Creating a local network between two computers running Windows 11 Wireless connection—a task that often arises when quickly transferring large files or sharing a printer. Unlike wired solutions, Wi-Fi eliminates the need for cables, but requires more careful configuration of security settings and device discovery. Modern versions of Microsoft operating systems have significantly simplified this process, but the default settings often block the PC's visibility to protect data.
For a successful connection, both devices must be within range of a strong signal and connected to the same access point, or one of them must act as a signal broadcaster. It's important to understand that data transfer speed will directly depend on your network's bandwidth. router and a Wi-Fi standard (e.g., 802.11ac or Wi-Fi 6). If you plan to transfer gigabytes of data daily, channel stability will be critical.
In this guide, we'll walk you through every setup step, from basic profile preparation to granting access to specific folders. You'll learn how to bypass system restrictions that hide your computer from other users and how to properly configure access rights. Proper configuration will allow you to create a secure information sharing environment without the need for third-party software or cloud storage.
Equipment preparation and basic requirements
Before changing system settings, ensure the physical infrastructure is ready for operation. Both computers must be equipped with working Wi-Fi adapters with up-to-date drivers. Outdated wireless module software often causes unstable connections or the inability to see the network in the list of available devices.
A key requirement is that both computers are on the same subnet. This means that if one computer is connected to the router's guest network and the other to the main network, they won't be able to "see" each other without complex routing. It's also important to ensure that both devices have the same network profile, which is the foundation for trust between the nodes.
⚠️ Note: If you use public Wi-Fi networks (cafes, airports, hotels), creating a direct network between computers may be blocked by the access point's security settings. In such cases, Client Isolation prevents data exchange between devices.
Check the service status WLAN on both computers. It must be running and running automatically. Without the wireless network management service active, any configuration attempts will fail, as the operating system simply won't respond to environmental scanning commands.
Network profile setup and discovery
The first step in the configuration process is changing the network profile type. By default, Windows 11 assigns new connections to the "Public Network" profile, which hides your computer from other devices and blocks incoming connections. We need to change this profile to "Private Network."
To do this, open the system settings by going to the menu Start → Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-FiSelect the properties of your current connection. Under "Network Profile Type," select "Private." This step must be performed on both computers you plan to connect.
After changing the profile, the system will automatically apply more flexible firewall rules to allow device discovery. However, if this doesn't happen, you should check your sharing settings. Go to Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change advanced sharing settings.
In the window that opens for the "Private" profile, make sure the following features are enabled:
- 📡 Enable network discovery
- 💾 Enable file and printer sharing
- 🔒 Allow management of HomeGroup connections
Be sure to save your changes by clicking the corresponding button at the bottom of the window. Without these settings enabled, the computers will be physically connected to the same network, but logically remain isolated from each other.
Creating a Direct Wireless Network (Computer-to-Computer)
If you don't have a router or want to create a direct connection without intermediaries, Windows 11 allows you to use the Mobile Hotspot feature or set up a direct connection. This creates a virtual adapter that emulates an access point.
On the first computer, go to Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile HotspotTurn on the "Mobile Hotspot" toggle. In the settings, enter the network name and password that will be used to connect the second device. It's important to select the correct network for sharing if you have multiple networks.
⚠️ Caution: When using a mobile hotspot on one of your computers, your antivirus software may block incoming connections, considering them suspicious. Add an exception rule for the private network in your firewall settings.
On the second computer, scan for available Wi-Fi networks, find the access point you created, and connect using the password you set earlier. Once connected, the system will ask again for the network type—be sure to select "Private."
Advanced users can create an ad-hoc network via the command line, although this functionality is limited in Windows 11 compared to previous versions. A more reliable method remains using the built-in hotspot functionality, which works reliably with modern Wi-Fi adapters.
☑️ Checking the direct connection
Setting up shared access to folders and files
Once the computers are "visible" to each other, you need to configure the resources you plan to share. Simply enabling sharing isn't enough—you need to explicitly tell the system which folders should be accessible to other network 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.
Next, you need to configure access rights. Click the "Permissions" button. Here you can select the "Everyone" group or a specific user and determine their permission level:
- 👁️ Full access (read, write, modify, delete)
- 📝 Modify (read, write, delete)
- 📖 Reading (view and copy only)
It's also important to check the "Security" tab in the folder's properties. Sometimes NTFS permissions block access, even if the network settings are clear. Add the "Everyone" user or a specific user and ensure they have read and execute permissions.
| Access type | What does it allow? | Recommended use |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | Viewing and copying files | General documents, photos, media |
| Change | Writing new files and deleting | Project working folders |
| Full access | Managing rights and settings | For trusted administrators only |
| Special rights | Fine-tuning actions | Corporate environments with strict rules |
Once the settings are applied, the folder will be accessible via the network path. To open it on the second computer, enter \\Computer_Name or IP address in the address bar.
How to find out the IP address of a computer?
Open the command prompt (cmd) and enter ipconfig. Find the IPv4 address line in the section for your wireless adapter. This is the address by which other devices will find your PC on the local network.
Connecting a network printer and peripherals
One of the most useful features of a local network is the ability to share a single printer between multiple computers. If the printer is connected to one PC via USB, it can be shared with a second device connected to the network via Wi-Fi.
On the computer to which the printer is physically connected, go to Settings → Bluetooth & Devices → Printers & ScannersSelect the desired printer, click "Manage," and go to "Printer Properties." On the "Sharing" tab, check the "Share this printer" box.
On the second computer, open "Devices and Printers" and select "Add a printer." The system should automatically find the network printer. If it doesn't, select "The printer I want isn't available" and search for it by host name or IP address.
When you first connect, Windows may prompt you to install drivers. Make sure the host computer has the correct processor architecture drivers installed if the computers on the network are different (for example, one with a 32-bit system and the other with a 64-bit system, although this is rare in the Windows 11 era).
Diagnostics and solution of typical problems
Despite the apparent simplicity, users often encounter access errors such as "Access Denied," "Incorrect username or password," or simply the inability to see computers. Most often, the problem lies with Windows services or security policies.
Check that the following services are running on both computers. Click Win + R, enter services.msc and find:
- 🔍 SSDP detection function
- 📡 Publishing Function Discovery Resources
- 🖥️ Feature Discovery Provider Host
- 🌐 Network Discovery Service
Make sure these services are running and their startup type is set to "Automatic." If the Network Discovery service is stopped, your computer will not be able to see other devices, even if all settings are correct.
⚠️ Note: Windows 11 settings interfaces are updated regularly. The location of menu items or their names may vary slightly depending on the update version (21H2, 22H2, 23H2). If you don't find the item you're looking for, try searching in system settings.
Another common issue is time desynchronization. If the time on computers differs by more than a few minutes, the Kerberos protocol may block authentication. Ensure that the time and time zone are consistent on all devices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why can't computers see each other even though they have the same Wi-Fi?
Most likely, your network profile is set to "Public." Switch it to "Private" in the Wi-Fi settings. Also, check if network discovery is enabled.
Is it possible to create a network if one PC is running Windows 10 and the other is running Windows 11?
Yes, Windows operating systems are fully compatible with local area networks. The key is to use the SMB 2.0/3.0 protocol and disable the outdated SMB 1.0, which is a security hole.
How to increase file transfer speed over Wi-Fi?
Use the 5 GHz band instead of 2.4 GHz, and make sure both devices support 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) or later. Place the router or devices closer together for a better signal.
Is internet required for a local network to function?
No, the local network works regardless of internet access. You only need a working router or a direct connection between the adapters.