'll walk you through each scenario with step-by-step instructions and screenshots of key stages.

Before you begin, make sure both devices support Wi-Fi (on PC it may require Wi-Fi adapter(if it's not included). Also, check that both devices have the latest network card drivers installed—this will solve 90% of connection problems.

Method 1: Create an access point on a laptop (mobile hotspot)

The most universal method is to turn your laptop into virtual router, to which the PC will connect. This is relevant if the laptop has internet access (for example, via Ethernet or mobile network), but it is not available on PC. Windows 10/11 This function is built in and is called Mobile hotspot.

To activate it:

• 🖥️ Open Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Hotspot.
• 🔄 In the field Sharing select the connection through which the laptop receives the Internet (for example, Ethernet or Wi-Fi).
• 🔐 Set the network name (SSID) and password (at least 8 characters, with numbers and letters).
• 🔘 Toggle the slider Allow use of my internet connection in position On

On your PC, you should now connect to the created network as you would to a regular Wi-Fi network. If your PC doesn't see the network, check:

• 🔍 Is it turned on on the laptop? Wi-Fi adapter (indicator on the key F2/F12 or in Device Manager).
• 🛡️ Are drivers installed on your PC? Wi-Fi adapter (if you don’t have one, buy an external USB adapter for 500–1500 ₽).
• 📡 Is there any interference from other networks (try changing the channel in the hotspot settings via command line).

The laptop is connected to the Internet.

The PC has a Wi-Fi adapter installed.

Network card drivers have been updated.

VPN and firewalls are disabled

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⚠️ Attention: If your laptop is using corporate or educational network (for example, in an office or university), function Mobile hotspot may be blocked by security policies. In this case, try the method with command line (section 3).

2. Method: connection via local network (for file sharing)

If you don't need the Internet, but only file sharing or printer sharing, just create local network between a PC and a laptop. This method works both via cable and Wi-Fi (via ad-hoc network or router).

Instructions for Windows 10/11:

1. On both devices, open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center.
2. Select Change advanced sharing options.
3. Turn on Network discovery And File and Printer Sharing for profile Private.
4. Save changes and reboot your devices.

Now you can open access to folders:

• 📁 Right-click on the folder → Properties → Access → Share.
• 👥 Select a user All and set the permissions (Reading or Reading and writing).
• 🔗 On another device, open Net V Conductor and find the name of your PC/laptop.

Method 3: Command line for creating a Wi-Fi network (netsh)

If built-in Mobile hotspot does not work (for example, due to network restrictions), you can create an access point via command lineThis method is universal and works even on Windows 7.

Open Command prompt as administrator and do it in order:

netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=MyWiFi key=12345678
netsh wlan start hostednetwork

Where:

• MyWiFi — the name of your network (you can replace it).
• 12345678 — password (minimum 8 characters).

To share the Internet:

1. Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings.
2. Find the connection through which the laptop receives the Internet (for example, Ethernet), right-click → Properties.
3. Go to the tab Access and check the box Allow other network users to share your Internet connection.
4. On the list Connecting a home network select the created network (usually Local Area Connection* X).

⚠️ Note: After restarting your laptop, the Wi-Fi network will be disabled. To enable it automatically, create .bat-file with command netsh wlan start hostednetwork and add it to Autoload.

How to delete a created network?

Run the command netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=disallow, then netsh wlan stop hostednetworkThis will completely remove the virtual adapter from the system.

4. Method: remote control (RDP or TeamViewer)

If you need control a PC from a laptop (or vice versa), you can use:

• 🖥️ Built-in Remote Desktop (RDP) - works only in Windows Pro/Enterprise.
• 🌍 TeamViewer, AnyDesk - cross-platform solutions (they work even on Home versions Windows).

For setup RDP:

1. On the controlled PC, open Settings → System → Remote Desktop and turn on the function.
2. Remember the PC name (or its local IP address, which can be found through ipconfig V command line).
3. On your laptop, open Remote Desktop Connection (enter in search mstsc) and enter the IP/PC name.

For TeamViewer:

• Download the program from official website (free for personal use).
• Run on PC TeamViewer and write it down ID And Password.
• On your laptop, enter this information into the field Partner ID.

5. Method: Local Area Network (LAN) gaming

If you want to play online (for example, in Minecraft, CS:GO or GTA V), it is enough that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. The main thing is to set it up correctly port forwarding (if the game requires a host).

General instructions:

1. On the host PC (where the game server is running), find out the local IP via ipconfig.
2. In the game settings, specify this IP for connection.
3. If the game requires port forwarding (for example, Minecraft uses 25565), configure it on the router or in Windows Firewall.

For Minecraft:

1. Run the server on your PC (download the official .jar from the Mojang website).
2. On the laptop, in the game, select Multiplayer → Add Server.
3. Enter the local IP of the PC (for example, 192.168.1.100:25565).

⚠️ Attention: Some antivirus programs (for example, Avast or Kaspersky) are blocking network connections in games. Add the game to the exceptions list or temporarily disable protection.

6. Troubleshooting: Why the PC doesn't see the laptop's Wi-Fi

If you have set up an access point, but your PC cannot find the network, check:

If the problem persists:

• 🔄 Restart both devices.
• 🔧 Update your drivers Wi-Fi adapter (download from the manufacturer's website, not through Windows Update).
• 🛠️ Check if the connection is blocked Firewall or antivirus.

7. Alternative methods: cloud services and cable

If Wi-Fi is unstable or non-existent, consider alternatives:

• ☁️ Cloud storage (Google Drive, Yandex Disk, Dropbox) - for transferring files without a local network.
• 🔌 Direct cable connection (through Ethernet or USB-C) - faster and more stable Wi-Fi.
• 📶 Bluetooth — for small files (up to 10–20 MB), if Wi-Fi is not working.

For cable connection:

1. Connect your PC and laptop Ethernet cable (or USB-C, if supported).
2. On both devices, set the IP addresses manually (e.g. 192.168.1.1 And 192.168.1.2).
3. Open Network discovery and share the required folders.

⚠️ Caution: When using USB-C To connect your PC and laptop, make sure the cable supports data transfer (not all charging cables are suitable for this task).

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to connect a PC to a laptop without a router?

Yes, this will work:

• Creation Mobile hotspot on a laptop.
• Setting up ad-hoc-networks through command line (netsh).
• Direct cable connection (Ethernet or USB-C).

Without a router, you won't be able to access the internet on both devices at the same time (unless your laptop is sharing its internet connection).

Why is my Wi-Fi file transfer speed slow?

Reasons and solutions:

• 📶 Interference from other networks → Change the Wi-Fi channel to 5 GHz or select a less crowded channel in the router settings.
• 🔋 Energy saving → B Device Manager disable the option Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power For Wi-Fi adapter.
• 🖥️ Old Wi-Fi standard → If the adapter only supports 802.11n, the maximum speed is 150-300 Mbps. For a speed of 1 Gbps you need 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) or 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6).

How to transfer files from a PC to a laptop if Wi-Fi is not working?

Alternative methods:

1. USB drive (flash drive or external hard drive).
2. Bluetooth (slow, but works without additional equipment).
3. Cloud storage (Google Drive, Mail.ru Cloud).
4. Direct cable connection through Ethernet or USB-C (requires manual IP configuration).

For large files (videos, games) it is better to use external SSD With USB 3.0 — the transfer speed will reach 400–500 MB/s.

Is it possible to play via Wi-Fi between a PC and a laptop?

Yes, but for a comfortable game:

• 🎮 Use wired connection (Ethernet), if possible, delays will be minimal.
• 📡 If Wi-Fi only, select the band 5 GHz (less interference than on 2.4 GHz).
• 🔌 Close background programs that consume traffic (torrents, updates, streams).
• 🛠️ Enable it in your router settings QoS (Quality of Service) and set priority for gaming traffic.

For CS:GO, Dota 2 or Valorant Wi-Fi ping in a local network usually does not exceed 5–10 ms, which is enough for comfortable gaming.

How to share internet from a PC to a laptop (reverse situation)?

The algorithm is the same, but in reverse:

1. On PC create Mobile hotspot or use netsh.
2. If your PC is connected to the Internet via a cable, select this connection in the sharing settings.
3. On your laptop, connect to the created Wi-Fi network.

If your PC doesn't have Wi-Fi, buy one. USB adapter (from 500 ₽). For stable internet distribution, choose adapters that support 802.11ac (For example, TP-Link Archer T2U or ASUS USB-AC56).