How to Create a Wi-Fi Network Between Two Laptops: 3 Proven Methods + FAQ

Creating a local network between two laptops via Wi-Fi is a challenge faced by students collaborating on projects, gamers playing multiplayer games offline, or office workers transferring large files. Unlike a wired connection, a wireless network eliminates the need for cables and adapters, but it does require proper security settings and protocol compatibility.

In this article, we will look at three main methods of organizing communication: Ad-Hoc network (an outdated but working method) Wi-Fi Direct (modern standard for direct connection) and access point mode (via the built-in Hotspot). Each of them has its own limitations: for example, Ad-Hoc not supported in Windows 11 by default, and Wi-Fi Direct may not work on older laptops with adapters up to 802.11nWe'll also cover setting up file sharing and diagnosing common errors, from missing IP addresses to channel conflicts.

If you need to do more than just connect devices, but also share internet from one laptop to another, there's a separate section at the end of the article with step-by-step instructions for this setup. And for those working with macOS or Linux, we have provided terminal commands and settings features in these operating systems.

1. Method 1: Ad-Hoc network (for Windows 7/10 and older adapters)

Ad-Hoc (from the Latin "for this") is a temporary computer-to-computer network that does not require a router. This method is relevant for devices without support Wi-Fi Direct or when working with older versions of Windows. However, in Windows 11 Creating an Ad-Hoc network via the graphical interface has been removed - you will need to use the command line.

The main limitations of the method:

• 🔌 Maximum speed - up to 54 Mbps (standard 802.11g), which is 10 times slower than modern Wi-Fi 6.
• 🛡️ Vulnerability to attacks - encryption WEP (if selected) hacks in minutes, use only WPA2-PSK.
• 🖥️ Does not work between Windows and macOS without additional drivers.

Instructions for Windows 10:

1. Open Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Set up a new connection.
2. Select Setting up a wireless computer-to-computer network.
3. Specify the network name (SSID), security type WPA2-Personal and the password is not shorter than 8 characters.
4. On the second laptop, connect to the created network as a regular access point.

Make sure your Wi-Fi adapters support Ad-Hoc mode (check in Device Manager)

Disable any antivirus firewalls (they may be blocking the connection)

Use channel 1, 6 or 11 (they do not overlap with other networks)

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⚠️ Attention: If you cannot access the local network after connecting, check your settings IPv4 Manually. On the first laptop, set the IP 192.168.0.1, on the second - 192.168.0.2 with a mask 255.255.255.0.

2. Method 2: Wi-Fi Direct (modern standard for Windows 10/11 and Android)

Wi-Fi Direct — a protocol that allows devices to connect directly without an intermediary (router), like Bluetooth, but at Wi-Fi speeds. Supported by all laptops with adapters 802.11n and newer (released after 2010). The main advantage is automatic IP configuration and high speed (up to 250 Mbps in standard 802.11ac).

How to enable Wi-Fi Direct in Windows:

• 🔍 In the search bar, enter cmd, run command prompt as administrator.
• 📋 Enter the command:

  netsh wlan show drivers

  and check the line Hosted Network Support — it should be "Yes".
• 🔄 If support is available, create a network using the command:

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

• ▶️ Start the network:

  netsh wlan start hostednetwork

On the second laptop, connect to the network MyDirect (in our example) via the standard Wi-Fi manager. To share files, enable public access to folders in network properties (Private network).

3. Method 3: Hotspot mode via Windows/macOS

The most universal method is to turn one laptop into an access point and connect the second one to it as a regular router. This method is suitable for sharing the internet (if the first laptop has one) or creating an isolated local network. Windows 10/11 the function is called Mobile Hotspot, V macOS — "Public Internet".

Step-by-step instructions for Windows:

• 🖱️ Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Hotspot.
• 🔄 In the field Internet Connection Sharing Select the source (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
• 📶 Click "Change" and set the network name (SSID) and password (minimum 8 characters).
• 🔛 Turn on the slider Internet distribution.

For macOS Monterey/Ventura:

1. Open System Preferences → Sharing.
2. Select a source from the drop-down menu "Public Internet: " (For example, Ethernet).
3. Activate the checkbox "Wi-Fi" and press Wi-Fi Settings to set up SSID and password.
4. Turn on sharing with the button "Start".

⚠️ Attention: If an error appears when turning on a hotspot in Windows "Unable to set up mobile hotspot", check if your Wi-Fi adapter supports the mode AP (Access Point). A list of compatible adapters can be found on the manufacturer's website (for example, Intel Wireless-AC 9560 supports, and Realtek RTL8188EE - No).

Ad-Hoc (via command line)

Wi-Fi Direct

Hotspot mode

Another option-->

4. Setting up shared access to files and folders

Creating a network is only half the battle. To share files, you need to set up public access to folders. In Windows, this is done through the folder properties, in macOS - through "Public Access" in the system settings. Important: both laptops must be in the same working group (by default WORKGROUP in Windows, local (in macOS).

Instructions for Windows:

• 📁 Right-click on the folder → Properties → Access → Share.
• 👥 Select a user "All" and set the resolution Reading and writing.
• 🔐 Tab "Safety" → "Change" → add user "All" with full rights.
• 🌐 On the second laptop, open IP address of the first laptop in Explorer (for example, \\192.168.137.1).

For Linux (Ubuntu/Debian):

sudo apt install samba
sudo nano /etc/samba/smb.conf

Add to the end of the file:

[shared]
path = /path/to/folder
browsable = yes
read only = no
guest ok = yes

Then restart the service:

sudo systemctl restart smbd

5. Troubleshooting: No connection or file access

If the laptops cannot see each other or exchange data, check the following settings:

• 🔌 Ping between devices: open cmd and type

  ping 192.168.x.x

  (where xx is the IP address of the second laptop). If packets are lost, the problem is with the network connection.
• 🛡️ Firewall: temporarily disable it on both devices or add an exception for file-sharing ports (137-139, 445).
• 🔄 IP conflict: if both laptops have received the same IP (for example, 169.254.x.x), set static addresses manually.
• 📡 Drivers: Update your Wi-Fi adapter driver - older versions may not support it. Wi-Fi Direct.

Critical Error: If you get the message "Windows can't connect to this network" when connecting to an Ad-Hoc network, check if the first laptop is in compatibility mode with 802.11b/gIn some cases, rolling back the adapter driver to an older version helps (for example, for Broadcom 4313).

⚠️ Attention: On laptops with Windows 11 and adapters Killer Wireless (for example, in game models MSI or Alienware) it may be necessary to disable the technology Killer Prioritization Engine in the driver control panel. It blocks P2P connections to "optimize traffic."

6. How to share internet from one laptop to another

If the first laptop has internet access (via Ethernet or 4G), you can share it with the second device via Wi-Fi. To do this:

In Windows:

1. Turn on Mobile hotspot (see section 3).
2. In the field "Sharing" select the connection through which you receive the Internet (for example, Ethernet).
3. Activate sharing and the second laptop will automatically gain access to the network.

On macOS:

• IN System Preferences → Sharing select the internet source (for example, USB-Ethernet).
• Activate the checkbox "Wi-Fi" and configure network settings.
• Turn on sharing – the Internet will be distributed to connected devices.

7. Alternative methods: Bluetooth, Ethernet, and P2P software

If a Wi-Fi connection is not possible (for example, the adapter is broken), consider alternatives:

• 🔵 Bluetooth: speed up to 3 Mbps (suitable for transferring documents, but not video). Enabled via Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
• 🔌 Ethernet cable: connect laptops crossover cable (or normal if the ports support it) Auto-MDI/MDIX). Configure the IP manually (for example, 192.168.1.1 And 192.168.1.2).
• 💻 P2P programs:
  • LocalSend (cross-platform, with encryption).
  • Feem (simple interface, works without a router).
  • Dukto R6 (for transferring files and text).

To connect via Ethernet in Linux, use the command:

sudo ip link set eth0 up
sudo ip addr add 192.168.1.1/24 dev eth0

(replace eth0 to the name of your network interface).

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

sudo nano /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.user.wifidirect.plist