Setting up a wireless local area network between two computers is a challenge faced by many users who want to quickly transfer gigabytes of information or access shared resources. In the era of cloud storage, a direct connection remains the fastest data transfer method, independent of external internet speed. Modern operating systems, such as Windows 10 And Windows 11, provide built-in tools for implementing this task, but their configuration often raises questions for untrained users.
Wireless connection Wi-Fi Requires both devices to be within the coverage area of a single access point or connected to the same router. Unlike a wired Ethernet connection, a wireless connection eliminates the need for cables, but places higher demands on signal stability and correct software settings. If you plan to connect a desktop PC and a laptop, or two laptops, it's important to understand the basic principles of network profiles.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of setting up a local network, from checking the physical connection to setting up folder permissions. You'll learn to avoid common mistakes caused by built-in firewalls blocking connections and understand why computers may not be able to see each other even though the Wi-Fi icon is present. Proper setup today will save you hours of troubleshooting later.
Preparing equipment and checking connections
The first step to successfully creating a network is ensuring a physical connection between the devices. Both computers must be connected to the same wireless network, broadcast by your router. Whether you're using a mobile hotspot or a direct computer-to-computer (Ad-Hoc) connection, the logic is similar, but the classic router-based setup is the most stable and common in home settings.
Make sure both devices have the latest drivers installed. Wi-Fi adaptersOutdated software can cause connection drops or prevent other devices from appearing in the list of available devices. You can check the driver status in Device Manager by making sure there are no yellow exclamation marks next to the network adapter.
☑️ Check before setting up the network
It's also important to consider the frequency range your router operates on. Modern models support the following standards: 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) and 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) operating in the 5 GHz band ensures high file transfer speeds. However, if one of the computers is equipped with an older adapter that only supports 2.4 GHz, the connection will still be established, but the speed will be limited by the weaker device.
Select a network profile: Private or public network
Selecting the correct network profile in Windows is critical. By default, the operating system often assigns new connections the "Public" status, which provides the highest level of security and hides your computer from other devices. To create a local network, you need to change this status to "Private."
To do this in Windows 10/11, go to the "Settings" menu, select "Network & Internet," then click on your Wi-Fi connection properties. Under "Network Profile," select "Private." This will make your computer visible to other devices and open the necessary ports for data exchange.
⚠️ Caution: Never select the "Private Network" profile if you're connected to public Wi-Fi in a cafe, airport, or hotel. This could expose your personal files to attackers on the same network.
After changing the profile, the system may ask for confirmation to allow PC discovery. Agree to this request. Your machine is now ready to be part of the trusted environment. If you are connecting two computers, this procedure must be repeated on the other. both devices.
Setting up sharing options
Even with the correct network profile, Windows may block external connection attempts. You need to enable sharing features. Open Control Panel, go to Network and Sharing Center, and select Change advanced sharing settings.
In the window that opens, you'll see several profiles (Private, Guest, All Networks). In the "Private" section, make sure the following options are enabled:
- 🔌 Enable network discovery
- 📂 Enable file and printer sharing
- 🔐 Allow Windows to manage HomeGroup connections
Next, go to the "All Networks" section. This is where you'll find an important setting related to passwords. If you want folders to be accessible without entering a username and password (which is convenient for a home network), select "Turn off password-protected sharing." Otherwise, when you try to log in from another computer, the system will prompt you for the credentials of the user whose folder is being shared.
Don't forget to click the "Save Changes" button at the bottom of the page. It may take a few seconds for the settings to apply. After that, the operating system will reconfigure the rules. firewall and discovery services, allowing computers to "see" each other in the list of network devices.
Sharing folders and setting access rights
Now that the network infrastructure is ready, you need to determine what data will be accessible. Select the folder you want to share, right-click it, and select "Properties." Go to the "Sharing" tab and click "Sharing."
In the window that opens, select "Everyone" from the drop-down list (or a specific user if you left password protection enabled) and click "Add." A new entry will then appear in the list of members. In the "Permission Level" column, you can set permissions: "Read" (view only) or "Read and Write" (full control, including file deletion).
| Access level | User capabilities | Recommended use |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | Viewing and copying files | Exchange photos, documents, and media |
| Reading and writing | Full control, creation and deletion | Collaborating on projects |
| Owner | Full control + change access rights | Network administrator |
There's also a "Security" tab in the folder's properties. If you encounter an error when trying to access the folder from another computer, check if the "Everyone" user with the appropriate permissions exists. Sometimes the "Access" tab settings conflict with the more restrictive rules in the "Security" tab.
What should I do if the "Access" tab is missing?
If you don't see the "Sharing" tab in the folder properties, your file system may have encryption enabled or it may be a system folder. Also, check if "Use simple file sharing" is disabled in Folder Options, although it's usually enabled by default in modern versions of Windows.
Search for a computer on the network and connect
After completing the settings on both computers, let's move on to the actual connection. Open File Explorer and select "Network" in the left pane. If the settings are correct, you should see the name of the second computer after a few seconds.
If the computer does not display automatically, you can use direct address entry. Press the key combination Win + R, in the window that appears, enter \\Computer_Name or IP addressYou can find out the IP address by running the command line (cmd) and entering the command ipconfigThe address will be specified in the IPv4 line.
The first time you connect, the system may ask for credentials. Enter the username and password for the remote computer. If you disabled password protection, you should be logged in automatically. For convenience, you can check the "Remember credentials" box to avoid entering them each time.
⚠️ Important: Computer names must not be the same. If both computers have the same name (e.g., "WORKSTATION"), a name conflict will occur and the connection will be impossible. Change the name of one of the devices in the system settings.
Troubleshooting errors and visibility issues
Even when following all the instructions, users often encounter problems with computers not being able to see each other. One of the most common causes is the "Function Discovery Resource Publishing" service. It may be disabled by default in some Windows builds.
To check, click Win + R, enter services.msc and find the "Function Discovery Resource Publication" service in the list. Set the startup type to "Automatic" and start the service. This often resolves the issue of a PC disappearing from the network list.
It's also worth checking the SMB 1.0 protocol. Although Microsoft disables it by default for security reasons, some older devices or specific settings may require it. However, connecting two modern Windows 10/11 PCs rarely requires this.
Security and speed optimization
Once you've set up your network, it's important to remember security. If you're in an apartment building, your neighbors may be able to hear your Wi-Fi signal. Make sure your wireless network is protected with a strong, industry-standard password. WPA2/WPA3Open networks make your shared files vulnerable to attack.
To optimize the speed of large file transfers, ensure both computers are connected to the 5 GHz band. The 2.4 GHz band is often congested with signals from microwave ovens, Bluetooth devices, and neighboring routers, causing speeds to drop to 2-4 MB/s, while 5 GHz allows for speeds of 40-80 MB/s and higher.
Regularly review the list of devices with access to your shared folders. If you've temporarily granted access to guests or colleagues, remember to revoke permissions or change account passwords after completing the work.
Is it possible to connect computers without a router?
Yes, this is possible by creating a virtual hotspot on one of the computers. The second computer connects to this hotspot as if it were a regular Wi-Fi network, and then the network is configured as described above.
Why can't computers see each other even though Wi-Fi is on?
Most likely, one of the computers has the "Public" network profile set, which is hiding the device. Also, check that the "Function Discovery Resource Publishing" service is enabled and that your antivirus or firewall isn't blocking the connection.
Do you need internet access to use a local Wi-Fi network?
No, an internet connection is not required. A local network operates between devices directly through a router or access point. However, if the router isn't connected to the internet, make sure it's turned on and distributing IP addresses (DHCP), otherwise the computers won't be able to find each other.
What is the maximum file transfer speed over Wi-Fi?
Speed depends on the Wi-Fi standard (n, ac, ax) and distance. Under ideal conditions, the 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) standard offers file transfer speeds of approximately 40-60 MB/s. With Wi-Fi 6, it can reach 100 MB/s or more, comparable to fast flash drives.
How do I disable folder sharing?
Go to the folder's properties, go to the "Sharing" tab, click "Advanced," and uncheck "Share this folder." Don't forget to also check the "Security" tab and remove any unnecessary access rights.