Organize shared access to files, folders, or peripheral devices such as printers, is one of the basic tasks when using multiple computers in a home or small office. In the operating system Windows 10 This process has undergone significant changes compared to previous versions, often causing confusion among users accustomed to older setup methods. Microsoft's modern approach shifts the focus from outdated "HomeGroups" to more flexible sharing settings and network profiles, while still ensuring a high level of data security.
To successfully connect devices into a single infrastructure without using cables, all computers must be within range of a strong wireless router signal. Correctly defining the network type is key, as this determines whether your files will be visible to other users or remain hidden behind a firewall. Creating a local network via Wi-Fi requires that all devices be on the same subnet, meaning they receive IP addresses from the same router. Incorrect network profile settings are the most common reason why computers "don't see" each other despite being connected to the same access point.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the setup process in detail, from basic interface settings to fine-tuning access rights to specific resources. You'll learn how to manage device visibility, configure shared folders, and troubleshoot common connection errors that may arise during system configuration.
Basic requirements and equipment verification
Before you begin software configuration, you need to make sure your hardware is ready to work in network mode. The main element is wireless router (router), which must be functioning properly and configured to distribute IP addresses via DHCP. If the router doesn't assign addresses automatically, you'll have to manually assign them to each device, which significantly complicates the process and increases the risk of address conflicts.
It's also important to check that all computers planned for networking have up-to-date drivers for their Wi-Fi adapters. Outdated network card software can cause unstable connections or even complete loss of connectivity between network nodes, even if the internet is working properly. We recommend visiting the laptop or motherboard manufacturer's website and downloading the latest drivers for your device model.
- 📶 Make sure all computers are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (SSID), not a guest network or a neighbor's router.
- 🔌 Make sure your wireless adapter is turned on and not in airplane mode, as this blocks all network connections.
- 🛡️ Make sure your antivirus software isn't blocking local connections by adding your home network to the exceptions list.
It's also worth considering that some corporate networks or public access points (cafes, airports) have software restrictions that prohibit direct connections between clients (Client Isolation). Under these conditions, creating a local network is technically impossible, regardless of Windows settings, since isolation occurs at the provider's equipment level.
⚠️ Attention: If you're using a dual-band router that broadcasts two networks (for example, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), make sure all devices are connected to one of them, although modern routers usually combine them into one logical network.
Setting up the network type and access profile
The most critical step in determining your computer's visibility on the network is selecting a network profile. When you first connect to a new Wi-Fi network, Windows 10 asks if you want to make the computer discoverable. If you answer yes, the system will assign the profile a status of Private Network, which will automatically open the necessary ports for local data exchange.
If you accidentally select "No" or the profile is already set to "Public Network," your computer will be hidden from other devices. In a public profile, the system blocks incoming connections and hides the computer's name in the list of network resources, assuming you're in an unsafe location, such as a cafe. This isn't suitable for a home network, so you'll need to change the profile.
To check and change the current status, go to the menu Start → Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-FiHere you need to click on the name of your current connection (usually it is displayed under the Network Properties heading). In the window that opens, under the "Network Profile" heading, select the radio button "Private"This action will immediately apply firewall rules to allow discovery of the device.
After changing the profile, it is recommended to reboot the computer so that all network services update their configurations and register the changes on the local network. Changes often take a while to take effect, and other computers won't see the changes without restarting the network stack or the entire system.
Turn on network discovery and sharing
Once the network profile is set to "Private," you need to enable the corresponding features in the Network and Sharing Center. Windows 10 provides granular control over which sharing features are available, allowing for flexible security settings. To enable it, go to Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center and select "Change advanced sharing settings" on the left.
In the window that opens, you'll see several profiles: "Private," "Guest or Public," and "All Networks." We're interested in the section "Private"Here, you need to enable two key settings: "Turn on network discovery" (with the "Turn on automatic configuration of connected devices" checkbox) and "Turn on file and printer sharing." Without these options enabled, the computer will ignore connection requests from other hosts.
- 🔍 Network discovery allows your computer to see other devices and be visible to them in File Explorer.
- 🖨️ File and Printer Sharing gives you access to shared folders and connected peripherals.
- 🔐 Password protection encryption must be enabled to ensure that only authorized users have access to resources.
Pay special attention to the "All Networks" section. This is where the "Public Folder Sharing" setting is located. If you enable it, any files placed in the designated folder will be shared. Public, will be available to all network users without requiring a password. This is convenient for quick sharing, but it reduces security, so it's acceptable for home use with a strong Wi-Fi password.
⚠️ Attention: Disabling password protection in the "All Networks" section will allow anyone who connects to your Wi-Fi network to access your files without entering your username and password. Use this option with caution.
Be sure to save your changes by clicking the "Save Changes" button at the bottom of the page. The system may request administrator privileges to apply the new firewall rules. After this, the names of other computers connected to the same router should begin to appear in the "Network" section of File Explorer.
Setting up shared folders and resources
After configuring your network settings, it's time to organize the resources you want to share. In Windows 10, there are two main ways to share files: through the default "Shared Documents" folder and by sharing any folder on your drive. The second method is more flexible and is more commonly used.
To configure access to an arbitrary folder, right-click on it and select "Properties." Go to the tab "Access" and click "Advanced settings." In the window that opens, check "Share this folder." Here you can also limit the number of simultaneous users or give the folder a different network name than the one on the drive.
Setting up permissions is a critical step. By clicking the "Permissions" button, you can determine what network users can do: read only files, modify them, or have full control over the folder. By default, the "Everyone" group is often set to read-only permissions, which is a secure baseline.
| Permission type | Full access | Change | Reading |
|---|---|---|---|
| View content | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Launching programs | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Writing files | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed | ❌ Prohibited |
| Deleting files | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed | ❌ Prohibited |
| Changing access rights | ✅ Allowed | ❌ Prohibited | ❌ Prohibited |
There's also a "Security" tab in folder properties, which controls access at the NTFS file system level. For proper network operation, permissions must be consistent in both the "Access" and "Security" sections. If access is allowed in one location but denied in another, the denied permissions will take precedence.
☑️ Checking folder settings
Connecting a network printer and other devices
One of the most popular features of a local area network is the ability to share a single printer across all computers in the home. If the printer is connected to one computer via USB, it can be shared, making it available for printing from other computers. To do this, go to Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners.
Select the desired printer from the list, click "Manage," and then go to "Printer Properties." On the "Sharing" tab, check the box "Share this printer"It is advisable to specify a simple network name without spaces or special characters to avoid compatibility issues with older operating systems or other devices.
On client computers that will use this printer, you need to add the network device. This can be done through the "Add Printer" menu in the same settings section. The system will search for available printers on the network. If the automatic search yields no results, you can select "The printer I want isn't listed" and enter the path manually using the format \\ComputerName\PrinterName.
⚠️ Attention: The computer to which the USB printer is physically connected must be turned on and not in sleep mode, otherwise printing from other devices will not be possible.
Modern network printers with their own LAN port or Wi-Fi module connect directly to the router. This makes them independent network devices with their own IP address. To use them, simply install drivers on each computer and add the printer via TCP/IP address, eliminating the need to keep either computer running.
What should I do if the printer driver is not found automatically?
In this case, download the full driver version from the manufacturer's website for your operating system model. When adding a printer, select "I don't have a disk" and specify the path to the downloaded driver INF file.
Diagnosing and troubleshooting connection errors
Despite the automation of processes in Windows 10, users often encounter access errors such as code 0x80070035 ("Network path not found") or a request to enter credentials that the system does not accept. Most often, the problem lies in Windows services that have been stopped for some reason or are running manually.
To diagnose the issue, open a command prompt as administrator and enter the command services.mscIn the list of services, find "Function Discovery Resource Publication." Set the startup type to "Automatic" and start the service. This service is responsible for registering the computer on the network and making it visible to other devices.
It's also worth checking the "Network Connection Manager" and "SSDP Network Discovery" services. If these services are disabled, local network functionality will be severely limited. After starting the services, it's recommended to run the reset network settings command in the command prompt: netsh winsock reset And netsh int ip reset, after which you must restart your computer.
- 🔄 Rebooting the router often solves problems with IP address assignment and ARP table freezing.
- 🔥 Check if your antivirus is blocking your local network by temporarily disabling its firewall for diagnostics.
- 🆔 Make sure that computer names on the network are unique and do not contain Cyrillic characters, which can cause errors in older protocols.
If nothing helps, you can use the built-in troubleshooter. Go to Settings → Update & Security → Troubleshoot → Additional troubleshooters and run the wizard for "Network Adapters" and "Folder Sharing." The system will automatically check key settings and attempt to correct any discrepancies found.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is my computer not visible on the network even though the internet is working?
Most likely, your network has a "Public" profile, which hides your computer for security purposes. Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Status → Connection Properties and switch the profile to "Private." Also, check that "Function Discovery Resource Publishing" is enabled.
Is it possible to create a local network between Windows 10 and Windows 7?
Yes, this is possible, but Windows 10 must have SMB 1.0 support enabled (not recommended for security reasons) or, better yet, the correct encryption type configured. Make sure both computers have the same workgroup name (WORKGROUP by default) and network discovery is enabled.
How do I find out my computer's IP address on a local network?
Open command prompt (cmd) and enter the command ipconfigFind the "IPv4 Address" line in the section for your wireless adapter. It usually looks like 192.168.xx or 10.0.xx. This is the address you need to enter on other devices for a direct connection.
Is it safe to share folders?
This is safe if you're on a trusted home network with a secure Wi-Fi password. Be sure to enable password protection and don't grant full permissions (write/delete) to the "Everyone" group if you have guests or children on the network. Create separate users with passwords for sensitive data.