Creating a local network between two computers without unnecessary cables is a challenge faced by many users who want to share files or play online games. Modern technology allows for such a connection to be established through a standard Wi-Fi router, providing sufficient speed for data and multimedia transfer. You won't need to run cables throughout your entire apartment if both devices are within the wireless coverage area.
The setup process requires attention to detail, as operating systems may block external connections by default for security reasons. Properly configuring sharing settings and network profiles is key to a successful connection. In this guide, we'll cover all the necessary steps for a stable home network.
Before starting, make sure both computers are connected to the same Wi-Fi access point. This is a fundamental requirement, without which further configuration is pointless. If one device is connected by cable and the other by air, they can also "see" each other, but only if the router doesn't separate them into different subnets.
Checking network parameters and IP addresses
The first step to a successful connection is verifying that both computers are on the same logical subnet. The operating system automatically assigns addresses through the router's DHCP server, but sometimes manual verification is required. Open the command prompt by entering cmd in the Start menu and run the command ipconfigFind the "IPv4 Address" line for your wireless adapter.
The first three digits of both computers' addresses must match, for example, 192.168.1.5 and 192.168.1.15. If the address on one device begins with 192.168.0 and on the other with 192.168.1, they are on different networks and will not be able to exchange data directly. In this case, you should check your router settings or reset the network settings on the affected computer.
- 📶 Make sure both devices are connected to the same SSID (network name).
- 🔢 Check that the subnet mask is identical on both computers (usually 255.255.255.0).
- 🌐 The default gateway must be the same on all devices on the network.
A common mistake is ignoring the network profile type. Windows may classify your home connection as "Public Network," which automatically hides your computer from other devices. You need to change this status to "Private" or "Home" to enable discovery. This can be done through the Network Control Panel or the Wi-Fi settings in the system tray.
⚠️ Important: If you're using a guest Wi-Fi network on your router, client isolation may be enabled by default. This feature specifically prevents devices from seeing each other, even if they're connected to the same access point. Disable isolation in your router settings or switch to your main network.
Setting up sharing in Windows
After confirming network connectivity, you need to configure sharing settings in the operating system. Windows has a flexible security system that restricts file visibility by default. To enable data sharing, go to Control Panel and select Network and Sharing Center. Here, you'll need to select Change advanced sharing settings.
In the window that opens, you'll see profiles for different network types. Find the active profile (private or guest) and enable the "Turn on network discovery" option. It's also recommended to check the "Turn on automatic configuration of connecting network devices" box. Without these steps, your computer will simply ignore connection requests from your neighbor's Wi-Fi network.
Next, go to the "All Networks" section at the bottom of the list. This is where you'll find the critically important "Password-protected sharing" setting. If you disable this feature, anyone within Wi-Fi range will be able to access your folders without entering a username and password. For a home network, this is an acceptable risk for convenience, but in an apartment building, it's best to leave protection enabled and use login credentials.
Be sure to save your changes by clicking the appropriate button at the bottom of the page. The system may require administrative access to apply the new firewall rules. A computer restart is not required afterward, but it is recommended to ensure the network services are fully updated.
Extending capabilities through the registry
In some cases, the default Windows settings are insufficient, especially when working with older OS versions or specific builds. The SMB 1.0 protocol, often used for compatibility, is disabled by default due to security vulnerabilities. However, for a local network without internet access, enabling it may be necessary to ensure computers display correctly.
Editing the registry requires extreme caution. A single character error can lead to system instability. Open the registry editor with the command regedit and follow the path specified in the table below. Parameter value AllowInsecureGuestAuth needs to be changed to 1, if you are trying to connect to a device that does not require a password.
| Registry parameter | Path to section | Default value | Recommended value |
|---|---|---|---|
| AllowInsecureGuestAuth | HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanWorkstation\Parameters | 0 | 1 |
| SMB1 | Control Panel → Programs and Features → Windows Components | Disabled | Enabled (for local network only) |
| FunctionDiscoveryProviderHost | Services (services.msc) | Manually | Automatically |
It's also worth checking the services responsible for detection. In the "Services" window (called through services.msc) Find "Feature Discovery Resource Publishing" and "Feature Discovery." Set their startup type to "Automatic" and run them now. This will ensure that your computer broadcasts its presence to the network.
Why shouldn't you enable SMB 1.0?
SMB version 1.0 has known vulnerabilities that have been exploited by ransomware. Enable it only if you are confident in the security of your local network and both computers are protected by antivirus software. For modern Windows 10/11, this is rarely necessary, as they use SMB 2.0 and 3.0.
Opening access to folders and files
Once the network infrastructure is configured, it's time to grant access to specific data. You can share any folder, making it readable or writable by other users. Right-click the desired directory, 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, you can configure permissions by clicking the "Permissions" button. Here, you can specify in detail who exactly has read, write, or full control permissions over files. For a home network, adding the "Everyone" group and granting them full permissions is often sufficient if security isn't a priority.
- 📂 For quick access, use the context menu: "Give access to" → "Individual people".
- 🔒 Always check the "Security" tab in the folder properties - NTFS permissions can block access even when the folder is open.
- 👥 Add a "Guest" or "Everyone" user if you want to simplify the password-less connection.
There's a nuance to NTFS permissions, which work independently of sharing permissions. Even if you've opened a folder for everyone, if the user doesn't have read permissions in the security properties, access will be denied. Therefore, always check the settings on both tabs of the folder's properties.
⚠️ Caution: Granting full permissions (write and delete) to the "Everyone" group means anyone who connects to your Wi-Fi will be able to delete your files. Use this method only in a trusted environment or create separate users with passwords.
☑️ Checking folder access
Connecting to a remote computer
After completing the settings on the first computer, move on to the second. The easiest way to find shared resources is to open File Explorer and go to the "Network" section. If network discovery is configured correctly, you'll see the name of the first computer in the list of available devices. Double-clicking it should open the shared folders.
If your computer isn't visible, you can access it directly using its IP address. In the address bar of File Explorer, enter \\192.168.1.X, where X is the address of the first computer. This method is often more reliable than searching through Network Neighborhood, which sometimes caches old data. When prompted for credentials, enter the username and password for the account on the first computer.
For easy access, you can map a network folder as a separate drive. In File Explorer, click "This PC," then select "Map Network Drive" from the menu. Specify the drive letter and path to the folder in the following format: \\IP Address\FolderNameNow your files will be accessible as a local drive, such as Z:. This significantly speeds up working with documents and media files.
Diagnostics and problem solving
Even with careful configuration, situations may arise where computers cannot see each other. First, try running the command ping from one computer to another's IP address. If packets are lost, the problem lies with the physical connection or a firewall blocking it. A successful ping indicates the network is working, and the problem lies in the access settings.
Windows Firewall often blocks incoming connections, considering them suspicious. Check whether File and Printer Sharing is allowed on private networks. Temporarily disabling your antivirus or firewall for diagnostics can sometimes help, but don't leave your system unprotected for long periods.
It's also worth paying attention to DNS and NetBIOS services. If computer names aren't resolving, try adding an entry to the hosts file on the second computer. File path: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hostsAdd a line with the IP address of the first PC and its name, for example: 192.168.1.5 PC1This will force the system to contact the correct address.
What should I do if the ping works, but the folders won't open?
The issue is most likely related to access rights or the SMB protocol. Check that the "Server" service is enabled in the Windows services list. Also, make sure the folder has the correct NTFS permissions, not just share permissions. Try disabling password protection in the advanced sharing settings to rule out an authorization error.
Is it possible to connect computers without a router?
Yes, this is called an ad-hoc network or direct connection. One computer must create a wireless network (hotspot), and the other must connect to it. However, the speed and stability of such a connection are usually lower than when connected to a full-fledged router, and setup requires additional manipulation of IP addresses.
How to increase file transfer speed over Wi-Fi?
Use the 5 GHz band instead of 2.4 GHz, as it's less congested and provides better throughput. Also, make sure both devices support the 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) standard or later. The distance between your PC and router should be minimal, with no thick walls or obstructions.