Creating a local connection between two laptops is one of the most popular tasks for quickly transferring large amounts of data without using external storage devices. Local area network allows you to not only share files, but also share printers, play online games, or even distribute the computing load. In the operating system Windows 10 This process has been greatly simplified, but the presence of numerous updates and changes in security policy sometimes makes its own adjustments.
There are several proven methods for connecting two laptops via Wi-Fi in Windows 10, and the choice of a specific method depends on the availability of a router and your goals. You can create a network through an existing router or set up a direct computer-to-computer (Ad-Hoc) connection if you don't have an access point. In both cases, the key is properly configuring network settings and access profiles, which we'll cover in detail in this article.
Before proceeding with the technical part, make sure that the wireless module is enabled on both devices and that the latest drivers are installed. It is critical that both laptops are in a strong signal area or connected to the same Wi-Fi access point. An incorrect firewall configuration or network profile may be an obstacle, so please follow the instructions carefully.
Selecting a connection method and preparing equipment
The first step is always determining the topology of your future network. If you have a working router, the task boils down to connecting both laptops to the same Wi-Fi network. This is the most stable option, providing internet access to both devices. If you don't have a router, you'll have to use Windows' built-in features to create a virtual access point or a direct connection.
Make sure the network adapters on both computers are working properly. Go to Device Manager and check for any yellow exclamation marks next to them. Wireless Network AdapterIt's also worth finding out the IP addresses of your devices in advance, although in most cases the system will assign them automatically via the protocol. DHCP.
- 📶 Make sure that the Wi-Fi adapter is physically enabled (hot keys or switch on the case).
- 🔌 Check your batteries, as active data transfers can quickly drain laptops.
- 🛡️ Temporarily disable third-party antivirus software if it is blocking network discovery.
If you plan to transfer files regularly, it's a good idea to assign static IP addresses so that the settings don't reset after a reboot. This will simplify future work and eliminate the need to re-detect the device on the network each time.
Network profile setup and discovery
Windows 10 treats new networks as public by default, hiding your computer from other devices for security reasons. To link laptops, you need to change the network profile to "Private." This will make the system visible to other computers within range.
To do this, open the Start menu and go to System Settings. Find the Network and Internet section, then select Status. In the connection properties section, click the Change connection properties link and toggle the switch to PrivateRepeat this procedure on the second laptop.
⚠️ Note: Switching your profile to "Private" makes your computer visible to other devices on this network. Only do this if you trust the network or are using a home connection.
Next, you need to enable network discovery. Open Control Panel, go to Network and Sharing Center, and select Change advanced sharing settings. In the Private profile, enable the options "Turn on network discovery" and "Turn on file and printer sharing."
Don't forget to also enable "Network folder sharing" and disable "Password-protected sharing" if you want easier access without entering credentials, although for security it's better to leave protection enabled and use the same logins/passwords on both PCs.
Creating a Direct Wireless Network (Computer-to-Computer)
If you don't have a router handy, you can create a direct connection. Older versions of Windows had a feature called "Set up a wireless ad hoc network," but in current builds Windows 10 And Windows 11 Microsoft has removed the graphical interface for creating ad-hoc networks, leaving only the ability to connect to them. Therefore, to create such a network, you will need to use the command line.
Launch the Command Prompt as administrator. To do this, right-click the Start menu and select the appropriate option. Enter the command to check for hosted network support:
netsh wlan show driversFind the line "Hosted Network Support" in the list. If it says "Yes," you can proceed. Create a new network with the command:
netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=MyNetworkName key=Password123Where MyNetworkName — the name of your network, and Password123 — password. After creating the network, start it with the command netsh wlan start hostednetworkOn the second laptop, find the created network in the list of available Wi-Fi connections and enter the password.
⚠️ Note: The command line interface may vary depending on the Wi-Fi adapter driver version. If the command fails, update the wireless module drivers from the manufacturer's official website.
Setting up shared access to folders and files
Once the two laptops are successfully connected, it's time to share the data. Create the folder you want to share, right-click it, and select "Properties." Go to the "Sharing" tab and click "Advanced Settings."
Check the "Share this folder" box. Click the "Permissions" button and ensure that the "Everyone" group or a specific user has "Read" or "Full Control" permissions, depending on your needs. Also, go to the "Security" tab and ensure that the "Everyone" group has the appropriate permissions.
☑️ Checking public access
To access the shared folder on the second laptop, open “This PC” and enter in the address bar First_Laptop_Name or IP address of the first laptopIf everything is configured correctly, you will see the shared folder and be able to work with files as if they were local.
Sometimes the system may prompt you for a username and password. In this case, enter the username and password for the first laptop. If the usernames don't match, this can cause problems, so creating the same username and password on both computers often solves the problem.
Using Nearby Sharing
For users who need to quickly transfer photos or documents, Windows 10 offers a convenient Nearby Share feature. It works using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct, eliminating the need for complex shared folder setup. It's ideal for one-time file transfers.
To enable the feature, go to Settings -> System -> Sharing. Turn on the "Nearby Sharing" toggle. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on both laptops. In the drop-down list, select "Everyone Around Me" if the devices aren't signed in to your Microsoft account, or "Just My Devices" if the devices are signed in to the same account.
To transfer a file, simply right-click it, select "Share," and select the second laptop from the list of available devices. The receiving end will receive a notification about the transfer request, which must be confirmed.
Comparison of connection methods and their characteristics
Different methods for connecting laptops have their pros and cons. The choice depends on whether you need a permanent network for gaming and work or a one-time file transfer. Below is a table to help you decide.
| Method | Speed | Difficulty of setup | Internet access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Via a router (LAN/Wi-Fi) | High | Low | Eat |
| Direct connection (Ad-Hoc) | Average | High | No (usually) |
| Mobile hotspot | Average | Low | Depends on the source |
| Nearby Exchange | Low/Medium | Minimum | Not required |
Using a router remains the "gold standard," ensuring maximum speed and stability. Direct connections are fine in the field, but may require manual configuration of IP addresses and subnet masks if automatic assignment fails.
When setting up static IP addresses, it's important to avoid address conflicts. Use a range 192.168.x.x, where x is a number from 2 to 254. The subnet mask is usually set 255.255.255.0The gateway can be omitted if internet access is not required.
Solutions to common problems and errors
Even if you follow the instructions exactly, errors may still occur. One of the most common is "Windows cannot access..." This is often related to the SMB 1.0 service, which is disabled by default in newer versions of Windows 10 for security reasons.
To enable it, go to "Control Panel" -> "Programs and Features" -> "Turn Windows features on or off." Find "SMB 1.0/CIFS file sharing support" in the list and check all the boxes. A reboot will be required afterward.
What to do if laptops don't see each other?
Make sure both devices are in the same workgroup (WORKGROUP by default). Check if your antivirus software is blocking your local network. Try temporarily disabling Windows Firewall to test this. Restarting the Print Spooler and Discovery Resource Publishing services may also help.
Another issue could be different clocks and dates on the computers, which affects Kerberos authentication protocols. Synchronize the time. Also, make sure the network type in the firewall is set to "Private" and not "Public."
⚠️ Warning: Enabling SMB 1.0 reduces system security due to known vulnerabilities. Use it only on trusted, isolated networks, and disable it after finishing work unless absolutely necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect laptops via Wi-Fi without a router?
Yes, it's possible. You can use the Windows 10 Mobile Hotspot feature to turn one laptop into a hotspot, or create a direct computer-to-computer (Ad-Hoc) connection via the command line.
Why can't the second laptop see the shared folder?
The problem is most likely with your network profile (it should be "Private") or sharing settings. Check that network discovery is enabled and that the folder is accessible in the "Security" tab.
Do I need the same password for my account on both PCs?
This isn't required, but it makes access much easier. If the passwords are different, the system will ask for authorization every time you connect. You can disable password protection in the advanced sharing settings, but this is less secure.
What is the maximum Wi-Fi transfer speed between laptops?
Speed depends on the Wi-Fi standard (802.11n, ac, ax) and distance. Under ideal conditions, real-world speeds of 300-600 Mbps and higher can be achieved at 5 GHz, comparable to a wired connection.
Will the internet work on the second laptop with a direct connection?
With a direct connection (Ad-Hoc), the internet on the second device will not work unless special traffic redirection (Internet Connection Sharing) is configured on the first device. When connecting through a router, the internet will work on both devices.