Creating a local network between a desktop and laptop is a common task faced by almost every Windows 10 user. This becomes necessary when you need to quickly transfer large amounts of data, launch an online game, or share a printer without unnecessary cables. Microsoft's modern operating system offers powerful built-in tools that let you connect devices into a single infrastructure in minutes.
The main advantage of a wireless connection is mobility and the elimination of the need to run Ethernet cables throughout the apartment. However, for the system to function reliably, it's important to understand the basic operating principles. TCP/IP protocols and security rules. If both devices are connected to the same router, the physical basis for communication already exists, and you only need to properly configure the software.
In this article, we'll cover the setup process in detail, focusing not only on establishing a connection but also on the intricacies of access rights. Users often encounter computers that can't see each other, even though the Wi-Fi signal is excellent. This can be caused by network profiles and firewall settings, which we'll definitely cover.
Hardware and software requirements
Before you begin setup, you need to make sure your equipment meets the minimum requirements. To set up a full-fledged local area network via Wi-Fi, you'll need a wireless router that supports the following standards: 802.11n, 802.11ac or newer. Data transfer speed directly depends on the capabilities of your router and the adapters in your devices.
Both devices—the desktop computer and the laptop—must be running the Windows 10 operating system. While cross-platform compatibility is possible, this guide focuses on the Microsoft ecosystem. It's also important to have up-to-date drivers for the Wi-Fi adapters installed on both computers.
⚠️ Important: Make sure that the workgroup name is set to the same on both devices. By default, this is
WORKGROUPChanging this setting on one computer without changing it on the other will result in the inability to detect devices on the network.
The network profile is critical. Windows 10 divides connections into "Private" and "Public." For computers to see each other, the network must be marked as private. In the public profile, the system disables most discovery features for security reasons.
Setting up a network profile and discovery
The first step in creating a network is changing the network profile. By default, Windows often assigns new connections the "Public Network" status, which hides your computer from other devices. You need to manually change this setting.
To do this, go to the Start menu and select Settings (gear icon). Then follow the path Network and Internet → StatusIn the center of the screen, you'll see your connection properties. Click the "Properties" link under your Wi-Fi network name. In the window that opens, select the "Private" profile type.
After changing your profile, you need to enable discovery features. Go to "Control Panel" → "Network and Internet" → "Network and Sharing Center." In the left menu, select "Change advanced sharing settings." Expand the "Private (current profile)" section and follow these steps:
- 📡 Turn on network discovery.
- 📂 Enable file and printer sharing.
- 🔐 Allow Windows to manage HomeGroup connections (if applicable).
Be sure to also check the "All Networks" section at the bottom of the window. It's recommended to enable sharing there so that all users can read and write files to shared folders. At the very bottom of the page, be sure to click "Save Changes," or the settings will not take effect.
Setting up shared access to folders and files
Once the devices have "seen" each other, it's necessary to determine which resources they will share. Simply enabling the network isn't enough—you need to explicitly specify the folders that will be made available to other LAN users.
The easiest way is to use the default "Shared Documents" folder. Anything you place inside it will be accessible to other computers on the network. However, you often need to share a specific folder, such as one containing movies or work projects. To do this, right-click the desired folder and select "Properties."
In the window that opens, go to the "Access" tab and click "Advanced." Check the box next to "Share this folder." Below, you can configure permissions: allow editing, reading, or full access for specific users or the "Everyone" group.
| Access level | Reading | Recording | Removal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Read only | Allowed | Forbidden | Forbidden |
| Change | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed |
| Full access | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed |
| Special rights | It is customizable | It is customizable | It is customizable |
It's important to remember security. By granting full access to the "Everyone" group, you allow anyone who connects to your Wi-Fi to manipulate files. If you have guests or vulnerable IoT devices on your network, it's best to create a separate user with a password to access resources.
☑️ Check access settings
Mapping a network drive and searching for devices
When folders are shared, the question arises: how to quickly access them from another computer? Constantly searching for a computer in the network environment is inconvenient. The optimal solution is to map a network drive. This creates a virtual drive (e.g., Z:) that links directly to the folder on the other computer.
Open "This PC" in File Explorer. In the top menu, select the "Computer" tab and click "Map network drive." In the window that opens, enter the path to the resource in the "Folder" field. The path is in the format \\ComputerName\FolderName or \\IP Address\FolderName.
Using an IP address is often more reliable, as computer names may not be resolved by DNS on small home networks without a domain controller. You can find the IP address by running the command ipconfig at the command prompt on the target computer.
⚠️ Important: If the system prompts you for a username and password when mapping a network drive, enter the credentials for the computer where the folder is located, not the one you're connecting from. This is a common mistake users make.
Check "Reconnect at logon" to ensure the drive remains accessible after a reboot. After clicking "Finish," a new partition will appear in "My Computer." It functions like a regular hard drive, but is physically located on a different device.
What to do if the computer name does not work?
If the folder doesn't open using \\PC-Name, try using the IP address, such as \\192.168.1.5. Also, make sure the Discovery Resource Publishing service is running on both PCs.
Solving common online visibility issues
Even with proper configuration, Windows 10 can exhibit erratic behavior. The most common issue is computers not appearing in the list of network devices, even though IP address access is working. This is due to the way the discovery service works.
Often the problem is solved by checking the services. Click Win + R, enter services.msc and find services related to SSDP Discovery, UPnP Device Host And Function Discovery Resource PublicationMake sure they are running and the startup type is set to "Automatic".
Another important point is support for the SMB 1.0 protocol. In older versions of Windows, it's enabled by default, but it was disabled in Windows 10 due to vulnerabilities. However, some older NAS devices or printers require it. Enabling it is only recommended if you're confident in the security of your network.
It's also worth checking your antivirus software. Third-party firewalls (Kaspersky, ESET, Avast) may block local connections, deeming them suspicious. In your antivirus settings, find the "Network" section and set your Wi-Fi connection to "Trusted" or "Home."
Local network security via Wi-Fi
Organizing a shared network offers not only opportunities but also potential risks. If your Wi-Fi password is weak or known to outsiders, they can access your shared folders. Therefore, protecting the network perimeter is a top priority.
Use an encryption protocol WPA2-AES or WPA3 On the router. Outdated WEP and WPA encryption methods are easily cracked, allowing an attacker to gain access to your local network. The password should be complex, containing mixed-case letters and numbers.
If you're connecting to public Wi-Fi (like a cafe or airport), never enable public access. On such networks, it's best to disable network discovery altogether or use a VPN tunnel to encrypt all traffic. However, a VPN can create additional routing complications for file transfers within a LAN.
Update your router firmware regularly. Manufacturers often patch security holes that allow access to the router's admin panel and, consequently, local network settings. Avoid using default passwords to access your router's settings (admin/admin).
How do I turn off sharing if I no longer need it?
To disable it completely, return to the Network and Sharing Center, select Change advanced sharing settings, and check Turn off network discovery. Also, in the properties of specific folders, on the Sharing tab, click Advanced and uncheck Share.
Is it possible to create a network without a router?
Yes, in Windows 10 you can create a direct wireless connection (computer-to-computer) through the Mobile Hotspot feature or Ad-Hoc network setup, but this is less stable and requires manual IP address configuration for each device.
Why is file transfer slow?
Speed depends on the Wi-Fi standard (2.4 GHz is typically slower and noisier than 5 GHz), the distance to the router, and the number of connected devices. For large files, a cable or 5 GHz connection is better.