How to Connect Computers via Wi-Fi in Windows 10: 3 Proven Methods

Creating a local network between computers via Wi-Fi V Windows 10 — a challenge faced by both office workers and home users. This type of connection allows for quick file sharing, online gaming, or access to shared resources (printers, storage devices) without the need for wires or additional equipment. However, many users get lost in system settings or encounter connection errors.

In this article we will look at three main ways of organizing Wi-Fi networks between PCs: through router, using the function Mobile hotspot and through command line (for advanced users). Each method has its own unique characteristics, from ease of setup to speed limitations and the number of devices that can be connected. We'll also cover common issues (such as lack of network access or slow data transfer) and how to troubleshoot them.

Important: If you need a network for game consoles (For example, PlayStation or Xbox), or to connect devices on Android/iOS, some instructions will require adaptation. The main focus of this article is on the interaction between computers running Windows 10.

1. Preparing to create a Wi-Fi network: what you need to check

Before you begin setup, make sure your devices meet the minimum requirements. This will eliminate most connection issues.

• 🖥️ Hardware compatibility: both computers must have Wi-Fi adaptersIn laptops they are built in by default, but for desktop PCs they may be required. USB- or PCI-e adapter (For example, TP-Link TL-WN823N or ASUS PCE-AC55BT).
• 🔄 Windows version: the instruction is relevant for Windows 10 (versions 1809 and newer). On Windows 11 The steps are similar, but the location of some menu items may differ.
• 🔒 Administrator rights: You will need administrator rights on both PCs to change network settings.
• 📡 No interference: If you are setting up a network without a router, make sure there are no other active routers within 10 meters. Wi-Fi networks on the same channel (use the utility Wi-Fi Analyzer for ether analysis).

Also check if it is enabled Wi-Fi adapter on both devices. To do this:

1. Click Win + X and select device Manager.
2. Expand the tab Network adapters.
3. Find the device with the names Wireless, Wi-Fi or 802.11 (For example, Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200). If there is a down arrow next to it, right-click and select Activate the device.

⚠️ Attention: if in Device Manager an error is displayed (for example, Code 10 or Code 43), update the adapter driver through the manufacturer's official website (Intel, Realtek, Broadcom). Universal drivers from Windows Update may not work correctly.

To check the current status of the adapter, you can use the command in command line:

netsh wlan show drivers

Find the line in the output Hosted network support — the value must be Yes. If it is indicated there No, your adapter does not support creation virtual Wi-Fi network (a router or hardware replacement will be required).

2. Method 1: Creating a network via a router (recommended method)

Usage Wi-Fi router — the most reliable and universal way to connect computers to a local network. It is suitable for a permanent connection, provides high speed, and allows you to connect additional devices (smartphones, Smart TV, game consoles).

The main advantages of the method:

• 🌐 Stable connection without interruptions.
• 🔌 Possibility to connect up to 250+ devices (depending on the router model).
• 🛡️ Built-in protection (WPA2/WPA3, firewall).
• 📶 Support of modern standards (Wi-Fi 6, MU-MIMO).

Step 1: Connecting computers to the router

1. Connect the router to an internet source (if you need network access) or leave it running in standby mode Local area network.
2. On both PCs, find the router's network in the list of available networks. Wi-Fi networks and connect to it by entering the password.
3. Make sure both devices have received IP addresses from the router. To do this, run the command:

   ipconfig /all

   Find the line in the output IPv4 address - it must belong to the same subnet (for example, 192.168.1.100 And 192.168.1.101).

Step 2: Setting up a shared network

By default, computers in one Wi-Fi networks they can't see each other because of the settings network profileTo fix this:

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Status → Change connection properties.
2. In the section Network profile select Private network (this will enable device discovery).
3. Repeat the step on the second PC.

Step 3: Checking the connection

To make sure that computers "see" each other:

1. On the first PC, open command line (Win + R → cmd).
2. Run the command:

   ping [IP address of the second PC]

   For example: ping 192.168.1.101.

3. If there is no packet loss in the response (0% losses), the connection was established successfully.

⚠️ Attention: If ping doesn't work, check your settings Windows Firewall. Temporarily disable it or add an exception for ICMP protocol (rule File and Printer).

3. Method 2: Virtual Wi-Fi network via "Mobile hotspot"

If you don't have a router, you can create one virtual Wi-Fi network directly from one of the computers. To do this, Windows 10 the function is provided Mobile hotspotThis method is suitable for temporary connections (for example, for file transfer or collaboration).

Limitations of the method:

• 🔋 Computer-hot spot must remain on.
• 📉 The connection speed is lower than through a router (depending on Wi-Fi adapter).
• 🔒 Maximum number of connected devices — 8 (Windows limitation).

Step 1: Enable Mobile Hotspot

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Hotspot.
2. In the field Sharing an Internet connection select Wi-Fi (if you need to distribute the Internet) or Ethernet (if internet is not required).
3. Click Change and ask:
   • Network Name (SSID): For example, MyPC-Network.
   • Password: not less than 8 characters (use letters and numbers).

Toggle the slider Mobile hotspot in position On

Step 2: Connecting a Second Computer

On the second PC:

1. Find the created network in the list Wi-Fi.
2. Connect by entering the given password.
3. Check the connection using ping (as in Method 1).

⚠️ Attention: if when turning on Mobile hotspot an error appears Failed to set up mobile hotspot, check:

• Performance Wi-Fi adapter (cm. Section 1).
• No conflicts with VPN or antivirus (temporarily disable them).
• Availability of Windows updates (especially if using Wi-Fi 6).

If you need to share the Internet from a PC connected via cable (Ethernet), select the source in the hotspot settings EthernetThis will allow the second computer to access the Internet through yours. Wi-Fi.

4. Method 3: Creating a network via the command line (for advanced users)

This method is suitable for those who prefer manual configuration or encounter problems with the previous methods. It allows for flexible network configuration, but requires knowledge of commands and caution when entering them.

Advantages:

• 🛠️ Full control over network parameters (IP, DNS, channel).
• 🔧 Possibility to create a network even if Mobile hotspot doesn't work.
• 📡 Support for older versions Windows (For example, Windows 7).

Step 1: Create a virtual network

On the computer that will distribute Wi-Fi, run the following commands in command prompt as administrator:

netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=MyNetwork key=MyPassword123
netsh wlan start hostednetwork

Where:

• MyNetwork — network name (SSID).
• MyPassword123 — password (minimum 8 characters).

Step 2: Setting up sharing

To allow other devices to use the Internet from the sharing PC:

1. Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings.
2. Find the connection through which the PC receives the Internet (for example, Ethernet), right-click and select Properties.
3. Go to the tab Access and check the box Allow other network users to share your Internet connection.
4. On the list Connecting a home network select the created network (it will be called Local Area Connection* X).

Step 3: Connecting a Second Computer

On the second PC, connect to the network MyNetwork with a password MyPassword123After this, check your connection and internet access (if available).

⚠️ AttentionAfter restarting the distribution computer, the virtual network will be disabled. To resume its operation, run the command again:

netsh wlan start hostednetwork

To avoid this, create .bat-file with the command and add it to Autoload.

To stop the network, use the command:

netsh wlan stop hostednetwork

How do I know if my adapter supports hostednetwork?

Run the command netsh wlan show drivers and find the line Hosted network support. If there Yes - your adapter supports network creation. If No — equipment replacement or the use of a router will be required.

5. Setting up shared access to files and folders

Creating a network is only half the battle. For computers to exchange data, you need to set up public access to folders or disks. This can be done either through Conductor, and through advanced settings.

Step 1: Enable network discovery

1. Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Advanced Sharing Settings.
2. For profile Private (current profile) enable:
   • Network discovery.
   • File and printer sharing.
   • Automatic configuration on network devices.

In the section All networks select Disable password-protected sharing (if you want to make it easier to access).

Step 2: Sharing the folder

1. Right-click on the folder you want to share and select Properties → Access → Share.
2. Select from the drop-down list All and press Add.
3. Set the access level (Reading or Reading and writing).

Step 3: Connect to the shared folder

On the second computer:

1. Open Conductor and in the address bar enter:

   \\[IP address of the first PC]

   For example: \\192.168.1.100.

2. If you are prompted for login/password, enter the account details for the first PC (or guest access if the password is disabled).
3. A list of shared folders will open.

An alternative way is through Network environment:

1. Open Net V Conductor.
2. Find the name of the first computer and open it.
3. If your computer is not showing up, check your settings. firewall And network profile (must be Private network).

6. Solving typical problems

Even with proper setup, errors can still occur. Let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem	Cause	Solution
"No network access"	Incorrect settings IP or DNS	Set static IP-addresses in the same subnet (for example, 192.168.1.100 And 192.168.1.101 with a mask 255.255.255.0)
Network without Internet access	Sharing is not configured in Network and Control Center	Check your settings Public access (cm. Method 3, Step 2)
"Unable to connect to the shared folder"	The protocol is disabled SMB or blocking firewall	Turn on SMB 1.0 in Windows components or add an exception in firewall
"Slow file transfer"	Channel congestion Wi-Fi or low adapter speed	Use Wi-Fi 5/6 adapters or switch to 5 GHz (if supported)

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

If ping It runs successfully, but the computers are not displayed in Network environment:

• 🔍 Check if it's enabled network discovery (cm. Section 5).
• 🔄 Restart both computers.
• 🛡️ Temporarily disable antivirus (For example, Kaspersky or Avast may block network connections).
• 📋 Make sure the service is enabled on both PCs Publishing Function Discovery Resources (services.msc → Function Discovery Resource Publication).

Problem: Slow file transfer speed

If files are copying too slowly:

• 📶 Switch Wi-Fi on the range 5 GHz (if adapters support it).
• 🔌 Use USB 3.0 adapters instead USB 2.0 (For example, ASUS USB-AC56).
• 📁 Archive files before transferring (for example, in .zip or .rar).
• 🔄 Disconnect other devices from the network Wi-Ficonsuming traffic.

⚠️ Attention: if you use Wi-Fi 6 adapters (Intel AX200, Killer Wi-Fi 6), but the speed is still low, check your router settings. Some models require manual activation of the mode. 802.11ax in the web interface.

7. Alternative methods of connecting a PC

If Wi-Fi For some reason it is not suitable, consider alternative options:

• 🔌 Direct cable connection (Ethernet):
  • Required crossover cable (or regular LAN cable with support Auto MDI-X).
  • Speed ​​up to 1 Gbps (10 times faster Wi-Fi).
  • Setting: Set static IP-addresses in the same subnet on both PCs.
• 📡 Powerline adapters:
  • Data transmission over electrical wiring (eg TP-Link AV1000).
  • Speed ​​up to 500–1000 Mbps (depends on the quality of the wiring).
  • Suitable for houses where Wi-Fi unstable.
• 💻 Bluetooth:
  • Suitable for transferring small files (up to 25 Mbps).
  • Does not require additional equipment (built into most laptops).
  • Limitation: Maximum file size - ~1 GB.

For game goals (For example, LAN games) it is better to use Ethernet or Wi-Fi 6 with support OFDMA (for example, routers ASUS RT-AX88U or Netgear Nighthawk AX12). This will reduce ping and eliminate lags.

If you need remote control (for example, through RDP or TeamViewer), Wi-Fi network It will do, but for stability it is better to use Ethernet or 4G/5G modem.

8. Wi-Fi network security between computers

Even a home network requires basic security, especially if it's connected to devices containing sensitive data. The following measures will help prevent unauthorized access:

• 🔐 Complex password:
  • Use a combination of 12+ characters (letters, numbers, special characters).
  • Avoid simple words (eg. qwerty or 12345678).
• 🛡️ Encryption:
  • Use WPA3 (or WPA2, If WPA3 (not supported).
  • Disable the outdated one WEP - it breaks in a few minutes.
• 📛 Hiding the SSID:
  • In the router settings, disable network name broadcasting (SSID).
  • This won't protect you from experienced hackers, but it will reduce the risk of an accidental connection.
• 🔄 MAC address filtering:
  • In the router, allow the connection only for MAC addresses your devices.
  • Disadvantage: when changing the network card, you will need to update the list.

For shared folders:

• 🔒 Assign rights Read only for sensitive data.
• 📂 Don't share the entire drive (C:), only to specific folders.
• 🛡️ Use BitLocker to encrypt important files.

If the network is used for work, consider creating VLAN (virtual local area network) on the router. This will isolate computer traffic from other devices (for example, IoT gadgets).

⚠️ Attention: if you distribute the Internet through Mobile hotspot, disable this feature when it is not needed. Always active hot spot may become a target for attacks, especially in public places.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about setting up a Wi-Fi network between