How to create a Wi-Fi network between laptops on Windows 10

Establishing a local connection between two or more laptops without a router is a common problem for users who find themselves far from their usual infrastructure. This may be necessary for quickly transferring large amounts of data, collaborating on documents, or playing online games in the field. Operating system Windows 10 provides powerful built-in tools for implementing such a scheme, but setting them up requires attention to detail.

Unlike connecting to the global network through a provider, here we will create ad-hoc network or use the Mobile Hotspot feature, turning one of the laptops into an access point. The key point is that both devices must support the Wi-Fi Direct standard or have working wireless adapters. The setup process may seem confusing due to the many layers of security, but following the steps sequentially will guarantee results.

Next, we'll examine two main scenarios: using a built-in hotspot for internet sharing and creating a classic ad-hoc network for file sharing. You won't need any third-party software; standard operating system tools are sufficient. It's important to understand that connection stability directly depends on the Wi-Fi adapter drivers and the correct security settings.

Preparing equipment and checking drivers

Before you begin configuring network settings, you need to ensure that your hardware is working properly. Often, device visibility issues are not caused by Windows settings, but by outdated adapter software. Open device Manager From the Start button's context menu, find the "Network Adapters" section. Make sure your wireless module displays correctly, without any yellow exclamation marks.

If the drivers have been installed for a long time, it makes sense to update them through the official website of the laptop or motherboard manufacturer. Wireless adapter must support operating modes that allow it to function in both client and access point modes. On modern devices, this feature, known as SoftAP, is supported by default.

It's also worth checking the physical condition of the antennas if you're using an external USB adapter. A weak signal can lead to connection drops even over short distances. Make sure Wi-Fi is enabled on both laptops and Airplane Mode is activated, which forcibly blocks all wireless interfaces.

Creating a hotspot via Mobile Hotspot

The most modern and simple way to connect laptops to a single network on Windows 10 is to use the "Mobile Hotspot" feature. This method turns one laptop into a virtual router to which the second device connects. To activate, go to the menu Start → Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile hotspot.

In the window that opens, you need to select a connection source. If you simply want to connect laptops, select your current connection from the drop-down list or leave Ethernet if it's active. Next, set the network name and password. Encryption protocol Here, it is usually selected automatically (WPA2), which provides a sufficient level of protection for transmitted data.

After you enable the "Allow network access through my internet connection" switch, the system will create a virtual adapter. On the second laptop, open the list of available Wi-Fi networks, find the newly created network name, and enter the password. The devices are now on the same local network and can exchange data if you allow it in the sharing settings.

Setting up sharing options

Even if laptops are connected via Wi-Fi, Windows blocks file and folder visibility by default for security reasons. To change this, you need to configure a network profile. When you first connect to the newly created network, the system will ask, "Do you want your computer to be discoverable on this network?" Be sure to select "Yes" to activate the "Private Network" profile.

If the moment was missed, the setting can be changed manually. Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Status → Sharing optionsHere you'll see sections for the "Private" and "Guest or Public" profiles. For the "Private" (current) profile, you need to enable the following options:

• 🔍 Enable network discovery
• 📁 Enable file and printer sharing
• 🔐 Allow Windows to manage HomeGroup connections

It's also important to pay attention to the "All Networks" section. This is where the critical "Password-protected sharing" setting is located. If you're in a trusted environment, such as at home, you can disable this feature to make it easier to access folders without constantly entering credentials. Otherwise, accessing resources will require the username and password of the user account on the receiving computer.

⚠️ Attention: Disabling password protection in public places (cafes, airports) makes your files vulnerable to intruders. Use this setting only on trusted private networks.

Port forwarding and IP address configuration

For stable operation of some applications or games, manual IP address configuration may be required. In automatic mode (DHCP) addresses are assigned by the router or hotspot master, but static settings eliminate conflicts. Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center, then click on the name of your connection.

In the status window that opens, click "Properties," select "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)," and click "Properties." For the primary laptop (server), you can enter the address 192.168.137.1 with a mask 255.255.255.0For the second laptop, the address will be, for example, 192.168.137.2, gateway is the address of the first laptop.

This configuration is useful if automatic address allocation fails or access to specific network services is required. After changing the settings, you may need to reconnect to the Wi-Fi network for the changes to take effect. You can check this using the command ping in the command line.

Why do you need a static IP?

A static address is required for port forwarding, setting up a remote desktop, or if the DHCP server is not distributing addresses correctly.

File sharing and troubleshooting

Once the network is set up, you can navigate to the folder Net in Windows Explorer. If everything is done correctly, you will see the name of the second computer. To access specific data, you need to share the folder: right-click, select "Properties" → "Sharing" tab → "Sharing." Add the user "Everyone" and set the permissions (read or read/write).

A common problem is the error "Windows cannot access...". This is often related to the operation of the service SMB 1.0 or firewall blocking. Make sure the firewall rules for "File and Printer Sharing" are enabled. Also, ensure that computer names in the system are unique and do not contain Cyrillic characters, which sometimes cause conflicts in older network protocols.

If your laptop isn't detecting your network, try resetting your network settings. Under "Settings → Network & Internet → Status," there's a "Reset Network" button. This will delete all saved Wi-Fi profiles and reinstall your network adapters, which often resolves software conflicts.

⚠️ Attention: The Windows 10 Settings interface is updated regularly. The layout of menu items may vary slightly depending on the build version (e.g., 21H2, 22H2). If you can't find it, use the search in the Settings menu.

Local connection security

Establishing a direct connection between computers opens up potential vulnerabilities. When you enable discovery, your laptop becomes visible to other devices within Wi-Fi range. Using a complex hotspot password is a basic but essential level of protection. Avoid simple combinations like "12345678."

It's also recommended to disable the sharing feature when not in use. A constantly active network interface can become an attack vector, especially if you're connecting to public Wi-Fi hotspots. In such cases, it's best to use a VPN or disable the "Private Network" profile entirely.

Keep your operating system updated regularly. Microsoft patches SMB and NetBIOS protocol vulnerabilities through security updates. Ignoring security updates can leave your local network vulnerable to exploits like WannaCry, which spread through network protocol vulnerabilities.

Using the Command Prompt for Advanced Users

For those who prefer control over a graphical interface, Windows offers a utility netshYou can use it to create a virtual adapter manually. Open a command prompt as administrator and enter the following command to create the network:

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

Then start the network with the command netsh wlan start hostednetworkTo share the Internet, you will need to go to the properties of the main connection, go to the "Access" tab and allow other users to use the connection by selecting the created virtual connection from the list (usually "Local Area Connection" X"). This method is useful if the Mobile Hotspot graphical interface does not work correctly.

How do I disable a network created via the console?

To stop the network, use the command netsh wlan stop hostednetworkTo completely remove the virtual adapter settings, enter netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=disallow.

Why doesn't the second laptop see shared folders?

Most often, the problem is with the network profile. Make sure the network is marked as "Private" and not "Public." Windows blocks incoming connections by default when the profile is set to "Public."

Is it possible to connect a laptop with Windows 10 and macOS?

Yes, this is possible. On a Mac, you need to select the created Wi-Fi network and enable sharing in the SMB settings. However, additional access permissions may be required due to differences in file systems.