Setting up a local network via WiFi on Windows 10

Creating a local network between two devices based on the operating system Windows 10 Wireless Wi-Fi is more than just a way to transfer files without a flash drive; it's a complete foundation for a home multimedia system. Many users mistakenly believe that cables are essential for connecting a PC and laptop, but modern technology allows for a stable communication channel to be established solely through wireless protocols. This is especially relevant in environments where physical access to ports is limited or where you simply don't want to get tangled up in wires.

The setup process requires attention to detail, as the default security settings Windows 10 Device detection on public networks is often blocked. You'll need to change the network profile, configure sharing settings, and possibly manually enter IP addresses to ensure a secure connection. Despite the apparent complexity, the entire process takes no more than 15-20 minutes, even for an inexperienced user.

In this article, we'll walk through all the steps for creating a LAN segment via a WiFi router or a direct computer-to-computer connection. We'll cover naming, setting up access groups, and resolving common device visibility issues. The main condition for a successful connection is that both devices must be in the same subnet and have the same IP address prefix.

Preparing equipment and testing WiFi adapters

Before beginning the software setup, ensure the hardware is physically ready. Both devices—the desktop computer and the laptop—should be connected to the same access point or within range of each other's signal strength. If you're using an external USB WiFi adapter on a desktop PC, ensure the drivers are installed correctly and the device is working without conflicts.

Check the connection status in the system tray. The wireless network icon should indicate an active connection to the internet or local network. If the icon with a yellow exclamation point is visible on one of the devices, this indicates limited connectivity, making it impossible to create a local network. In this case, first resolve the connection issue with the router.

⚠️ Note: When using Guest Network mode on your router, creating a local network between devices will be blocked at the hardware level. Ensure both devices are connected to the main network.

It's also worth checking that the WiFi module is enabled on both devices. On laptops, there's often a physical switch or function key (e.g., F2 or F12 (with an image of an antenna), which can be used to programmatically disable the module. On desktop PCs, ensure the antennas are securely screwed onto the adapter if it's external.

Setting up a computer name and workgroup

The foundation of a local area network is the proper identification of devices. Windows uses the concept of a "Workgroup" to group computers into a logical cluster. By default, the system Windows 10 the workgroup name is used WORKGROUP, and it is extremely important that it is written exactly the same on both computers, respecting the case of the characters.

To check and change these settings, open the Start menu, start typing "Name," and select "View computer name." In the system properties window that opens, you will see the current device name and workgroup name. The computer name must be unique within the network: if one PC is called HomePC, the second one can't be called the same, it's better to use LaptopUser.

If the workgroup names differ, click "Change settings," then "Edit." In the "Workgroup" field, enter the desired name in Latin characters. After applying the changes, the system will require a reboot. Do not skip this step, as the changes will not take effect without rewriting the registry.

After both devices reboot, they will formally become part of the same logical domain. However, for them to "see" each other, you need to configure a network profile. Windows 10, by default, considers new networks public and hides the computer from detection. You need to go to Settings → Network & Internet → Status and change the connection properties to "Private".

Configuring sharing settings

The next critical step is enabling discovery. Even with the correct IP address and name, security policies may prevent visibility. Open Control Panel, go to Network and Internet, then Network and Sharing Center. On the left, select Change advanced sharing settings.

Here you'll see profiles for private and guest networks, as well as options for all networks. In the "Private (Current Profile)" section, enable the following features:

• 🔍 Enable network discovery (and check the "Enable automatic configuration..." box).
• 📁 Enable file and printer sharing.
• 📡 Allow Windows to manage HomeGroup connections.

Next, expand the "All Networks" tab. Here you'll find the important "Password-protected sharing" toggle. If you're setting up a network in a trusted home environment, it's best to disable this setting. This will allow you to connect to folders without entering the remote computer's username and password. If security is a priority, leave it enabled, but then you'll have to create identical user accounts with the same passwords on both computers.

After making all changes, be sure to click the "Save Changes" button at the bottom of the page. The system may interrupt your network connection for a few seconds while the new firewall rules are applied. Failure to do so will result in all previous actions being forfeited.

Why isn't access saved?

If files still won't open after enabling sharing, check your antivirus. Third-party firewalls (Kaspersky, ESET, Avast) often have their own "Network Locations" settings that can block local traffic regardless of Windows settings. Temporarily disable network protection in your antivirus to check.

Manually configuring IP addresses and DNS

In most cases, the router automatically distributes addresses via the protocol DHCP, and manual intervention is not required. However, if devices cannot see each other or the connection is unstable, it is recommended to assign static IP addresses. This will prevent situations where the router changes the address of one device after a reboot, disrupting previously established connections.

To set up, go to Control Panel → Network Connections (can be quickly called with the command ncpa.cpl (in the "Run" window). Find your wireless connection, right-click it, and select "Properties." In the list of components, find the line "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)", select it, and click "Properties."

Here you need to select the option "Use the following IP address". The logic for constructing addresses is simple: the first three numbers must match the address of your router (usually this is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1). The fourth number must be unique for each device.

Please pay attention to the subnet mask: it should be the same on all devices, usually it is 255.255.255.0You can specify your ISP's address or Google's public servers as DNS (8.8.8.8), although DNS isn't crucial for local file transfers. After entering the information, click "OK" and close the windows.

Expanding access to folders and drives

Now that the network foundation is laid, you need to grant access to specific data. Select the folder, drive, or file you want to make available to another computer. Right-click it, select "Properties," and go to the "Sharing" tab.

Click the "Advanced Settings" button. Check the "Share this folder" box. Below, in the "Permissions" section, you can fine-tune permissions: read-only, modify, or full access. For a home network, granting "Full Control" permissions to the "Everyone" group is usually sufficient to avoid write access errors.

There's also a simplified method via the "Sharing" tab (without the word "Advanced"). You can quickly add a user there. All and select a permission level from the drop-down list. This method is less flexible, but easier for beginners. Once configured, click "Share" and wait for confirmation.

To access resources from another computer, open File Explorer and enter two backslashes and the IP address of the target computer in the address bar, for example: \\192.168.1.50If everything is configured correctly, you will see a list of all shared folders on this device.

Diagnosis and solution of typical problems

Even if you follow all the instructions, Windows 10 can still be unruly. The most common issue is "Windows cannot access..." with the error code 0x80070035 or 0x80004005This is often due to a disabled SMB 1.0 service, which is required for working with older devices, or a blocking firewall.

Try running the network settings reset command. Open Command Prompt as administrator and enter:

netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /flushdns

After running the commands, restart your computer. It's also worth checking the "Connect Now Discovery Resource Publishing" service. It should be running and set to "Automatic" startup type. You can find it using the command services.msc.

⚠️ Note: Windows 10 settings interfaces may vary slightly depending on the build version (21H2, 22H2, etc.). If you can't find the item, search for keywords in system settings.

If all else fails, temporarily disable your antivirus and Windows Firewall on both devices to diagnose the issue. If the network works again, the issue lies with your traffic filtering rules, and you need to add exceptions in your security settings rather than disabling protection completely.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to create a local network without a router, directly between laptops?

Yes, this is possible using the "Mobile Hotspot" feature or creating a "Computer-to-Computer" (Ad-hoc) network. In Windows 10, the easiest way is to enable a mobile hotspot on one laptop (to share the internet or simply create a network), and then connect the second laptop to this access point as a regular WiFi network. Then, setup follows the standard scenario.

Why is file transfer over WiFi slow?

Speed ​​depends on the WiFi band. If you're using the 2.4 GHz band, actual speeds rarely exceed 3-4 MB/s. For fast transfers of large files (movies, disk images), both devices and the router must support the 5 GHz band and the standard. 802.11ac or ax.

Is internet required for a local network to function?

No, the internet is not required. The local network works offline. However, if Windows attempts to verify an account through internet servers (for example, a Microsoft Account) when accessing a network folder, the lack of a network connection may cause delays. In such cases, using local accounts with the same password helps.

How to hide a folder from others but leave access for a specific user?

In the Advanced Access settings, uncheck the "Everyone" group. Then click "Add," enter the username (login) they use to log in to the remote PC, and click "Check Names." Then, assign permissions only to this specific user.