Organizing data exchange between computers within an apartment or office without the use of unnecessary wires is a task that is becoming increasingly important with the growth of mobile devices. Local area network allows you to not only transfer files at high speed, but also run online games, use a shared printer, or stream media to your TV. In the operating system Windows 10 The setup process is significantly simplified compared to its predecessors, but requires attention to security details and correct parameter entry.
Establishing a connection via a wireless interface Wi-Fi has its own peculiarities related to encryption protocols and signal stability. You won't need to lay a cable. Ethernet, if the router supports the standards 802.11ac or newer, which will provide sufficient bandwidth for most tasks. The main thing is to ensure that all devices are in a single information space and have the correct access settings.
Before you begin any technical manipulations in the control panel, you need to check basic connectivity. Make sure all computers you plan to connect are connected to the same router. The IP addresses of the devices must be in the same subnet, usually in the range 192.168.0.x or 192.168.1.xThis happens automatically when the DHCP server is running on the router. If one device sees the internet and the other doesn't, first troubleshoot the connection to the access point.
Checking network profile settings
The first critical step is to determine the network type the system has assigned to your connection. Windows 10 By default, a new connection may be considered public, hiding your computer from other devices for security purposes. You need to change this status to "Private" to allow discovery.
To do this, open the Start menu and go to the settings section, indicated by a gear. Select the item Network and Internet, then in the menu on the left click on Wi-FiClick on the name of your current connection, and in the window that opens, find the profile switcher. Set the value Private.
⚠️ Note: Changing your profile to "Private" makes your computer visible to other devices within Wi-Fi range. Only do this if you trust your surroundings, such as at home or in a secure office.
After changing the profile, the system will automatically apply more lenient firewall rules. This will allow detection protocols to function correctly. If you are in a cafe or airport, it is strongly recommended not to change the profile to private, as this may open ports to potential external attacks.
Setting up sharing options
The next step is to enable the services responsible for resource visibility. Even with the correct network profile, sharing features may be disabled globally. You'll need access to advanced settings, where you can configure discovery and file access policies.
In the control panel, find the section Network and Sharing CenterIn the left menu, select the link Change advanced sharing optionsA list of profiles will open. Make sure the following options are enabled in the "Private (Current Profile)" section:
- 📡 Enable network discovery
- 💾 Enable file and printer sharing
- 🔐 Allow Windows to manage HomeGroup connections
It's also worth paying attention to the "All Networks" section. Here you can enable password-protected sharing. If you want to require an account login and password when logging into your computer from another PC, leave this feature enabled. For open access, which is less secure, select Disable password-protected sharing.
Creating a shared folder for data exchange
After configuring network settings, you need to determine which resources will be available to other users. Simply enabling these features isn't enough—you need to explicitly tell the system which folder to share. The default "Shared Documents" folder is often inconvenient, so it's best to create a new one.
Create a directory in the root of the drive or in a convenient location, for example, call it Share. Right-click on it and select "Properties." Go to the tab Access and press the button Advanced settings. Check the box next to the item. Share this folder.
Next, you need to configure the permissions. Click the button PermissionsBy default, there may be a group named "Everyone" with read-only permissions. If you want other users to be able to modify files, select the group and check the boxes. Full access, Change And Reading.
☑️ Checking a shared folder
Don't forget to check the tab too Security in the folder properties. Sometimes NTFS file system permissions block network access, even if sharing settings allow it. Add a group All or a specific user to the list and grant the appropriate rights.
Searching for computers and connecting to resources
Once the setup is complete on both ends, you can begin testing. Open File Explorer and find the item in the left panel. NetIf network discovery is working, you will see the names of other computers on your local network some time after the update.
If automatic detection doesn't work or names don't appear, you can use direct address entry. Press the key combination Win + Rto open the Run window. Enter a double backslash and the IP address of the target computer, for example: \\192.168.1.55Pressing Enter will open a window with a list of available resources.
When you first connect, the system may ask for credentials. Enter the username and password for the user account on the remote computer. If you disabled password protection, you should be logged in automatically. For ease of use, you can check the "Remember credentials" box.
What should I do if my computer is not visible by name?
Try using an IP address instead of a name. Names are resolved via NetBIOS or DNS, which can be problematic on simple home networks. An IP address is static within a DHCP session and is more reliable.
Typical problems and solutions
Despite its apparent simplicity, the process often encounters obstacles. The most common problem is that computers cannot see each other. This can be caused by antivirus software blocking local connections, deeming them suspicious. Check your antivirus software's firewall settings.
Another common error is "Access Denied" or a password request that is not accepted. This occurs if the Guest account is disabled on the target computer or security policies have been changed. The issue may also be with the service. Support Service, which must be launched.
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Computers are not visible on the network | Network Profile "Public" | Change to "Private" in Wi-Fi settings |
| Password prompt upon login | Password protection is enabled | Enter admin data or disable protection |
| Error 0x80070035 | Invalid name or path | Use IP address instead of PC name |
| Access denied | No rights in NTFS | Add permissions in the Security tab |
⚠️ Note: Windows settings interfaces may vary slightly depending on the build version (21H2, 22H2, etc.). If you can't find the option, search for keywords in the system settings.
Additional settings and security
Advanced users can configure static IP addresses, simplifying constant access to resources. However, in home environments, dynamic addressing usually works reliably. It's important to stay up to date with system updates, as Microsoft regularly patches protocol vulnerabilities. SMB.
Use the protocol SMB 3.0, which is supported by default in Windows 10 because it provides encryption of transmitted data. Older versions of the protocol (SMBv1) should be disabled using "Turn Windows features on or off" as they are vulnerable to ransomware.
Setting up a local Wi-Fi network in Windows 10 is a process that requires attention to detail, but not in-depth technical knowledge. By following the steps to change the network profile, configure access rights, and check the firewall, you'll create a secure environment for data exchange. Keep in mind that the balance between convenience and security depends on your personal access settings.
Is it possible to share the entire C drive?
?: Technically possible, but strongly discouraged for security reasons. It's best to create separate shared folders to prevent other users from accidentally deleting system files.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why does the computer see the network, but not other PCs?
Most likely, network discovery isn't enabled on both devices, or the network profile is set to "Public." Also, check if the "Feature Discovery Resource Publishing" service is running in the "Services" section.
How do I disable the password prompt when accessing a shared folder?
Go to Network and Sharing Center, select Change advanced sharing settings, expand All Networks, and select Turn off password-protected sharing.
Is it possible to create a local network between Windows 10 and macOS?
Yes, this is possible. On a Mac, you need to enable "File Sharing" in the system preferences, and on Windows, use the SMB protocol to connect to the Mac address.
Does Wi-Fi speed affect file transfer speed?
Absolutely. The transmission speed in a local network is limited by the speed of the slowest link. If you have a router using the older 802.11n standard, the speed will be lower than with 802.11ac or ax.