Creating a local network between multiple computers is one of the most useful features for home and small offices. You'll no longer have to run around with flash drives to transfer a movie or a heavy document. Just set it up. public access once, and all devices within the router's range will see each other.
Modern operating systems such as Windows 10 And Windows 11, have built-in tools for this, but they are often hidden or don't work correctly due to security settings. In this article, we'll discuss how to properly connect a PC wirelessly, avoiding common mistakes.
Before you begin configuring software, make sure all computers are connected to the same wireless network. If one device is connected to the guest network and the other to the primary network, they won't see each other. Check the connection status in the system tray.
Basic requirements and equipment verification
To successfully organize local data exchange, it is necessary that all devices are in the same subnet segmentThis means that the computers' IP addresses must all start with the same suffix, such as 192.168.1.x. This usually happens automatically if the router is configured correctly.
Make sure the "Private" network profile is selected on all computers. If the system considers your home network "Public," it automatically blocks the device's visibility to other users for security reasons. This is the most common cause of problems.
⚠️ Please note: If you're using corporate Wi-Fi with Client Isolation enabled, you won't be able to create a direct connection between computers. This feature specifically prevents data exchange between devices on the same network.
It's also worth checking your wireless adapter drivers. Outdated software may not support the required discovery protocols. Go to Device Manager and make sure that your Wi-Fi module no exclamation marks.
Setting up sharing options in Windows
The first step to creating a working environment is to enable discovery features. Open Control Panel and go to Network and Sharing Center. There, select Change advanced sharing settings.
In the window that opens, you'll see several profiles. For the current profile (Private Network), you need to enable the following options: "Turn on network discovery" and "Turn on file and printer sharing." Without these settings, the computer will be "invisible."
- 📡 Turn on network discovery - allows the computer to see other devices and be visible to itself.
- 🖨️ Enable printer sharing - allows you to use a printer connected to another PC.
- 🔐 Use 128-bit encryption - provides basic protection for transmitted data.
At the bottom of the window, find the "All Networks" section. It's crucial to disable "Password-protected sharing" here if you want to simplify access within your trusted home network. If you leave protection enabled, you'll have to enter the remote computer's username and password each time you connect.
☑️ Access settings
Create a shared folder for file sharing
After configuring network settings, you need to determine which resources will be accessible to others. The easiest way is to create a new folder on the disk, for example, and name it Share, and configure its properties. Right-click the folder and select "Properties."
Go to the "Access" tab and click "Advanced." Check "Share this folder." Below, click "Permissions" and ensure that the "Everyone" group has "Read" or "Full Control" permissions if you plan to upload and download files to this folder from other devices.
There's also a "Security" tab. Permissions here may differ from network permissions. If you can't open a folder despite the correct access settings, check if the user has been added. Everyone to the list of security groups with read and execute permissions.
⚠️ Caution: Granting "Full Control" permissions to the "Everyone" group means anyone who connects to your Wi-Fi network will be able to delete or modify files in this folder. Be careful with important data.
How to hide a shared folder?
If you add a dollar sign ($) to the end of a folder name when creating it (e.g. Share$), it will not appear in the shared list but will be accessible via a direct path.
Mapping a network drive for convenience
To avoid searching for a shared folder each time through "Network Places," it's convenient to map it as a separate drive. This will allow you to work with remote files as if they were on your hard drive. Open "This PC" and select "Map network drive" from the top menu.
In the window that opens, select any available drive letter. In the "Folder" field, enter the path to the resource in the format \\Computer-IP-address\Folder_name. For example, \\192.168.1.5\ShareUsing an IP address instead of a computer name is often more reliable, as name resolvers may not work correctly.
Be sure to check "Reconnect at logon" to ensure the drive mounts automatically after a reboot. If necessary, check "Use different credentials" if the logins on the computers are different.
Diagnosing and resolving visibility problems
Even with the correct settings, computers may not be able to see each other. Often, the problem lies with Windows services. Click Win + R, enter services.msc and find the "Function Discovery Resource Publication" service. Make sure it's running and the startup type is set to "Automatic."
Another common cause is a firewall or antivirus. Third-party antiviruses (for example, Kaspersky, ESET, Avast) often have their own firewall modules that block local connections. Try temporarily disabling the firewall to test.
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Computers can't see each other. | Different network profiles | Switch to "Private Network" |
| Password prompt upon login | Password protection is enabled | Disable in Network and Sharing Center |
| Error "Access Denied" | Invalid Security tab permissions | Add user Everyone |
| The network is displayed as "Public" | Router recognition failure | Change via PowerShell or Registry |
If all else fails, try resetting your network settings. In Windows 10/11, you can do this via "Settings" -> "Network & Internet" -> "Network Reset." This will reset all network adapters to factory settings, but will require you to re-enter your Wi-Fi password.
Local network security
Open file sharing is convenient, but potentially dangerous. Never enable file sharing in public places like cafes or airports. In such areas, use only the "Public Network" profile, which hides your PC.
It is recommended to create separate accounts for network access with limited privileges and use an administrator account. This minimizes the risk in the event of a network compromise.
Update your router's firmware regularly. Protocol vulnerabilities SMB (used for file sharing) are periodically found and closed, and old hardware can become a security hole in the entire system.
Why can't computers see each other after a Windows update?
Windows updates often change security policies and reset sharing settings. Most often, the system automatically switches the network profile to "Public" or disables SMB 1.0 support (although the latter is less common and affects very old devices). Check your network profile again.
Is it possible to create a network between Windows and macOS?
Yes, this is possible. On a Mac, go to System Preferences -> General -> Sharing and enable "File Sharing." Add a folder and configure permissions. Windows will see the Mac as a network device, but you may need the Mac user's credentials to log in.
How do I find out the IP address of another computer on the network?
On the target computer, press Win+R, enter cmd, then type ipconfig in the command line. The line you're interested in is the IPv4 address. This is the address you'll need to enter on the other PC to connect.