How to create a local network between two computers via Wi-Fi

Modern users often need to quickly transfer large amounts of data between devices. Using cloud storage or external USB drives isn't always convenient, especially when both computers are in the same apartment or office. Local area network (LAN) allows you to transfer files at the maximum speed available to your Wi-Fi router, bypassing the limitations of cloud services.

Establishing such a connection requires proper configuration of network equipment and the operating system. Unlike a wired connection, a wireless network Wi-Fi It has its own peculiarities related to security and signal stability. However, with the right approach, you'll get full access to shared folders and printers without unnecessary wires.

In this article, we will go through all the steps to create a local network between two computers running Windows 10 and Windows 11You'll learn how to properly configure adapter settings, change your network profile, and share files. Even if you're a beginner, detailed instructions will help you avoid common mistakes.

Hardware and software requirements

Before you begin setting up, you need to make sure your infrastructure is ready to go. Local area network It's not magic, but a clear interaction between protocols, so basic requirements must be met. Both computers must be connected to the same router, either via cable or wirelessly.

It is critical that both devices are in the same subnetsThis means that the first three numbers in their IP address must match. For example, if the address on the first computer is 192.168.1.5, then on the second it should be 192.168.1.X, where X is any number from 2 to 254.

It's also worth paying attention to the operating system version and the availability of necessary services. In modern versions of Windows, some legacy components may be disabled by default.

⚠️ Attention: If you're using a guest Wi-Fi network on your router, you won't be able to create a direct connection between devices. Guest networks isolate clients from each other for security purposes. Make sure both computers are connected to the main network.

Check your wireless adapter drivers. Outdated software can cause connection instability or slow data transfer rates. We recommend visiting your laptop or motherboard manufacturer's website and downloading the latest driver for your model. Wi-Fi module.

• 📡 Two computers or laptops with working Wi-Fi adapters.
• 🔌 One wireless router to which both devices are connected.
• 💻 Windows 7, 8.1, 10 or 11 operating system on both PCs.
• 🔑 Knowing the Wi-Fi network password to connect the secondary device.

Setting up a network profile and discovery

The first step to creating a working environment is to change your network profile. By default, Windows treats new connections as public, which hides your computer from other devices. You need to change the network status to Private (Private).

To do this, go to the menu Start → Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-FiClick on the name of your current network. In the menu that opens, select the profile type. PrivateThis action will allow the computer to be visible to other devices on the local network.

After changing the profile, you need to enable discovery features. Without this step, computers simply won't "see" each other, even if they're on the same network. Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center.

In the left part of the window, select Change advanced sharing optionsHere, you need to expand the "Private" tab and enable the following options: "Turn on network discovery" and "Turn on file and printer sharing." Also, check the box next to "Allow Windows to manage HomeGroup connections."

Don't forget to save your changes by clicking the button Save changes at the bottom of the page. Without this step, all settings will remain inactive. Your system is now ready to interact with other network nodes.

Setting up shared access to folders and files

Once the computers "see" each other, you need to determine which resources you want to share. You can share a single folder, an entire drive, or a connected printer. Let's look at the process using a folder as an example.

Create a new folder or select an existing one that you plan to use for sharing. Right-click on it and select Properties. Go to the tab Access and press the button General access....

In the window that opens, select the user All from the drop-down list and click AddIn the Permission Level column for the user Everyone, set the value Reading and writing, if you want to be able to not only open, but also modify or delete files from another computer.

What to do if the folder won't open?

If you encounter an access error, go to the "Security" tab in the folder's properties. Click "Edit," then "Add," enter "Everyone," and grant full permissions. This will remove the NTFS file system lock.

There's also a simpler, but less secure, method: disabling password protection. In "Advanced sharing settings" (the "All networks" tab), find the option Password-protected sharing and select Disable password-protected sharing.

This will allow you to connect to your resources without entering your Windows account login and password. However, use this method only on trusted home networks, as it creates a security breach in public areas.

Connecting to the network and searching for computers

Now that the settings have been applied, you can proceed to the actual connection. Open Conductor (keys Win + E) and in the left navigation panel find the item NetIf you did everything correctly, the second computer should appear there in a few seconds.

If the computer doesn't show up automatically, you can force a connection to it using its IP address. To do this, find out the IP address of the target computer (command ipconfig in the command line) and enter it in the address bar of the explorer in the format \\192.168.1.XX.

When you first connect, Windows may ask you if you want to make this computer discoverable. Answer yes to add it to the list of trusted devices.

For ease of use, you can create a shortcut on your desktop. To do this, right-click on an empty space, select Create → Shortcut and enter the path to the network folder, for example: \\192.168.1.5\SharedFilesGive the shortcut a clear name, such as "Office Files."

Sometimes it can be useful to map a network folder to a drive letter. In File Explorer, click Computer → Map Network DriveSelect any available letter (e.g., Z:) and specify the path to the resource. The remote folder will now appear as a regular local drive.

Solutions to common problems and errors

Despite the apparent simplicity, creation local network is often accompanied by errors. The most common problem is that Windows reports that you don't have access rights, or that the computer is simply not visible. This is most often due to antivirus software or services blocking it.

Check the service operation Publishing Simple Service Discovery Protocol discovery resources. Click Win + R, enter services.msc and find this service in the list. Make sure it is running and the startup type is set to "Automatic."

⚠️ Attention: Third-party antivirus programs (Kaspersky, ESET, Avast) often have their own built-in firewall that blocks local connections. If standard methods don't work, try temporarily disabling the antivirus's firewall or adding your network to the trusted list in the antivirus's settings.

It's also worth checking out the service SSDP Discovery And Discovery Provider Host DeviceThey are responsible for searching for network devices and media content. Stopping them can result in computers disappearing from the network list.

Another possible cause is a disabled SMB 1.0 protocol. While Microsoft recommends disabling it for security reasons, it is required in some older local area networks (for example, when connecting older NAS or printers). You can enable it in the section Control Panel → Programs and Features → Turn Windows features on or off.

Alternative methods of organizing a connection

If standard Windows tools fail to establish a connection, or you require a more functional interface, you can use third-party software. These programs often create virtual local area networks, bypassing complex router settings.

One of the most popular methods is using a utility Hamachi or Radmin VPNThey create a virtual adapter that emulates a direct internet connection. This is ideal if computers are in different physical locations but need to operate as if they were on the same network.

For simple file sharing without complex access rights settings, programs like Resilio Sync or SyncthingThey automatically synchronize selected folders between devices via a P2P connection, using a Wi-Fi router as a transport.

Also, don't forget about the Nearby Sharing feature in Windows 10/11. It lets you transfer files via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct without creating a full-fledged network folder. Just right-click the file → Share and select a nearby device.

Each method has its advantages: a traditional LAN provides full access to resources, while P2P synchronization is more convenient for working with documents. Choose the one that best suits your current needs.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't computers see each other even though they have the same Wi-Fi?

Most likely, you have the "Public" network profile selected. Windows blocks discovery on these networks. Go to your network settings and change the profile to "Private." Also, check that network discovery is enabled in the Network and Sharing Center.

Is it possible to create a local network if one computer is connected via cable and the other via Wi-Fi?

Yes, this is possible. The main requirement is that both devices must be connected to the same router and be on the same subnet (e.g., 192.168.0.X). The physical connection type (cable or air) does not matter for the logical network structure.

Is it safe to disable password protection on a local network?

In a home network where there are no strangers and your Wi-Fi is protected with a strong password, this is acceptable for convenience. However, in offices or places with a large number of guests, this is strictly not recommended, as anyone connecting will be able to access your files.

How to find out the IP address of a second computer?

On the second computer, click Win + R, enter cmd and press Enter. In the black window, enter the command ipconfigFind the line "IPv4 address" - this is the number you need (for example, 192.168.1.45).

Why is file transfer speed on local network slow?

Speed ​​is limited by the capabilities of your Wi-Fi router and adapters. If your router is older (802.11g/n), speed will be lower than with a cable connection. Speed ​​is also affected by distance from the router, the presence of walls, and channel congestion from other devices.