Establishing local interaction between devices is a basic skill every PC user needs. Whether it's the need to quickly transfer gigabytes of photos, launch a LAN game, or simply access files on a home server, understanding how LAN works is crucial. Modern operating systems, such as Windows 10 And Windows 11, have greatly simplified this process, but basic settings are often hidden or lost after updates.
There are two main connection methods: wired, which provides maximum stability and speed, and wireless, which allows freedom of movement. The choice of method depends on your infrastructure and bandwidth requirements. In this article, we'll cover both options in detail, focusing on setting up access rights and resolving common conflicts that prevent computers from "seeing" each other.
Local area network Allows you to exchange data without an internet connection, which is especially important when there's no external connection or high transfer speeds are needed within an office or apartment. Properly configuring network adapters and security profiles is the key to a successful connection. Let's look at how to transform a set of disparate devices into a single, functioning system.
Selecting a topology: wired connection or Wi-Fi
Before setting up, you need to decide on the physical connection type. A wired connection (Ethernet) is traditionally considered more reliable. It provides minimal latency (ping) and stable speeds, regardless of wall thickness or microwave operation. For transferring large amounts of data, such as creating backups or working with large media files, a cable is the undisputed choice.
Wireless connection via Wi-Fi router Much more convenient for everyday use, where mobility is essential. However, it's important to keep in mind that the actual speed of a wireless connection is often half the stated theoretical speed of the standard. Furthermore, the wireless channel is subject to interference from neighboring networks, which can cause short-term connection interruptions.
⚠️ Note: When connecting two computers directly with a cable without a router (LAN-to-LAN), you will need a special crossover cable or network cards with Auto-MDIX technology, which will automatically detect the cable type. Most modern adapters Gigabit Ethernet support this function.
If you're using a wired connection through a router, make sure both computers are connected to the same device. If you're using Wi-Fi, both computers must be on the same wireless network. A mixed connection, where one computer is connected via a cable and the other via Wi-Fi to the same router, also works correctly, as the router combines them into a single logical network.
Setting up a network profile and discovery in Windows
The first step in any Windows operating system is to correctly configure your network profile. By default, the system treats new connections as "Public," which prevents other devices from seeing your computer for security reasons. We need to change this status to "Private."
To do this, go to Settings → Network & Internet → StatusClick on your connection name (Ethernet or Wi-Fi). In the window that opens, select the "Private" profile. This will make your computer visible to other devices and open ports for local data exchange.
Next, you need to enable network discovery. Open Control Panel and go to Network and Sharing Center. On the left, select Change advanced sharing settings. These are the key settings that determine how your PC interacts with the outside world.
In the "Private (Current Profile)" section, do the following:
- 🔘 Enable network discovery (and check the box "Enable automatic configuration...").
- 🔘 Enable file and printer sharing.
- 🔘 Allow Windows to manage HomeGroup connections (if applicable to your OS version).
After making changes, be sure to click "Save Changes." Without this step, any further manipulation of folders will be useless, as the system will ignore incoming connection requests.
Setting up shared access to folders and resources
Once computers "see" each other at the network level, permissions to specific data must be granted. Simply having files on the disk isn't enough—you need to explicitly tell the system which folders are accessible to other users.
Select the folder you want to share, right-click it, and select "Properties." Go to the "Sharing" tab and click "Advanced." Check the "Share this folder" box. In the "Permissions" field, you can fine-tune permissions: Full Control, Modify, or Read-Only.
There's also a faster, but less flexible, method via the "Sharing" tab in the folder's properties. Here, you can select a specific user from the list or the "Everyone" group. Selecting "Everyone" simplifies the connection but reduces security, as anyone connected to your network will be able to access the data.
| Access level | Reading | Recording | Removal | Changing rights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Recording | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Change | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Full access | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
It's important to remember the difference between NTFS permissions (Security tab) and sharing permissions (Access tab). The most restrictive permissions take precedence. If access is denied in Security, even enabling sharing won't allow you to open the file.
How to hide a folder from accidental viewing?
To share a folder but hide it from the shared list, add a dollar sign to the end of the folder name, for example: Documents$. It will only be accessible via the direct path \\\\IP-address\\Documents$.
Connecting via a wired LAN cable (Direct connection)
Connecting two computers directly with a cable without a router requires manual IP address configuration, as such a mini-network lacks a DHCP server, which typically assigns addresses automatically. Without static addresses, the computers won't be able to find each other.
On the first computer, open the adapter settings via ncpa.cpl (Press Win+R to open the Run window.) Find your Ethernet connection, right-click → Properties. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties again.
Manually enter the following parameters for the first PC:
- 🌐 IP address:
192.168.0.1 - 📝 Subnet mask:
255.255.255.0 - 🚪 Default gateway: leave blank
On the second computer, the steps are similar, but the IP address must differ in the last digit. For example, install 192.168.0.2, the mask remains the same. We also don't specify the gateway or DNS. After applying the settings, try pinging the second computer.
⚠️ Important: Make sure your Windows Firewall isn't blocking ICMP requests (ping). If pinging isn't working, temporarily disable the firewall to test or create an allow rule for your private network.
This setup is ideal for quickly transferring files between a laptop and a desktop PC or for setting up a local gaming server. Transfer speed in this case is limited only by the network card's capabilities (usually 1 Gbps) and the quality of the cable.
☑️ Direct Connection Checklist
Setting up a connection via a Wi-Fi router
If both computers are connected to the same Wi-Fi router, setup is significantly simplified. The router acts as a DHCP server, automatically assigning addresses to both devices. Your only task is to ensure they are on the same subnet.
You can check addresses with the command ipconfig in the command line. If the addresses begin with 192.168.1.x And 192.168.1.y (or 0.x), then they are on the same network. If one address starts with 192.168.0.x, and the other with 192.168.1.x, which means that devices in different subnets will not see each other.
A common problem in Wi-Fi networks is the "Client Isolation" (AP Isolation) feature. It's often enabled on guest networks or by default on some router models for security reasons. This feature prevents devices connected via Wi-Fi from communicating with each other.
To check and disable this:
- Go to the router's web interface (usually
192.168.0.1or192.168.1.1). - Find the Wireless Settings section.
- Look for the option "AP Isolation", "Client Isolation" or "Access Point Isolation".
- Make sure she is turned off (Disabled).
Accessing network resources and troubleshooting
Once all settings are complete, access to resources is via "Network Places" in File Explorer or via a direct address. In the address bar of File Explorer, enter \\ and the IP address of the target computer (for example, \\192.168.0.2). This is the most reliable way to access a remote PC.
When you first connect, the system may prompt you for credentials. You'll need to enter the username and password of the user logged in to the remote computer. If there's no password, Windows may block access for security reasons. In this case, it's best to set a password for the account on the remote computer.
Common mistakes and their solutions:
- ❌ "Windows cannot access...": Check whether the "NetBIOS over TCP/IP Helper Service" and "Function Discovery Resource Publishing" services are enabled.
- ❌ "No access permission": Check the "Security" tab in the folder properties, adding the user "Everyone" with read permissions.
- ❌ The computer isn't visible in the network list: Try accessing it directly by IP address. Displaying it in "Network" is often delayed due to caching.
⚠️ Note: Operating system and router interfaces are subject to update. The layout of menu items may differ slightly from that described. If you cannot find a specific setting, use the system settings search or refer to the documentation for your router model.
Connection stability also depends on network card drivers. Outdated drivers can cause intermittent connection drops or slow speeds. It's recommended to periodically check for updates on the motherboard or network adapter manufacturer's website.
What should I do if it asks for a password, even though I don’t have one?
On the remote computer, in Local Security Policies (secpol.msc), find the path: Local Policies → Security Settings → Network access: Sharing model... Select the option "Guest - local users..."
Is internet required for a local network to function?
No, internet access is not required. A local area network (LAN) operates independently of the global network. Computers exchange data directly or through a router, even if the ISP's cable is disconnected.
What is the maximum cable length for connecting a PC?
The standard maximum length of twisted pair (Ethernet) cable without amplifiers is 100 meters. For home use, cables between 1.5 and 5 meters are usually sufficient.
Why is the network transfer speed low (less than 1 MB/s)?
Possible causes: working via Wi-Fi (the speed is always lower than with a cable), old network cards (Fast Ethernet 100 Mbps instead of Gigabit 1000 Mbps), antivirus scanning traffic, or background downloads.
Is it possible to play online games through the created network?
Yes, most games, both old and new, support LAN mode. The main thing is that your firewall doesn't block the game executable file or the ports required for the connection.