Connecting multiple computers into a single local network without the need for extra cables is not just a convenience, but a necessity for a modern home or small office.
You can instantly share documents, play multiplayer games over a local network, or even share a printer connected to one of the PCs.
Unlike wired connections, wireless technology WiFi Allows you to place devices in different rooms while maintaining their accessibility for all group members.
Creating such an infrastructure requires careful configuration of security settings and shared folders to ensure your data remains protected from outside interference.
Equipment preparation and compatibility testing
Before you begin software configuration, you need to make sure that your hardware is ready to work in local interaction mode.
All computers you plan to connect must be connected to the same wireless router.
It doesn't matter whether you're using old laptops or powerful desktop PCs with USB adapters, the main thing is signal stability.
If one of the computers is in a poor reception area, file transfer speeds may drop to critically low values, making network operation impossible.
Make sure all devices have an operating system that supports modern security protocols, such as WPA2 or WPA3.
Windows 10 and Windows 11 have built-in tools for creating home networks that work most reliably when paired with each other.
However, if your infrastructure includes computers running macOS or Linux, you will need to additionally configure the protocol. SMB for cross-platform compatibility.
Make sure your wireless adapter drivers are updated to the latest version, as older versions may not handle discovery protocol broadcast requests correctly.
⚠️ Note: If you're using a guest WiFi network on your router, computers won't be able to see each other for security reasons. Make sure all devices are connected to the main network.
To diagnose connection quality, you can use the built-in command line utility.
Open a terminal and enter the command to check the current IP address and adapter status:
ipconfig /allWrite down the default gateway address, you will need it to check the router settings.
Configuring network settings in Windows
By default, the Windows operating system considers any new connection to be public, which blocks the computer's visibility to other devices.
You need to change your network profile to "Private" to allow discovery.
To do this, go to the menu Start → Settings → Network & Internet → Status.
Click on your WiFi connection properties and select the "Private" network type. This will open ports for local data exchange.
Next, you need to configure the sharing settings.
In the control panel, find the section Network and Sharing Center → Change advanced sharing settings.
In the "Private" profile, enable the option Enable network discovery and check the box "Enable automatic configuration of network devices".
Also enable file and printer sharing. Without these settings, the computer will be visible in the list of devices, but will not allow you to connect to its resources.
An important point is to set up the computer name and workgroup.
All PCs must be in the same workgroup, by default this is WORKGROUP.
Computer names must be unique and written in Latin characters to avoid addressing conflicts.
You can change these parameters through Control Panel → System → Advanced system settings in the "Computer Name" tab.
Creating shared folders and setting access rights
Once the computers have "seen" each other, it is necessary to determine which files will be available for exchange.
Create a new folder or select an existing one, right-click on it and select "Properties".
Go to the "Access" tab and click the "Advanced Settings" button.
Check the "Share this folder" box and specify the resource name that will be displayed on the network.
A critical step is setting up access rights (Permissions).
Click the "Permissions" button and make sure that the "Everyone" group has the necessary rights.
For secure data sharing, it is recommended to leave only "Read" permissions unless you plan to edit files from other computers.
If you need a full sync, add "Modify" and "Full Control" permissions, but be aware of the security risks.
☑️ Check access settings
Don't forget about the "Security" tab in the folder properties.
This is where you should specify users who are allowed access at the NTFS file system level.
If the user is not in the list, add them and grant them the appropriate rights.
Often, it is the desynchronization of the rights of the "Access" tab and the "Safe" tab that is the cause of the "Access Denied" error when trying to open a file.
⚠️ Note: When you grant Full Control to the "Everyone" group, anyone connected to your WiFi network will be able to delete or modify files. Use passwords for your accounts.
Connecting a network printer and peripherals
One of the most useful features of a local network is the ability to print documents from any computer to a printer connected to one of the PCs.
To do this, on the host computer to which the printer is physically connected via USB, you need to go to Devices and printers.
Right-click on the desired printer, select "Printer properties" and go to the "Sharing" tab.
Check the box "Share this printer" and give it a clear network name.
On the client computers from which you plan to print, you need to add a network printer.
Windows usually automatically finds shared printers under Network.
If the automatic search does not work, use the manual path: Control Panel → Devices and Printers → Add a Printer → Add a Printer via TCP/IP or select "Select a printer by name".
Enter the path in the format \\ComputerName\PrinterName.
Make sure the print service is enabled on the host computer.
Click Win + R, enter services.msc and find the "Print Spooler" service.
It should be running and operating in automatic mode.
Also check that Windows Firewall is not blocking incoming connections for the print service.
What to do if the printer does not print?
Make sure the host computer is turned on and not in sleep mode. Check that the printer drivers are installed on the client machines. Try deleting the printer and adding it again using the host's IP address instead of the name.
Accessing Shared Resources and Troubleshooting
Even with proper configuration, situations may arise where computers cannot see each other or access is blocked.
The most common problem is a mismatch of SMB protocol versions.
Windows 10 and 11 disable the old and insecure protocol by default. SMBv1, which is often used in older NAS storage or Windows XP/7.
If you need to connect to an older device, enable SMB 1.0 support via "Turn Windows features on or off", but only do this on an isolated network.
Often the blocking occurs due to power supply settings.
Windows may turn off your WiFi adapter to save power, which breaks the connection.
Go to Device Manager → Network Adapters, select your WiFi module, open its properties and on the "Power Management" tab, uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device".
This will ensure a stable connection even during periods of inactivity.
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Computers can't see each other. | Network type "Public" | Change your profile to "Private" |
| Password prompt upon login | Password protection is enabled | Disable in Network and Sharing Center or create identical accounts |
| Low transmission speed | Weak signal or interference | Switch to the 5 GHz channel or change the router channel |
| Error "Access Denied" | Invalid NTFS permissions | Check the Security tab in the folder properties. |
⚠️ Note: Windows settings interfaces may differ depending on the update version (21H2, 22H2, etc.). If you can't find the setting, use the search in the Settings menu or the Run command.
Local WiFi network security
Open access to files within the network is convenient, but potentially dangerous if strangers connect to your WiFi.
Use complex passwords to access Windows user accounts.
The standard "Administrator" or "Guest" account should be disabled or have a complex password.
It is recommended to create a separate user with limited rights specifically for network access.
Update your router's firmware regularly.
Manufacturers frequently release patches to address vulnerabilities in WiFi encryption protocols.
Use encryption WPA3, if your hardware supports it, as it provides better protection against password interception.
It also makes sense to disable the WPS function on your router, as it is a known security hole in wireless networks.
If you work with sensitive information, consider using a VPN within your local network or encrypting sensitive folders.
Built-in BitLocker can protect data on the drive, but accessing it over the network still requires user rights.
Be careful with public WiFi networks: never enable "Private Network" mode when connecting to an open WiFi network in a cafe or airport.
In such places, use only personal VPN tunnels to protect your traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to create a network between Windows and macOS?
Yes, this is possible. On a Mac, you need to enable "File Sharing" in System Preferences and select the SMB protocol. When connecting from Windows, use the address \\IP-address-Mac. You may need to install additional SMB packages on your Mac for full compatibility.
Why is the WiFi network slow?
Wireless network speed depends on the WiFi standard (n, ac, ax), distance from the router, number of walls, and channel congestion from neighboring networks. For large files, it's best to use a cable or switch to the 5 GHz band.
Is internet required for a local network to function?
No, a local area network (LAN) operates regardless of internet access. Computers exchange data directly through a router or switch.
How to find out the IP address of a computer on the network?
Open command prompt (cmd) and enter the command ipconfigYou're interested in the "IPv4 address" line. This is the address other computers will use to find your PC.