Creating a local network between two computers without using wires is a task that many users face when they need to quickly transfer large files or organize shared access to resources. Local area network Wi-Fi allows you to exchange data at high speeds, eliminating the need for external drives or cloud services with limited bandwidth. This is especially important when the internet connection is unavailable or unstable, and files weigh tens of gigabytes.
Modern operating systems such as Windows 10 And Windows 11, have built-in tools for setting up such a connection, but hidden security settings often block automatic device discovery. You don't need to be a system administrator to figure this out, but it does require attention to detail. Below, we'll cover the process of preparing, configuring network profiles, and granting access rights to folders.
The main difficulty is that by default the system considers public networks unsafe and hides your computer from other devices. The key is to change the network profile from "Public" to "Private" on both computers. Only after this does direct interaction between machines within the same router or created access point become possible.
Equipment preparation and compatibility testing
Before proceeding with software settings, you need to make sure that the hardware is ready for operation. Both computers must be equipped with working Wi-Fi adapters, capable of simultaneously receiving and transmitting data, if you plan to create a computer-to-computer network without a router. If a router is used, both devices must be connected to the same wireless network.
Check your network adapter drivers. Outdated software can cause connection drops or prevent other devices from appearing in the list of available devices. Go to Device Manager and make sure there's no device with an exclamation mark installed for your network controller. It's best to download the latest drivers from the official website of your motherboard or laptop manufacturer.
It's also important to understand your network topology. If you're connecting two laptops via a router, the process is simplified, as the router is the address distributor. If you're creating a direct connection (Ad-Hoc) or using one PC as an access point, the IP address configuration requirements become more stringent. Make sure Wi-Fi is enabled on both computers and not in airplane mode.
Network profile setup and discovery
The first step in the software is to change the network type. Windows assigns new connections the "Public" profile by default, which limits your PC's visibility. To change this, open the network settings, select your Wi-Fi connection properties, and change the profile type to "Private"This operation must be performed on both computers.
Next, you need to configure sharing settings. Go to Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change advanced sharing settings. Here, you need to enable network discovery and file and printer sharing. Without these features enabled, computers will ignore connection requests, even when on the same network.
⚠️ Attention: When enabling public access on some corporate networks or when using third-party antivirus software (for example, Kaspersky or ESET) may require additional firewall permissions. Make sure the private network is marked as trusted in your security software settings.
In the same menu, find the "All Networks" section and enable password-protected sharing if you want to control the connection, or disable it for easier sign-in (not recommended for public spaces). After making changes, be sure to click "Save Changes" for the settings to take effect.
Creating an access point or connecting to a router
There are two main scenarios for setting up a connection. The first and most common scenario is when both computers are connected to the same Wi-Fi router. In this case, simply ensure they are on the same subnet (usually addresses begin with 192.168.0.x or 192.168.1.x). The router will automatically assign addresses via DHCP, and all you need to do is configure access to folders.
The second option is to create a hotspot on one of the computers if the router is not available. In Windows 10 and 11, this is done through the Settings menu → Network & Internet → Mobile Hotspot. Enable the feature, select the adapter for sharing, and set the network name and password. The second computer should find this network in the list of available Wi-Fi connections and log in.
When using a hotspot, it's important to consider the Wi-Fi band. If your adapter only supports 2.4 GHz, the transfer speed of large files may be limited by the physical limits of this standard. For maximum performance, use the 5 GHz band if both devices support it. Also, make sure Windows Firewall isn't blocking incoming connections to the network you've created.
☑️ Network preparation checklist
Setting up shared access to folders and files
Once the connection is successfully established, you need to grant access to specific data. Select the folder you want to make available to the second computer. Right-click it, select "Properties," and go to the "Sharing" tab. Click "Advanced Settings."
In the window that opens, check the box next to "Share this folder." Below, click "Permissions" to determine what the second user can do: read only, modify, or fully manage the contents. For basic file transfers, "Edit" and "Read" permissions are sufficient.
There's also a "Security" tab in the folder properties. It often happens that access is allowed, but the system blocks access due to insufficient NTFS permissions. Add the "Everyone" user (or a specific user) to the list and grant them the necessary permissions. This is a common error, causing users to see the folder but be unable to access it.
To find the shared folder on the second computer, open File Explorer and go to the Network section. If the computer doesn't show up immediately, enter its IP address in the File Explorer address bar using the following format: \\192.168.1.5 (replace the numbers with the current IP address of the target PC). You can find out the IP address using the command ipconfig in the command line.
Troubleshooting visibility and connectivity issues
Even with proper configuration, situations often arise where computers cannot see each other. One common cause is disabled Windows services. Check if the "Discovery Resource Publishing" and "Discovery Provider Library Host" services are running. You can find them using the command services.msc, launching them and setting the startup type to “Automatic”.
Another possible cause could be time synchronization issues or different SMB protocol versions. Ensure that SMB 1.0 is enabled on both computers (although less secure, it's sometimes necessary for older systems) or disabled if it causes conflicts on newer systems. Also, ensure that computer names on the network are unique and don't contain Cyrillic or special characters.
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The computer is not visible on the network | Network Profile "Public" | Change to "Private" in Wi-Fi settings |
| Password prompt upon login | Password protection is enabled | Disable in advanced access settings or enter account details |
| "Access Denied" error | Invalid NTFS permissions | Add the "Everyone" user in the "Security" tab |
| Low transmission speed | 2.4 GHz band or interference | Switch to 5 GHz or move devices closer |
⚠️ Note: Windows settings interfaces may vary slightly depending on the installed build (Home, Pro, Enterprise) and the version of updates. If you can't find the item, use the search in system settings or enter the control command via control.
Secret method via registry
If all else fails, you can try enabling SMB1 through the registry, but this reduces security. Path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanWorkstation\Parameters, parameter AllowInsecureGuestAuth with the value 1.
Using the command line for diagnostics
For advanced users and system administrators, the command line is an indispensable tool. It allows you to quickly check connection status and flush the DNS cache. Open the command line as administrator and enter the command ping [IP address of the second PC]If a response is received, there is a physical connection, and the problem lies in the access settings.
If ping fails, the blocking may be occurring at the firewall level. You can temporarily disable the firewall to test, but don't leave your computer unprotected for long. To reset network settings, use the command netsh int ip reset, which will overwrite the TCP/IP-related registry keys with their default values.
It is also useful to use the command ipconfig /all To obtain complete information about a network adapter, including the MAC address and DHCP status, this helps identify IP address conflicts, where two devices are assigned the same static address, rendering the network unusable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect computers via Wi-Fi without a router?
Yes, this is possible. One computer must act as a hotspot, distributing Wi-Fi, while the other must connect to it as a regular network. Ad-Hoc mode is also available, but it's hidden in modern versions of Windows and requires configuration via the command line.
Why is file transfer so slow?
Speed depends on the Wi-Fi standard (802.11n/ac/ax), band (2.4 GHz is slower than 5 GHz), and the distance between devices. Speed may also be limited by hard drive performance or antivirus software, which scans every transferred block of data in real time.
Is internet required for a local network to function?
No, internet access is not required. The local network operates independently of the global network. The main thing is that the devices are connected via a router or direct Wi-Fi connection, even if the ISP's cable is disconnected.
How do I find out the IP address of another computer on the network?
On the target computer, press Win+R, enter cmd, then in the black window enter ipconfigYou're interested in the "IPv4 address" line. This is the address you need to enter into Explorer to connect.