Creating a local network between laptops is a basic skill that significantly simplifies file sharing and resource sharing, such as printers. In the age of cloud storage and messaging apps, many forget about the power of a local connection, which allows for gigabytes of data to be transferred at maximum speed, without the limitations of provider tariffs. This issue is especially relevant when it is necessary to connect devices running different operating systems, for example, a modern laptop with Windows 10 and an older device based on Windows 7.
The main difficulty in this process is the difference in approaches to security and network profiles that Microsoft has implemented in new OS versions. While Windows 7 worked simply as a "click and play" feature within a HomeGroup, Windows 10 requires more careful configuration of sharing settings. However, by understanding the logic behind network protocols, it's easy to set up a stable connection between any devices within a single apartment or office.
In this article, we'll cover the entire process in detail: from checking the hardware to setting up folder permissions. You'll learn how to avoid common mistakes when computers see the network but can't see each other. The key to a successful connection is that the workgroup name must be identical on all connected devices., without this step further settings are meaningless.
Preparing equipment and checking drivers
Before proceeding with complex operating system settings, it is necessary to ensure that the physical hardware is in good working order. Both laptops must be equipped with functioning modules. Wi-Fi, which work correctly with the installed drivers. Network visibility issues often arise because the network adapter is running in power-saving mode or has outdated software.
The best way to check drivers is through the Device Manager. To do this, press the following key combination: Win + R, enter the command devmgmt.msc and press Enter. In the window that opens, find the "Network Adapters" section and make sure there are no yellow exclamation marks next to your wireless device. If there is, you need to download the latest driver from the official website of your laptop or Wi-Fi module chipset manufacturer.
It's also important to check whether the wireless module itself is turned on. Many laptops have a physical switch or function key (often F2 or F12 (with an image of an antenna) that disables Wi-Fi hardware. Make sure the wireless network indicator is on and the list of available connections shows nearby access points.
Setting up a workgroup and computer names
The foundation of any local network is proper device identification. All computers you want to connect must be on the same network. working group and have unique names. If the names are the same, an addressing conflict will occur and the network will not work. By default, Windows uses the workgroup name WORKGROUP, and changing it to something exotic is not recommended to avoid compatibility issues.
To change the settings, go to system properties. In Windows 10, you can do this through Settings → System → About → Rename PC or through the classic window, which can be called by the command sysdm.cplIn the system properties window, go to the "Computer Name" tab and click the "Change" button. Here you should enter a unique name (for example, Laptop1 And Laptop2) and make sure that the "Workgroup" field is set to WORKGROUP.
☑️ Check network settings
After making changes, the system will require a reboot. This is a mandatory step, as the new network IDs are only applied after the services are restarted. Don't ignore the reboot request, otherwise the changes may not apply correctly, and the second laptop simply won't see the first one in the list of network devices.
Setting up network type and sharing options
Windows 10 and Windows 7 react differently to connecting to new networks. In Windows 10, it's critical that the network be marked as Private (Private). If the network is marked as "Public," the system blocks detection of other devices for security purposes, thinking you're in a cafe or airport.
To change your network profile in Windows 10, go to Start → Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-FiClick the name of your connected network and select the "Private" profile type. In Windows 7, the system will automatically ask you for the network location type the first time you connect—select "Home Network" or "Work Network," but not "Public Network."
⚠️ Note: In Windows 10, the security update (starting with version 1709) completely removed the HomeGroup feature. If you're used to creating HomeGroups in Windows 7, you'll have to set up sharing manually in Windows 10 using the advanced settings.
Next, you need to enable network discovery. Open Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change advanced sharing settingsIn the "Private" (or "Current Profile") profile, enable "Turn on network discovery" and "Turn on file and printer sharing." It is also recommended to enable "Let Windows manage HomeGroup connections."
Creating an access point or connecting to a router
There are two main connection options: using an existing Wi-Fi router or creating a virtual access point on one of the laptops. The first option is the most stable and preferred if the router is within range. In this case, both laptops simply connect to the same Wi-Fi network.
If you don't have a router or it's broken, you can turn one of your laptops (preferably running Windows 10) into an access point. To do this, go to Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile HotspotEnable the feature and select the "Wi-Fi" sharing method. The second laptop will need to find this network in the list of available connections and enter the password specified in the hotspot settings.
Why doesn't the laptop see the access point?
A common problem is the frequency range. If the router creates a 5 GHz network, but the old adapter only supports 2.4 GHz, you won't be able to connect. Try forcibly switching the access point's mode to 2.4 GHz in the device manager or command line.
When using the computer-to-computer (Ad-Hoc) method in Windows 7 and earlier, setup was performed through the connection wizard. However, in Windows 10, support for classic Ad-Hoc networks has been removed from the graphical interface, so using the "Mobile Hotspot" feature is the only native way to establish a connection without a router.
Setting up shared access to folders and printers
Once devices are visible to each other, you need to grant access rights to specific resources. Simply enabling network discovery isn't enough—you need to explicitly specify which folders can be accessed by other users. Select the folder you want to share, right-click it, and select "Properties."
Go to the "Sharing" tab and click "Advanced." Check "Share this folder." Below, click "Permissions" and ensure that the "Everyone" group (or a specific user) has "Read" or "Full Control" permissions if you plan to transfer files from another laptop.
| Action | Windows 7 | Windows 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Opening network properties | Network and Sharing Center | Settings → Network |
| Profile type | Home/Work | Private |
| Shared folder | Access → Shared Access | Properties → Access → Advanced |
| Password | Home group | Account login/password |
Printer sharing is also worth mentioning. If a USB printer is connected to one of the laptops, it can also be shared. In the printer properties, on the "Sharing" tab, check "Share this printer." On the second computer, when adding a new printer, select "The printer I want isn't listed" → "Select a shared printer by name" and enter the path in the following format: \\ComputerName\PrinterName.
Troubleshooting connection and access issues
Even with proper configuration, errors may still occur, such as being prompted for a password when accessing a shared folder or computers becoming completely unvisible. One common cause is a disabled detection service or being blocked by an antivirus program. Check if the service is running. Publishing discovery resources (Function Discovery Resource Publication). It can be found by typing services.msc in the "Run" menu.
If the system requires a username and password and you want to allow access without them, you can do so through group policies or the registry, but it's safer to create identical accounts on both laptops. The username and password must match on both devices, then authorization will occur automatically.
It's also worth checking your firewall settings. Sometimes third-party antivirus programs (Kaspersky, ESET, Avast) create their own virtual firewall that blocks your local network, considering it potentially dangerous. Try temporarily disabling network protection in your antivirus or adding your subnet to the trusted list.
Command line and network diagnostics
For advanced users and troubleshooting complex issues, the command line is an indispensable tool. It can be used to reset network settings, check node availability, and view network statistics. Run the command line as administrator.
To check the connection, use the command pingEnter . ping 192.168.x.x (where xx is the IP address of the second laptop). If you see the response "Reply from...," then the physical connection and underlying TCP/IP protocol are working properly. If you see "Timeout exceeded," the issue is with the drivers, firewall, or Wi-Fi signal.
ipconfig /flushdnsipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
netsh winsock reset
This set of commands helps renew the IP address and flush the DNS cache, which often resolves issues when computers become "lost" after changing the router or network settings. After executing the command netsh winsock reset A computer restart is required.
Why can't Windows 10 see Windows 7 on the network?
The most common issue is with the SMBv1 protocol, which is disabled in Windows 10 by default for security reasons but is required for older Windows 7 versions. To enable it, go to Control Panel → Programs and Features → Turn Windows features on or off and find "SMB 1.0/CIFS file sharing support." However, enabling this is only recommended for isolated home networks.
How to find out the IP address of the second laptop?
On the second laptop, open the command prompt (cmd) and enter the command ipconfigFind the "IPv4 Address" line in the "Wireless LAN" section. It usually looks like 192.168.0.x or 192.168.1.x. This is the address you should use for a direct connection.
Is it possible to play online games over such a network?
Yes, if the game supports a local area network (LAN). Creating a network between laptops via Wi-Fi emulates a local connection, allowing you to play old hits like Counter-Strike 1.6, Need for Speed, or Minecraft without internet access. The main thing is that your firewall doesn't block the game executable.