Creating a local area network (LAN) without Ethernet cables is a challenge faced by every second home appliance user. In an era where files are becoming ever larger and the need to collaborate on documents arises spontaneously, the ability to quickly transfer gigabytes of data over the air is becoming critical. You don't need special switches or complex routers; a standard router is sufficient. Wi-Fi router and built-in operating system tools.
Modern operating systems like Windows 10 and 11 offer powerful tools for organizing interactions between devices, but the settings interface often changes, confusing inexperienced users. Many try to use cloud storage or instant messaging apps to transfer data, unaware that local network transfer speeds can reach tens of megabits per second, significantly faster than most internet connections. In this article, we'll cover all setup steps, from checking hardware to troubleshooting common visibility errors.
Before beginning software configuration, ensure that all computers you plan to connect are connected to the same wireless network. This is a fundamental requirement; ignoring it will render further steps pointless. If one laptop is on a guest network and the other on the main network, or one is connected to a mobile 4G modem, they will not be able to see each other. Check the connection status in the system tray or through the system settings.
Checking network parameters and profile type
The first step, often overlooked, is determining the network profile type. By default, Windows considers new Wi-Fi connections to be public, automatically hiding your computer from detection by other devices for security reasons. You need to change this status to "Private" to allow the system to open ports for local data exchange. This can be done through the Network and Sharing Center or the new system settings.
To do this, go to the Start menu, select Settings (the gear icon), and open Network & Internet. In the list of active connections, select your Wi-Fi connection. Here you'll see a toggle for the profile type. Make sure it's selected. "Private"If set to "Public," the system will block incoming discovery requests, considering your home network a potentially dangerous area full of hackers.
⚠️ Attention: Changing the network type to "Private" allows your computer to be visible to other devices on that specific network. Make sure you're in a trusted environment (home or office), not a cafe or airport.
After changing the profile, the system may take a few seconds or even a network adapter reboot for the changes to take effect. Make sure this step is completed on all computers being connected. If one PC has a private profile and the other has a public profile, they may not "see" each other in File Explorer, despite having the correct IP address.
It's also worth paying attention to the computer name. It must be unique within your network. If you have two laptops with the same name (e.g., "User-PC"), a conflict will occur, and the connection will be unstable or impossible. You can change the name in the "About" section of Windows Settings.
Setting up shared access to files and folders
Once the network profile has been modified, discovery and sharing features must be enabled. Windows has a centralized control center for these settings, allowing you to flexibly configure who can access your resources and how. Without these features enabled, even with the correct network profile, your folders will remain closed to the outside world.
Open Control Panel, go to Network and Internet, then Network and Sharing Center. On the left, select Change advanced sharing settings. Here you'll see three profiles: private, guest, and all networks. We're interested in the "Private (current profile)" tab. Enable the "Turn on network discovery" and "Turn on file and printer sharing" options.
Below, in the "All Networks" section, we recommend enabling "Use 128-bit encryption to secure sharing connections." This will provide basic protection for transferred data. It's also important to decide whether you need password-protected access. If you select "Turn off password-protected sharing," anyone who connects to your Wi-Fi will be able to access your shared folders without entering your account login and password.
- 🔒 Enable network discovery: allows the computer to see other devices and be visible to itself.
- 📁 File sharing: Opens the ability to read and write data to shared folders.
- 🔑 Password protection: requires entering user credentials when trying to access from another PC.
Don't forget to apply the changes by clicking "Save Changes" after each action. Sometimes the system may request administrator privileges to make changes to system settings. If you work in a corporate environment, some of these options may be blocked by group security policies.
Creating a shared folder and setting access rights
Now that the network infrastructure is ready, you need to create a location where files will be stored for sharing. You can share any existing folder or create a new one specifically for this purpose. Setting up permissions is a critical step, determining whether other users can only read files or also modify and delete them.
Create a folder, for example, on the C or D drive, and name it something descriptive, like "Share." Right-click it and select "Properties." Go to the "Sharing" tab and click "Advanced." Check "Share this folder." Then click "Permissions."
In the window that opens, you'll see a list of groups and users. By default, there may be a group called "Everyone." Select it and check the boxes for "Full Control," "Modify," and "Read" at the bottom of the window. This will allow all connected users to do whatever they want with the files. If you need a more restrictive policy, add a specific user from your system's list.
It's also important to check the "Security" tab in the folder's properties. NTFS (file system) permissions take precedence over network permissions. If a user doesn't have write permissions in the "Security" tab, even with full access in the network settings, they won't be able to save a file to the folder. Add the "Everyone" group or a specific user and grant full permissions there as well.
Once configured, the folder will be accessible over the network. Other users will be able to find it by opening "Network" in File Explorer or by following the direct path. The folder path typically looks like this: \\ComputerName\Share or \\192.168.1.5\Share.
Mapping a network drive for ease of use
Constantly searching for a shared folder via the "Network" option is inconvenient, especially if you use it daily. Windows allows you to mount a remote folder as a regular local drive (for example, drive Z:). This eliminates the need to enter the network path each time and allows you to work with files as if they were on your hard drive.
To do this, open "This PC" in File Explorer. In the top menu, select the "Computer" tab and click "Map network drive." In the window that opens, select any available drive letter from the drop-down list. In the "Folder" field, enter the path to the shared folder on the other computer. If you don't remember the path, click "Browse" and find the desired computer in the list.
Be sure to check "Restore at logon" to automatically mount the drive after each reboot. If password protection is enabled on the target computer, the system will prompt for a username and password. Enter the account credentials for the specific computer. where is the folder located, not the one you are connecting from.
| Parameter | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Drive letter | Logical notation (Z:, Y:, X:) | Use letters at the end of the alphabet to avoid conflicts with physical disks. |
| Path | Network resource address | It is better to use the IP address (\\192.168.1.X) since the computer name may not be resolved. |
| Other credentials | Using a different login | Check the box if the logins on the computers are different. |
| Restore | Auto-connection | Must be enabled for permanent access. |
Once successfully connected, a new drive icon with a network symbol will appear in "My Computer." Now you can copy, move, and open files directly, bypassing complex network paths. Speed will depend on the quality of your Wi-Fi signal and the capabilities of your router.
Access to media files and streaming
A local network isn't just about document sharing. One of the most popular functions is setting up a home media server. You can store your movie and music collection on one powerful computer and play them on a laptop, tablet, or Smart TV using the protocol. DLNA or simply by sharing folders.
Windows 10 and 11 have a built-in "Media Streaming" service. You can find it by searching for "Media Streaming Settings." Enabling this feature allows other devices on your network to see and play content from your default libraries (Videos, Music, Pictures) without having to configure complicated folder permissions.
Buffering issues when watching videos over Wi-Fi
If video playback is lagging over the network, your wireless channel likely lacks bandwidth. Try lowering the video quality or switching to the 5 GHz band, which offers higher data transfer rates but has a shorter range.
For more advanced users, there are specialized server programs like Plex or Emby, which not only stream files but also automatically download cover art, movie descriptions, and organize your media library. However, for basic viewing, built-in Windows tools are sufficient. Simply open a video file on a client device over the network, and it will launch in the player.
When setting up streaming, it's important to consider the router load. Simultaneously transferring a large file and streaming 4K video can overwhelm a weak wireless router, causing lag throughout the network. In such cases, it's better to use a wired connection for the server.
Diagnosis and solution of typical problems
Despite its apparent simplicity, users often encounter a situation where computers cannot see each other. The most common cause is Windows services that have stopped for some reason. In particular, the Discovery Resource Publishing service should be running and running automatically.
To check this, click Win + R, enter services.msc and press Enter. Find the "Function Discovery Resource Publication" service in the list. Make sure its startup type is set to "Automatic" and that it is running. If not, start it. Without this service, your computer will not be visible in Network Neighborhood, even if all other settings are correct.
⚠️ Attention: Antivirus programs and third-party firewalls may be blocking your local network. If all else fails, try temporarily disabling your antivirus or adding your subnet to the trusted list in your firewall settings.
Another common issue is different time zones or time desynchronization, although this is less common on modern systems. Also, ensure that SMB 1.0 is enabled on all computers (although it's not recommended due to vulnerabilities, older devices may require it). For modern systems, SMB 2 and 3, which are enabled by default, are sufficient.
☑️ Network Diagnostic Checklist
If you see the computer but get a "Deny" message when you try to log in, check your credentials. Try creating identical accounts (username and password) on both computers. This often solves authorization issues in mixed networks where there is no domain controller.
Local network security
By opening access to files, you potentially expand your attack surface. If an attacker can connect to your Wi-Fi, they will have access to all shared resources. Therefore, it's critical to use a strong password for your Wi-Fi network itself, preferably with encryption. WPA2/WPA3.
Don't use a guest network for file sharing if Client Isolation is enabled. This feature is specifically designed to prevent devices in the guest network from communicating with each other. For a home network, it's best to use the primary SSID with strong encryption.
Regularly update your router's firmware. Manufacturers often patch vulnerabilities that could allow external attacks to penetrate the local network. It's also recommended not to open ports for remote desktop access (RDP) unless absolutely necessary, as this is one of the most common attack vectors.
Remember that a local network is a convenient tool that should make your life easier, not become a source of problems. Properly setting access rights and regularly auditing connected devices will help keep your digital environment secure.
Why can't my computer see other computers on the network?
Most likely, your network profile is set to "Public" or the discovery service is disabled. Also, check if NetBIOS over TCP/IP is enabled in the IPv4 adapter properties.
How do I find out the IP address of another computer on the network?
On the target computer, press Win+R, enter cmd, then ipconfig. You'll need the IPv4 Address string. Or, simply check the Wi-Fi connection properties in Windows Settings.
Is it possible to create a network between computers without a router?
Yes, it is possible to set up a computer-to-computer (Ad-Hoc) network, but in Windows 10/11 it is more difficult than before and often requires creating a virtual adapter or using the netsh wlan command.
What is the maximum Wi-Fi transfer speed on a local network?
Theoretically, up to several Gbps on the Wi-Fi 6 standard, but in practice, in the 2.4 GHz range, the speed rarely exceeds 20-30 MB/s, and in 5 GHz it can reach 50-100 MB/s and higher, depending on distance and interference.
Do I need to disable my antivirus to set up a network?
Usually not, but sometimes the antivirus's built-in firewall can block detection. Simply add your home network to the trusted list in the antivirus settings.