Creating a wireless local area network (LAN) is a fundamental task for any modern user, whether setting up a home office or a multimedia system in the living room. Unlike wired solutions that require cable installation, wireless technology allows for instant connection of devices, providing flexibility and mobility. However, despite its apparent simplicity, the process requires careful attention to security settings and sharing options.
The main purpose of this configuration is to allow devices to exchange data, print to a shared printer, or play content on a TV without the use of external cloud storage. Modern operating systems, such as Windows 10 And Windows 11, have significantly simplified this process by automating many steps. However, understanding the basic principles of protocols and addressing is necessary to troubleshoot potential issues.
In this article, we'll cover every step in detail: from preparing the equipment to fine-tuning file sharing settings. You'll learn how to properly configure a network profile to prevent the system from blocking incoming connections, and what diagnostic tools to use if computers can't see each other. Proper network organization will improve work efficiency and simplify the management of digital resources in your space.
Equipment preparation and compatibility testing
The first step is to ensure that all devices you plan to connect are connected to the same access point. This could be your home router or a mobile hotspot created on your smartphone. It's crucial that all computers are on the same subnet, which usually happens automatically when connecting to the same Wi-Fi routerIf you have a dual-band router broadcasting 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks with different names (SSIDs), make sure all PCs are connected to a network with the same name.
You should also ensure that all devices have the same network profile type. Windows has a concept called a "Network Profile," which determines how discoverable your computer is. To create a local network, the profile must be set to "Private." If it's set to "Public," the system blocks most discovery features for security reasons.
⚠️ Note: When switching your network profile to "Private," the system may ask for confirmation. Make sure you're in a trusted environment, as this makes your computer visible to other devices within your Wi-Fi range.
You can use the command line to check the current network status and connection type. This is a quick way to ensure that the network adapter is working correctly and has received an IP address from the router's DHCP server.
ipconfig /allIn the command output, note the lines "IPv4 Address" and "Default Gateway." The addresses should start with the same numbers (usually 192.168.0.x or 192.168.1.x), confirming they are on the same subnet.
Setting up a network profile and discovery in Windows
After physically connecting to Wi-Fi, you need to configure the logical level of interaction. The operating system needs to understand that you're in a secure home environment. In Windows 10 and 11, this is done through the Settings menu. Go to Network & Internet settings, and select your Wi-Fi connection properties.
Here, you need to change the network profile from "Public" to "Private." This will enable discovery services and allow incoming connections for the selected applications. Without this step, computers may technically be connected to the router, but they won't be able to "see" each other in File Explorer.
Next, you need to configure the sharing settings. In Control Panel, under "Network and Sharing Center," select "Change advanced sharing settings." This is where the key network settings, determining the visibility of the device.
- 📡 Enable network discovery and automatic configuration of connecting devices.
- 📂 Turn on file and printer sharing.
- 🔒 Disable password-protected sharing (only for trusted home networks) if you want easier sign-in.
- 🖥️ Make sure that discovery of media devices is enabled in the "All Networks" section.
After making changes, be sure to click "Save Changes." The system may require administrator privileges to apply the new settings. Restarting the computer after these steps is not required, but it is recommended to ensure all services are applied.
Creating a shared folder and setting access rights
The central element of a local network is often a shared resource—a folder accessible for reading or writing by other computers. To create such a folder, select any directory on the disk, right-click it, and go to Properties. The "Access" tab is the one you're interested in.
Click the "Advanced Settings" button and check the "Share this folder" box. Here you can also specify the resource name that will be visible on the network; it can differ from the actual folder name on the disk. This is useful for organizing a logical structure.
The most important step is setting up access rights (Permissions). Click the "Permissions" button and select "Everyone" or a specific user. You can grant or deny full access, modify access, or read-only access. For a workgroup, "Read" access is often sufficient to prevent employees from accidentally deleting important files.
| Permission type | Description of action | Recommended use |
|---|---|---|
| Full access | Allows you to read, modify, delete files and change access permissions | Network Administrator, Personal Folders |
| Change | Allows you to read, create, and delete files, but not change permissions. | Working projects, general documents |
| Reading | Only viewing and copying files, no editing possible | Libraries, reference books, media |
| Special rights | Fine-tuning individual operations (e.g. only creating files) | Specific server tasks |
In addition to the "Access" tab, don't forget to check the "Security" tab. NTFS (file system) permissions take precedence over network permissions. If a user doesn't have read permissions for a file on the drive, network access won't help. Make sure the "Everyone" user or group with the appropriate permissions is listed in the security groups.
☑️ Checking a shared folder
Connecting a network printer and peripherals
One of the most useful features of a local network is the ability to share a single printer between multiple computers. If you have a Wi-Fi-enabled printer, you can connect it directly to the router, making it independent of a specific computer. If the printer is connected via USB to one of the computers, that computer will act as a print server.
To set up a shared printer, go to "Devices and Printers" (or "Printers & Scanners" in newer versions of Windows). Select the desired printer, open the "Manage" tab, and find the "Sharing" tab. Check the "Share this printer" box and give it a descriptive network name.
⚠️ Important: The computer to which the USB printer is physically connected must be turned on and not in deep sleep mode for other users to be able to print. Set your power plan to prevent USB ports from being turned off.
On client computers (from which you want to print), add the printer via the "Add Printer" menu. Select "The printer I want isn't listed" and then "Select a shared printer by name." Enter the path in the following format: \\ComputerName\PrinterName or find the device in the list of available ones.
The system will automatically attempt to find and install the necessary drivers. If the drivers aren't included in the Windows installation, you'll need an installation disc or download them from the manufacturer's website. It's important to install drivers for all operating systems that will use the printer (for example, if the server is running Windows 10 and the client is running Windows 7, additional drivers may be required).
What should I do if my printer is not visible on the network?
Make sure the Print Spooler service is running on the print server. Also, check your firewall to make sure it's not blocking incoming connections for the print service. Try adding the printer manually by specifying its IP address if it's connected directly to the router.
Diagnosing problems and troubleshooting connection errors
Even with proper configuration, situations may arise where computers cannot see each other or access resources is denied. The most common error is "Windows cannot access..." Often, the problem lies with the discovery service or DNS cache.
First, try pinging. Open a command prompt and enter the target computer's IP address. If there's a response (see the "Reply from..." lines), the physical connection and underlying TCP/IP protocol are working. If not, the problem lies with the router or firewall.
ping 192.168.1.55If you can ping but the folders won't open, try resetting your network settings. In Windows 10/11, you can do this through the network settings ("Network reset") or by using the command netsh winsock reset in the command prompt with administrator rights. After this, a reboot will be required.
It's also worth checking the Function Discovery Resource Publication service. It may be disabled by default. Find it in the list of services (command services.msc), set the startup type to "Automatic" and start the service. This often solves the problem of the computer disappearing from the network list.
- 🔍 Check if SMB 1.0 is enabled (for older NAS devices or printers), although this is not required and is less secure for modern PCs.
- 🛡️ Temporarily disable any third-party antivirus or firewall software to check if it is blocking the connection.
- 🔄 Update your wireless adapter drivers to the latest version from the manufacturer's website.
Questions and Answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to create a network between computers without a router?
Yes, it's possible. You can set up a computer-to-computer (Ad-hoc) network using Windows' built-in tools or by creating a mobile hotspot on one of your laptops. However, the speed and stability of such a connection will be lower than using a full-fledged router.
Is it safe to disable password when sharing?
Within a home network protected by a strong Wi-Fi password (WPA2/WPA3), disabling password protection for shared folders is acceptable and convenient. However, in offices or high-traffic areas, this is strongly discouraged—it's better to use user accounts.
Why does my network drive disconnect after reboot?
When mapping a network drive, make sure "Restore at logon" is checked. If the problem persists, network services on the server may be starting later than the client's attempt to map the drive. You can set a startup delay or use a startup script.
What is the maximum Wi-Fi data transfer speed in a local network?
Speed depends on the Wi-Fi standard (n, ac, ax) and environmental conditions. Under ideal conditions, modern Wi-Fi 5 (AC) can deliver real-world file transfer speeds of approximately 400-600 Mbps, while Wi-Fi 6 (AX) can reach speeds of up to 800 Mbps and higher. This is significantly slower than a Gigabit Ethernet cable (approximately 940 Mbps), but sufficient for streaming video and working with documents.