How to Create a Wi-Fi Network Between Two Computers in Windows 10: 3 Working Methods

Connecting two computers wirelessly in Windows 10 may be needed for file sharing, document collaboration, online gaming, or even sharing the Internet from one PC to another. Unlike a wired connection (via Ethernet), it is more convenient to set up a Wi-Fi network if the devices are located in different rooms or are frequently moved.

Many users mistakenly believe that a router is required for this. In fact, Windows 10 allows you to create a direct connection between PCs without additional equipment - using technologies Wi-Fi Direct or ad-hoc-networks. However, there are some caveats: data transfer speeds will be lower than with a cable connection, and connection stability depends on interference and the distance between devices.

In this article we will look at three proven methods connecting two computers via Wi-Fi: via virtual router (access point), ad-hoc network and using mobile hotspotYou'll also learn how to set up file and printer sharing, and what errors most often occur during setup.

1. Preparing computers to create a network

Before setting up a connection, make sure both computers meet the minimum requirements:

  • 🖥️ Both PCs are running Windows 10 (version 1803 or later). Some features may be missing on older versions.
  • 📶 Every device has Wi-Fi adapter (built-in or external USB). Check its availability in Device Manager (chapter Network adapters).
  • 🔒 Administrator rights on both computers. Without them, you won't be able to change network settings.
  • 📡 No active VPNs or firewalls blocking the local connection (e.g. Avast, Kaspersky).

If one of your PCs doesn't have a Wi-Fi adapter, you can purchase one. For desktop computers, this one is suitable. PCIe-map (for example, TP-Link Archer T6E), for laptops - USB adapter (For example, ASUS USB-AC56). The cost of such devices starts from 800 rubles.

We also recommend updating your network adapter drivers. To do this:

  1. Click Win + X and select device Manager.
  2. Expand the section Network adapters, find your Wi-Fi module (for example, Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200).
  3. Right click → Update driver → Automatic search.
⚠️ Attention: If Wi-Fi stops working after updating drivers, roll back the changes in the same menu (Properties → Driver → Roll Back Driver). This happens if Windows installs an incompatible version of software.

2. Method 1: Creating an access point (Mobile hotspot mode)

The easiest method is to use the built-in function Mobile HotspotIt allows one computer to share the internet or create a local network for other devices. This method is suitable if:

  • 🔄 Need to connect two PCs without a router.
  • 📤 One of the computers has access to the Internet (for example, via Ethernet), and you want to give it to the second one.
  • 🖱️ You do not need a high data transfer speed (maximum ~10-15 Mbps).

Setup instructions:

  1. On the computer that will be distribute network, open Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Hotspot.
  2. In the field Sharing an Internet connection select a source (eg Ethernet or Wi-Fi, if the PC is connected to another network).
  3. Click Change next to Network name And Passwordto set your parameters (minimum 8 characters).
  4. Turn on the switch Allow use of my internet connection.

On the second computer:

  1. Open the list of available networks (Win + A → Wi-Fi).
  2. Find the created network (name from step 3) and connect by entering the password.

The network is displayed in the list of available Wi-Fi networks|The connection was successful|Both PCs have access to the local network (check via ping)|Connection speed is not lower than 1 Mbps (check in Network and Control Center)

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If the Internet is not distributed, check:

  • 🔌 Connecting the main PC to the network (e.g. Ethernet cable must be inserted).
  • 🛡️ Firewall settings: Temporarily disable it and check the connection.
  • 🔄 Restart both computers.
⚠️ Note: In some Windows 10 builds, the Mobile Hotspot feature may be missing or unstable. In this case, use method 2 (ad-hoc) or third-party programs like Connectify.

3. Method 2: Ad-hoc network (direct connection without a router)

Ad-hoc (from the Latin "for this purpose") is a Wi-Fi mode in which devices connect directly, without an intermediary (router). This method is suitable for:

  • 📁 Fast file exchange between two PCs.
  • 🎮 Network games over a local network (for example, Minecraft, Counter-Strike 1.6).
  • 🖨️ Sharing a printer or scanner.

For setup ad-hoc networks In Windows 10 you will need the command prompt (CMD). Follow the instructions:

Step 1: Creating a network on the first computer

netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid="MyAdHocNet" key="12345678" keyUsage=persistent

Where:

  • MyAdHocNet — network name (can be changed).
  • 12345678 — password (minimum 8 characters).

Step 2: Launching the Network

netsh wlan start hostednetwork

Step 3: Allowing Sharing

  1. Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center.
  2. Click on the active connection (for example, Ethernet) → Properties.
  3. Go to the tab Access and check the box Allow other network users to use your connection....
  4. In the drop-down list, select the created network (the name will contain Local Area Connection*).

On the second computer, connect to the network MyAdHocNet via the standard Wi-Fi menu.

What to do if the command doesn't work?

If after entering netsh wlan start hostednetwork an error appears "Failed to start hosted network", the reasons may be the following:

1. The Wi-Fi adapter driver does not support the mode hostednetwork (relevant for old adapters, for example, Broadcom 4313).

2. Service Autoconfig Disabled. To enable it, run the following command in CMD as administrator:

sc config Wlansvc start=auto

net start Wlansvc

3. Conflict with VPN or antivirus software. Try temporarily disabling them.

Problem Cause Solution
The network is created, but the second PC does not connect. Incorrect password or network name Check the case of the characters in the command netsh
No internet access Sharing is not configured Check the checkbox in Properties → Access
Slow file transfer speed Interference at 2.4 GHz Switch to 5 GHz (if your adapter supports it)
The network disappears after rebooting Service Wlansvc does not start automatically Set up autostart (see spoiler above)

4. Method 3: Using third-party programs

If built-in Windows tools don't work, you can use third-party utilities. They offer more flexible settings and often resolve driver issues.

Top 3 programs for creating a Wi-Fi network between PCs:

  • 🌐 Connectify Hotspot — a paid utility with a trial period. Supports Internet sharing and configuration. ad-hoc and even creation VPN-networks.
  • 🔧 Virtual Router Plus — a free alternative to the built-in Mobile Hotspot. Simple interface, but no support. WPA3.
  • 🛡️ mHotspot — a lightweight program with traffic monitoring functionality. Suitable for low-end PCs.

Instructions for Connectify Hotspot:

  1. Download and install the program from official website.
  2. Run the utility as administrator.
  3. In the field Internet to Share select a source (eg Ethernet).
  4. Ask Hotspot Name (network name) and Password.
  5. Click Start Hotspot.

Advantages of third-party programs:

  • ⚡ More stable connection (especially on older adapters).
  • 📊 Ability to limit speed or traffic for connected devices.
  • 🔄 Automatically start the network when the PC is turned on.
⚠️ Attention: Free versions of programs (for example, Virtual Router Plus) may contain advertising or restrictions on the number of connected devices. For permanent use, it's best to purchase a license.

Mobile Hotspot (Built-in)|Ad-hoc Network via CMD|Third-party programs (Connectify, mHotspot)|Other Method

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5. Setting up file and printer sharing

After creating a network between computers, you need to set up sharing to exchange files or use a shared printer. To do this:

Step 1: Enable network discovery

  1. On both PCs, open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center.
  2. Click Change advanced sharing options.
  3. Enable options:
    • 🔍 Enable network discovery
    • 📂 Enable file and printer sharing
    • 🔒 Disable password-protected sharing (if you want to make it easier to access).
  • Save the changes.

    • Step 2: Sharing the folder

    1. Right-click on the folder you want to share → Properties → Access.
    2. Select Share → add user All (or a specific user).
    3. Set the access level: Reading or Reading and writing.

    Step 3: Connect to the shared folder

    On the second computer:

    1. Open Conductor → enter in the address bar \\PCName\FolderName (For example, \\Desktop-PC\Documents).
    2. If prompted for login/password, use the account details of the first PC.

    For setup shared printer:

    1. On the PC the printer is connected to, open Control Panel → Devices and Printers.
    2. Right-click on the printer → Printer Properties → Access.
    3. Check the box Share this printer.
    4. On the second PC, add the printer via Control Panel → Devices and Printers → Add a Printer → Network Printer.

      5. 6. Diagnosing and solving common problems

      Errors can occur when setting up a network between two computers. Let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

      Problem 1: Computers can't see each other on the network

      • 🔌 Check that both PCs are connected to the same network (name and password must match).
      • 🛡️ Disable your firewall or antivirus software during diagnostics.
      • 🔧 Complete in CMD on both PCs: 
        ping [IP address of the second PC]

        If pings don't work (The specified node is unavailable), check your network settings.

      Problem 2: No access to shared folder

      • 🔒 Make sure the folder is shared with the user All or a specific account.
      • 📋 Check access rights: right-click on the folder → Properties → Security → add a user with rights Read/Write.
      • 🔄 Restart both computers.

      Problem 3: Slow file transfer speed

      • 📡 If you use ad-hoc, switch to 5 GHz (if the adapters support it). To do this, use the command netsh add parameter: 
        netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid="MyNet" key="password" channel=36

        (channel 36 and above is the 5 GHz range).

      • 📵 Reduce the distance between computers or eliminate interference (microwaves, other routers).
      • 🔌 For transferring large files (>1 GB) it is better to use Ethernet or USB drive.

      Problem 4: The shared printer does not work

      • 🖨️ Make sure the printer is turned on and connected to the main PC.
      • 📋 Check the drivers: they should be installed automatically on the second PC when you add a network printer.
      • 🔄 Restart the service Print Manager: 
        net stop spooler

        net start spooler

      Settings → Network & Internet → Status → Network resetThis will delete all saved connections and reset the settings to factory defaults.

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      7. Security when connecting a PC via Wi-Fi

      Direct connections between computers are convenient, but they can be vulnerable to attack if precautions aren't taken. The following recommendations will help protect your network:

      • 🔐 Use complex password (at least 12 characters, with numbers and special characters). Avoid simple combinations like 12345678 or qwerty.
      • 🔄 Change your network password regularly (every 1-2 months).
      • 📵 Turn off the network when not in use (especially in public places).
      • 🛡️ Turn on Windows Firewall and configure the rules for the local network: 
        Control Panel → Windows Firewall → Advanced settings → Inbound Rules
      • 📡 If you share the Internet, restrict access to local resources through Network and Sharing Center → Advanced Sharing Settings.

      If you connect to the network in a cafe, hotel or other public place, Never use ad-hoc mode - it is easily intercepted by attackersIn such cases, it is better to create an access point with a complex password or use VPN to encrypt traffic.

      For additional protection, you can:

      • 🔑 Set up WPA3 encryption (if the adapters support it). To do this, use the command netsh add parameter: 
        netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid="MyNet" key="password" keyUsage=persistent auth=WPA3
      • 📋 Keep a connection log using programs like Wireless Network Watcher (shows all devices on your network).

    8. Alternative methods of connecting PCs

    If your Wi-Fi connection is unstable or you need faster speeds, consider alternative options:

    Method Speed Difficulty of setup When to use
    Ethernet (cable) 1 Gbps and above Low For transferring large files or games
    USB cable (Bridge) Up to 480 Mbps Average If there is no Wi-Fi adapter
    Bluetooth Up to 3 Mbps Low For transferring small files
    Powerline adapters Up to 1 Gbps Average If the PCs are in different rooms, but there is a common power grid

    How to connect a PC via Ethernet:

    1. Connect both computers with a cable LAN (straight or crossover - modern adapters automatically detect the type).
    2. On both PCs, set static IP addresses in the same subnet (for example, 192.168.1.1 And 192.168.1.2 with a mask 255.255.255.0).
    3. Set up file sharing (similar to Wi-Fi).

    How to connect a PC via USB:

    For this you will need a special one USB Bridge cable (For example, Belkin Easy-Transfer) or two regular ones USB cables with the program USB Network GateThe speed will be lower than Wi-Fi, but the stability is higher.

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    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about setting up a network between PCs

    Is it possible to connect a computer to a Mac or Linux computer via Wi-Fi?

    Yes, but the setup will be different. For macOS use System Preferences → Sharing → Internet Sharing (mode Hotspot). On Linux set up ad-hoc through nmcli or iwconfig. The main thing is that both devices support the same encryption protocol (for example, WPA2-PSK).

    Why is file transfer speed via Wi-Fi lower than via cable?

    Wi-Fi connections are subject to interference, and actual speed depends on:

    • Wi-Fi standard (802.11n gives up to 300 Mbps, 802.11ac — up to 1 Gbit/s).
    • The number of walls and interference between devices.
    • Channel congestion (for example, neighboring routers on the same frequency).

    For maximum speed, use the range 5 GHz and standard 802.11ac (if adapters support it).

    How do I make the network automatically connect when Windows starts?

    For ad-hoc networks create .bat- a file with the following contents:

    @echo off

    netsh wlan start hostednetwork
    

    pause

    Put it in startup (Shell:Startup). For Mobile hotspot turn on the option Automatically start at logon in the program settings (if you use third-party software).

    Is it possible to play online games through such a network?

    Yes, but with some reservations:

    • 🎮 For old games (Counter-Strike 1.6, Warcraft III) ad-hoc fits perfectly.
    • 🔴 Modern games (GTA V, Call of Duty) may require an internet connection for authorization, even in local mode.
    • 📡 Delays (ping) via Wi-Fi will be higher than via cable, which is critical for shooters.

    For games we recommend using Ethernet or Powerline adapters.

    How do I share internet from a laptop to a PC if the laptop only has a 3G/4G modem?

    If the laptop is connected to the Internet via USB modem (For example, MegaFon M150-2), That:

    1. Set up Mobile Hotspot (method 1) and select as source Local Area Network Connection* (this is your modem).
    2. If the access point does not start, update the modem driver (download from the operator's website).
    3. Check that the modem allows it. public access (in some cases this is blocked by the operator).

    📖 Read also

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