How to Create a WiFi Network Between Laptops: A Complete Guide

Organizing local interaction between computing devices within an apartment or small office is no longer the preserve of system administrators. Modern users often need to quickly transfer gigabytes of video archives, launch a network game, or access files on another computer without using external drives. Wireless technologies of the standard Wi-Fi provide an ideal platform for implementing such tasks, eliminating the need for unnecessary wires.

The process of creation local network A LAN (Local Area Network) is based on a shared router, which acts as an intermediary, distributing traffic between participants. It's important to understand that a physical connection to a single access point does not guarantee automatic data exchange. The operating system blocks external connections by default for security reasons, so manual configuration of discovery and sharing settings is required.

In this article, we will examine in detail the algorithm of actions for the operating system Windows 10 And Windows 11, as these platforms dominate the market. You'll learn how to change your network profile, set up shared folders, troubleshoot common device visibility issues, and ensure stable, high-speed data transfer.

Preparing equipment and checking network profiles

The foundation for a successful connection is the correct operation of the wireless adapter and the correct network profile configuration. Before starting, make sure both laptops are connected to the same wireless network. SSIDIf one laptop is connected to the router's guest network and the other to the main network, they may not "see" each other due to client isolation.

A critical step is changing the network profile from "Public" to "Private." In the public profile, the system minimizes the device's visibility to outsiders, hiding it from other computers within range. To switch, go to Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi and select the active connection, changing its type to "Private".

⚠️ Caution: If you're in a public place (cafe, airport), never switch your profile to "Private." This makes your laptop visible to everyone around you, creating the risk of data interception by hackers.

After changing the profile, it is recommended to reboot the network adapter or completely restart the laptop for the changes to take effect. Make sure the IP addresses of both devices are on the same subnet. Routers typically issue addresses like 192.168.1.x or 192.168.0.x, where the first three numbers must match.

Setting up sharing options in Windows

Once the network profile has been changed, discovery features must be enabled. Operating system Windows uses services Network Discovery to announce itself on the local network. Without this option enabled, other computers simply won't appear in the list of available devices, even if a physical connection is established.

To set up, go to Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Change advanced sharing settingsHere you will need to expand the "Private" tab and enable the "Turn on network discovery" and "Turn on file and printer sharing" options.

• 📡 Enable automatic configuration of connected network devices to simplify work with peripherals.
• 🔓 Allow Windows to manage HomeGroup connections if you're using older versions of the OS.
• 🛡️ Only disable password protection if you are completely confident in the security of your local environment.

The "All Networks" section requires special attention. This is where you can set up password-protected sharing. If you plan to frequently share files on your home network, it might be a good idea to disable the password requirement so the system doesn't ask for credentials every time you access resources.

Creating and sharing a shared folder

Simply enabling sharing isn't enough—you need to define which resources will be accessible to other network members. The standard approach is to create a separate directory with permissions granted to all users on the local network.

Create a new folder in a convenient location, such as on a disk D:, and name it something like "Share." Right-click it, select "Properties," and go to the "Sharing" tab. Click the "Advanced" button and check the "Share this folder" box.

Next, you need to configure access rights. Click the "Permissions" button and ensure "Everyone" is listed in the groups. To enable full functionality, select this group and check the "Full Control" box in the "Allow" column. This will allow other laptops not only to read files but also to write new ones or delete old ones.

⚠️ Note: Granting full permissions to the "Everyone" group means anyone who connects to your Wi-Fi network will be able to change the folder's contents. Use strong Wi-Fi passwords to protect your network from unauthorized access.

There's also a "Security" tab in the folder's properties. Make sure the "Everyone" group is added there with read and write permissions. It's common for the "Access" tab settings to conflict with the NTFS system permissions defined in the "Security" tab, blocking access.

Connecting to a network resource and mapping a disk

Once the folder is shared on the first laptop, you can move on to the second device. The easiest way to find the resource is to open File Explorer and go to the Network section. If the settings are correct, you will see the name of the first laptop in the list of available devices.

However, automatic detection often doesn't work immediately. In this case, the most reliable method is to directly enter the address. Press the key combination Win + Rto open the Run window and enter the address in the format IP address of the first laptop or \\Computer-name.

For constant convenience, we recommend mapping the network folder as a separate drive. This will allow you to work with remote files as if they were on your hard drive. In File Explorer, right-click "This PC" and select "Map network drive."

Once connected, the drive will appear in "My Computer" with a network connection icon. File copy speed in this case will be limited only by the speed of your computer. Wi-Fi router and signal level. For large amounts of data, it is preferable to use the standard Wi-Fi 5 (ac) or Wi-Fi 6 (ax).

What should I do if I'm asked for a login and password when connecting?

Enter the username and password for the user account on the FIRST laptop (where the folder is located), not the one you're currently using. If there's no password on the first laptop, create one or disable password protection in the sharing settings.

Diagnosing visibility and connectivity issues

Despite proper configuration, users often encounter a situation where computers cannot see each other. One of the most common causes is a disabled service. Function Discovery Resource PublicationIn modern versions of Windows, it does not start automatically by default, which hides the PC from the network list.

To correct, click Win + R, enter services.msc and find the Function Discovery Resource Publishing service in the list (or Function Discovery Resource Publication). Double-click it, select the "Automatic" startup type, and click the "Start" button. You'll need to do the same on both laptops.

• 🔍 Check if SMB 1.0 support is enabled in Windows components (rare, but required for older devices).
• 📶 Make sure both laptops have the same time zone, as this affects authorization.
• 🚫 Disable the Metropolitan profile or other public profiles in your network settings.

It's also worth checking your firewall settings. Sometimes antivirus packages can block incoming connections, deeming them suspicious. Try temporarily disabling protection or adding your local subnet to the list of trusted zones.

Setting up a network without a router (Ad-Hoc)

There are situations where a central router is not available, but a network between laptops needs to be created. In this case, a computer-to-computer connection can be established directly via Wi-Fi adapters. This method is known as Ad-Hoc net.

One of the laptops should act as a hotspot. In Windows 10 and 11, this is accomplished through the Mobile Hotspot feature. Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Hotspot, select the connection source (if you have wired Internet) or simply enable distribution if you need to create a local network without the Internet.

The second laptop should find the created network in the list of available Wi-Fi connections and connect to it using the password set on the first device. After this, both devices will be connected to the same local network, and you can use the methods described above to share folders.

⚠️ Please note: Data transfer speeds in Ad-Hoc mode or via a mobile hotspot may be lower than when connected via a full-fledged router, as the Wi-Fi adapter operates under increased load, receiving and transmitting signals simultaneously.

This method is convenient for temporary file transfers in the field or when the primary equipment fails. However, for permanent operation, a traditional router-based setup is recommended, as it provides greater signal stability and range.

Is it possible to connect laptops via Wi-Fi Direct?

Technically, Wi-Fi Direct allows you to connect devices directly, but in Windows this feature is limited to projecting onto a screen and transferring files through the "Connect" app; setting up a full-fledged file share is more difficult than using a regular hotspot.

Why doesn't the second laptop see the first one, even though both are online?

Most often, the problem lies with the network profile. If at least one device has the "Public" profile, Windows blocks discovery. Also, check that the workgroup names (by default, "WORKGROUP") match in the system settings.

What is the maximum Wi-Fi transfer speed on a local network?

Actual speed depends on the router standard. For Wi-Fi 4 (N) it's about 30-40 MB/s, for Wi-Fi 5 (AC) — up to 80-100 MB/s, and the new one Wi-Fi 6 allows you to achieve speeds comparable to gigabit cable, provided that the devices are located close to each other.

Do I need a static IP address to set up my network?

For one-time file transfers, dynamic addresses assigned by the router are sufficient. However, for permanently connecting a network drive, it's better to reserve an IP address in the router settings (DHCP Reservation) so that the folder path doesn't change after a reboot.

Is it safe to keep sharing enabled all the time?

If you use a strong Wi-Fi password (WPA2/WPA3) and a complex Windows login password, the risk is minimal. However, on networks with many guests, it's best to disable public access or use a guest network profile with client isolation.