Creating a local network via a wireless connection WiFi — This is a standard procedure for integrating multiple devices into a single ecosystem. You don't need additional cables or complex switches if you already have a modern router installed in your home. Simply configure your hardware and operating system settings correctly to access shared folders, printers, or online games.
Many users mistakenly believe that for an organization LAN (Local Area Network) requires a physical connection via twisted pair cable. In fact, modern wireless standards such as 802.11ac And Wi-Fi 6, provide sufficient bandwidth for comfortable work with multimedia and documents. The key is to understand the principles of addressing and security to ensure the network operates reliably and is protected from unauthorized connections.
In this article, we'll walk you through the setup process step by step, from basic router connection to fine-tuning access rights in the operating system. Windows 10/11You'll learn how to avoid common IP address conflicts and set up file sharing without third-party software. This knowledge is useful for both home use and setting up a small office.
Basic equipment preparation and router testing
The first step to creating a stable local area network is properly connecting and configuring the router itself. It acts as the network's hub, distributing IP addresses to each connected device via the protocol. DHCPIf the router is new or has been reset to factory settings, it must be initially configured through the web interface.
Connect your computer to the router using a cable or WiFi, then open your browser and enter the gateway address. This is usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1, but the exact address is always indicated on a sticker on the bottom of the device. After entering your login and password (often admin/admin), you'll be taken to the control panel, where you'll need to ensure that IP address distribution is enabled.
Pay attention to the address range assigned by your router. For a home network, the standard subnet is 255.255.255.0, allowing you to connect up to 254 devices. Make sure the wireless module is enabled and the network name (SSID) and password are secure to prevent neighbors from accidentally or deliberately connecting to your local infrastructure.
⚠️ Attention: If you change DHCP settings or the address range, all devices will lose connection and will need to reconnect. Make a note of the new network settings before making any changes.Setting up a network in Windows: profile and discovery
Once all devices are connected to the same router, the operating system must recognize that you are in a trusted environment. In Windows, this is controlled by the network profile. If the system considers the network "Public," it automatically blocks most local data exchange functions for security purposes.
To change your profile, go to your network settings. In Windows 10, this is done via
Settings → Network & Internet → StatusClick on your WiFi connection properties and select the "Private" network type. This will make your computer visible to other devices and open ports for local traffic.The next critical step is to configure sharing settings. Go to
Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change advanced sharing settingsHere you need to enable network discovery and file and printer sharing for the current profile.
- 🔍 Turn on network discovery so computers can see each other in the Network list.
- 📁 Enable file and printer sharing to enable data exchange.
- 🔒 Disable password-protected access only if you completely trust all users on the network (not recommended for offices).
Don't forget to check your Windows services as well. Sometimes network discovery doesn't work because system services are stopped. Make sure the services are running. SSDP detection function, Computer Discovery Resource Publishing Service And UPnP device host launched and operate in automatic mode.
📊 What type of network do you use most often?Home (Private)Public (Cafe/Hotel)Work (Office)Guest networkOrganizing shared access to folders and files
Once the network settings are configured, you can begin sharing specific resources. You can share either an entire drive or a specific folder. The latter option is more secure and better for data organization. Select the folder, right-click it, and select "Properties."
In the window that opens, go to the "Access" tab and click "Advanced." Check the "Share this folder" box. You can also configure permissions here: allow reading, modifying, or full control for different users. For home networks, the "Everyone" group with read/write permissions is often used.
It's important not to confuse the two tabs in the folder properties: "Access" and "Security." The "Access" tab manages network permissions, while "Security" manages NTFS file system access permissions. If a user doesn't have file system permissions, network access won't help. Therefore, in the "Security" tab, it's also a good idea to add the "Everyone" user or group with the necessary permissions.
To access a shared folder from another computer, you don't have to search for it in a network environment, which can sometimes be slow. The easiest way is to use a direct path. Open "My Computer" and enter [in the address bar]
\\COMPUTER_NAMEorIP address. For example:\\192.168.1.55.Table of access types and rights levels
When setting permissions, it's important to understand the differences between access levels to avoid compromising data integrity or accessing unnecessary information. Below is a table to help you determine the necessary permissions for different use cases.
Access type Reading Recording Removal Who is it suitable for? Read only ✅ Yes ❌ No ❌ No To view photos, videos, documents Reading and writing ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ❌ No For collaborative work on files Full access ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ✅ Yes For the network administrator Forbidden ❌ No ❌ No ❌ No For closed system folders Using static IP addresses for servers or media centers simplifies things. If the address of the computer hosting your movies changes daily, you'll have to re-enter the path on your TV or set-top box. You can set the address either in the router settings (MAC address binding) or in the TCP/IP protocol properties in Windows.
Creating a HomeGroup and Media Server
Although the classic HomeGroup was removed from Windows 10 (version 1803) and Windows 11, the media sharing functionality remains. Now, video and music streaming to TVs and set-top boxes is supported using DLNA or built-in media server.
To broadcast content, simply enable streaming in the Windows media player settings or use specialized software like Plex or KodiIn the standard Windows Media Player, go to the "Stream" menu and enable "Automatically allow media access from devices on my network."
This method is ideal for viewing photos from a laptop on a large TV screen without using flash drives. The devices must be on the same subnet, and the receiving device (Smart TV) must have DLNA support enabled or the corresponding app installed.
What to do if the TV doesn’t see the computer?
Make sure your firewall allows access for the Media Server app. Antivirus software often blocks incoming DLNA/UPnP connections. Try temporarily disabling your firewall for diagnostic purposes.
Diagnosing problems and troubleshooting errors
Even with proper configuration, situations may arise where computers cannot see each other. The most common cause is an antivirus program or the built-in Windows firewall. They can block incoming connections, deeming them suspicious, even if the network is marked as private.
Check your network type. If Windows suddenly switches your profile to "Public," detection will disappear. It's also worth checking the "Computer Browser" service and the SMB 1.0 protocol (although its use is not recommended due to vulnerabilities, older devices may require it to be enabled).
For diagnostics, use the command line. Command
ping neighbor's IP addressThis will show whether there's a physical connection between the devices. If you can ping but can't see the folders, the problem lies in Windows software settings. If there's no ping, the problem lies with the router or WiFi adapter drivers.ping 192.168.1.55tracert 192.168.1.55
ipconfig /all⚠️ Attention: Router interfaces and Windows menus may differ depending on the firmware version or OS update. Always consult the latest documentation from your equipment manufacturer.☑️ Local Network Checklist
Completed: 0 / 5Local WiFi network security
An open local area network in an apartment building is a risk. If neighbors guess your WiFi password, they'll gain access not only to the internet but also to your shared folders. Therefore, encryption is essential. WPA2/WPA3 on the router is a mandatory minimum.
Additionally, it is not recommended to use the administrator account for network access without a password. Windows, by default, prevents network logins for accounts with blank passwords. Set complex passwords for all user accounts that have network access.
For maximum security, you can create a guest WiFi network for friends, completely isolating them from your main local network. This feature is often called "Guest Network" or "Client Isolation" in your router settings. This will allow guests to use the internet but not see your computers and printers.
Update your router firmware regularly. Manufacturers often patch vulnerabilities that allow attackers to access your local network from outside. Outdated router firmware is an open door for hackers.
Why can't my computer see other PCs on the network?
Most often, the problem lies in the "Public" network profile or a disabled network discovery service. Also, ensure that computer names are unique and do not contain Cyrillic characters, which sometimes cause conflicts in older protocols.
Is it possible to create a local network without a router?
Yes, you can set up a computer-to-computer (Ad-hoc) network by setting up a direct WiFi connection between adapters. However, this is more difficult to set up and less stable than using a router's access point.
How do I find out the IP address of another computer on the network?
On the target computer, open a command prompt (cmd) and type
ipconfigYou're interested in the "IPv4 address" line. This information can also be found in the WiFi connection properties under "Details."Does a local network affect internet speed?
The local network setting itself doesn't affect internet speed. However, actively transferring large files over WiFi can overload the wireless channel, causing internet performance on other devices to slow down.