Establishing local interaction between devices on a home network often becomes necessary for quickly transferring large amounts of data or sharing peripherals. In the era of cloud storage and messaging apps, direct file access remains the fastest and most secure method without requiring an internet connection. Local Area Network (LAN) Allows you to connect a desktop computer and laptop without unnecessary wires, using an existing Wi-Fi router.
Modern operating systems offer built-in tools for this, but the setup process can be confusing due to numerous hidden security settings. You won't need to run an Ethernet cable if both devices are within wireless coverage. The key is to properly configure discovery settings and shared resources so that the systems can "see" each other.
In this guide, we'll walk you through every step of establishing a connection, from checking basic settings to forwarding folders and printers. You'll learn how to avoid common access errors and ensure stable data transfer speeds. Windows 10 And Windows 11 have similar logic for how network profiles work, which makes this guide universal for most users.
Checking basic conditions and preparing equipment
Before starting setup, make sure both devices—the computer and the laptop—are connected to the same router. This is a fundamental requirement: if one device is on the guest network and the other on the main network, or if they are using different frequency bands with client isolation, the connection will fail. Check the connection status in the system tray.
Make sure the network adapter is enabled on both devices and the drivers are up-to-date. Outdated Wi-Fi module software can cause connection instability or block certain types of traffic. Open Device Manager and check for exclamation marks next to network controllers.
It's also important to understand the difference between a public and private network profile. By default, Windows often assigns new connections the "Public Network" status, which hides your computer from other devices for security reasons. We need to change this status to "Private Network" to enable discovery.
⚠️ Attention: If you're in a public place (cafe, airport, coworking space), never change your network profile to "Private." This will make your files visible to strangers on the same Wi-Fi network.
- 📡 Both devices must be connected to the same router (same subnet).
- 💻 Network adapter drivers must be updated to the latest version.
- 🔒 Your antivirus software should not block local traffic (check your firewall settings).
- ⚡ It is advisable to connect the laptop to a power source so that power saving does not turn off Wi-Fi.
Setting up a network profile and device discovery
The first step in software setup is switching the network profile. In Windows 10 and 11, this is done through the Settings menu. Click the Wi-Fi icon in the system tray, select the properties of the current connection, and under "Network profile type," select "Private." This removes the visibility restrictions.
Next, you need to enable discovery features. Open Control Panel, go to Network and Sharing Center, and select Change advanced sharing settings. This is where you'll find the key switches that control your PC's visibility.
Enable "Turn on network discovery" and check "Turn on automatic configuration of connecting network devices." Also, enable "Turn on file and printer sharing." Without these settings, other computers on the network will ignore connection requests.
After making changes, be sure to save the settings. If the system prompts you to confirm with an administrator account, grant the necessary permissions. Restarting network services is not necessary, but you may need to reboot the router itself if it hasn't been updated recently.
Creating a shared folder and setting access rights
Now that the network infrastructure is ready, you need to determine which files will be accessible. Create a new folder on the drive or select an existing one. Right-click it and select "Properties," then go to the "Access" tab. Click "Advanced Settings."
In the window that opens, check "Share this folder." Below, click "Permissions." Here you can customize permissions: for simple file sharing, simply select "Everyone" and grant "Full Control" or "Modify." This will allow you to not only read but also write files to this folder from another device.
☑️ Checking folder settings
However, access settings are only half the battle. There's also the NTFS security permissions level. Go to the "Security" tab in the folder's properties. If the "Everyone" user or a specific user isn't listed in the group list, click "Edit" -> "Add" and type the word All (or Everyone (in the English version), then confirm your choice and grant the rights to "Change" and "Read".
⚠️ Attention: Granting full permissions to the "Everyone" group means anyone who connects to your Wi-Fi network can delete or modify files in this folder. Use strong Wi-Fi passwords.
For increased security, you can create a separate local user with a password specifically for network access, but for a home network, properly configuring the rights of the "Everyone" group in combination with strong Wi-Fi encryption (WPA2/WPA3) is usually sufficient.
Connecting to a network resource and mapping a disk
After setting up the folder on the first computer (the server), move on to the second (the client). Open File Explorer and enter the IP address of the first computer in the address bar. You can find it on the first PC by running the command prompt (cmd) and entering the command ipconfigFind the line "IPv4 address", it will look like this 192.168.1.XX or 192.168.0.XX.
Please enter the address in the format \\192.168.1.XX into the address bar of the second computer's File Explorer. If everything is configured correctly, a window with the shared folder will open. The system may ask for a username and password. Enter the account credentials for the first computer (the one where the folder is located).
To avoid entering the IP address each time, you can map the network folder as a separate drive. In File Explorer, right-click "This PC" and select "Map network drive." Select any available drive letter (e.g., Z:) and enter the path to the resource in the "Folder" field.
What to do if the system does not accept the password?
If the standard password entry doesn't work, try entering ComputerName\UserName in the login field. Also, make sure sleep mode is disabled in the first PC's power settings; otherwise, the drive will shut down when idle.
Check "Reconnect at logon" to make the drive accessible immediately after Windows boots. Your shared folder will now appear in My Computer as a regular hard drive partition, which is extremely convenient for working with media files or projects.
Setting up a shared printer over a network
A local network allows you to not only share files but also use a single printer to print from any device. Connect the printer to the computer it's physically attached to (USB) and make sure it's working properly. Then, open "Settings" -> "Devices" -> "Printers & Scanners."
Select the desired printer, click "Manage," and go to "Printer Properties." In the "Sharing" tab, check "Share this printer." Give it a descriptive network name to avoid confusion if you have multiple printers on the network.
On the second computer (laptop), go to the Add Printers section and select "The printer I want isn't listed." Select Search by name and enter the path to the printer: \\ComputerName\PrinterNameWindows will automatically find drivers or prompt you to install them.
| Parameter | Description | Recommended value |
|---|---|---|
| Network profile | Network type that determines visibility | Private network |
| Discovery Protocol | Device Finder Service | Included |
| General access | Read/write permission | Included |
| Password protection | Authorization requirement | On/Off (selectable) |
| SMB Service 1.0 | Old protocol (for old NAS/printers) | Disabled (if not needed) |
Diagnosing problems and troubleshooting errors
Despite its apparent simplicity, users often encounter access errors such as "Windows cannot access" or "No permissions." One of the most common causes is a disabled sharing support service. Click Win + R, enter services.msc and find services related to SMB and "Publication of Function Discovery Resources".
Make sure the Workstation, Server, and Discovery Provider services are started and running in Automatic mode. If a service is stopped, start it and change the startup type to Automatic. This often resolves the issue when computers simply can't see each other in the network neighborhood.
Another possible cause is that ports are blocked by your antivirus or firewall. Try temporarily disabling your third-party antivirus and checking access. If the issue is resolved, add your local subnet to your firewall exceptions.
⚠️ Attention: Windows settings interfaces may vary slightly depending on the update version (21H2, 22H2, etc.). If you can't find an option, search for it in the Settings menu using keywords.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to create a local network without a router, directly between laptops?
Yes, this is possible through the Mobile Hotspot feature or creating a computer-to-computer (Ad-Hoc) network, but this is less stable and requires separate manual IP address configuration for each adapter.
Why is file transfer so slow over Wi-Fi?
Speed depends on the Wi-Fi standard (n, ac, ax), distance from the router, number of walls, and bandwidth congestion. For large files (over 50 GB), it's best to use an Ethernet cable or an external SSD.
How do I disable folder sharing?
Return to the folder properties, go to the "Sharing" tab -> "Advanced" and uncheck "Share this folder." Also check the "Security" tab and remove any unnecessary permissions.
Is my computer visible on my neighbors' network?
No, if you have the correct Wi-Fi password and are using WPA2/WPA3 encryption. Your local network is limited to your router. Your neighbors won't be able to see your files without access to your access point.