How to connect two computers via Wi-Fi

Creating a local network between two computers is a basic task faced by many users who want to share files, play games together, or remotely access another device's resources. In the age of cloud storage, direct data exchange over the air may seem archaic, but the transfer speeds over local network (LAN) bandwidth often significantly exceeds the internet's capacity. This is especially true when working with large media files, backing up, or running a game server.

Modern operating systems such as Windows 10 And Windows 11, have significantly simplified the setup process, but still require attention to detail. Incorrectly configured security settings or encryption protocols can become an insurmountable barrier to connection. Understanding how they work IP addressing and network profiles will help you avoid common mistakes.

In this article, we'll cover two main scenarios in detail: connecting via a wireless router and creating a direct connection without additional equipment. We'll walk through all setup steps, from checking drivers to sharing folders. The main condition for a successful connection is that both devices are on the same subnet and use the same network profile type.

Selecting a connection method and preparing equipment

Before you begin software configuration, you need to determine the topology of your future network. There are two main options: using existing infrastructure (router) or creating a direct connection. computer-computerThe first option is the standard for offices and homes with existing Wi-Fi. The second option is useful in the field or when a working router is unavailable.

If you plan to use a router, make sure both computers are connected to the same wireless network. It's important that they aren't isolated from each other by the router's security settings. Corporate networks often have this feature enabled. AP Isolation, which prevents devices from seeing each other. This is rare for home use, but it's worth checking.

For direct communication (Ad-Hoc or Computer-to-Computer mode), one of the computers must support virtual access point creation. In modern versions of Windows, this is accomplished through the "Mobile Hotspot" feature or by manually configuring a virtual adapter. This requires more detailed configuration, as one computer acts as a DHCP server or requires manual address assignment.

• 📡 Via router: Both devices connect to the same Wi-Fi network, the router automatically assigns IP addresses.
• 🔗 Direct connection: One PC creates a network, the second connects to it as to a regular access point.
• 🛡️ Safety: When connecting directly, make sure you are using the WPA2-Personal encryption protocol.

⚠️ Caution: When creating a direct network without a router, the antivirus software on the receiving computer may detect the incoming connection as an external attack. We recommend temporarily lowering the security level or adding an exception for the local network.

Setting up a network profile in Windows

The key to connecting two computers is choosing the correct network profile. Windows assigns new connections the "Public Network" profile by default, which prevents the device from being visible to others. You need to change this profile to "Private Network."

You can do this through the system settings panel. Open Network & Internet settings, select your Wi-Fi connection, and find the network profile type. Switching to "Private" removes firewall restrictions for local services. This makes your computer visible to other devices within range.

After changing the profile, the system will apply the new firewall rules. If you use third-party antivirus software (for example, Kaspersky or ESET), they can take over control of network profiles. In this case, you should look for the settings in the antivirus interface under the "Network Connections" section.

Keep in mind that profiles are applied separately for each interface. Switching to Wi-Fi won't change the settings for the Ethernet port. For stable operation of two computers connected via Wi-Fi, both must be set to "Private Network" status.

IP address configuration and discovery

For computers to "see" each other, they must be on the same subnet. Most home routers have a DHCP server that assigns addresses automatically. However, if automatic assignment doesn't work or you're setting up a direct connection, you'll need to configure static IP addresses manually.

You can check your current settings via the command line. Enter the command ipconfig Pay attention to the "IPv4 Address" and "Default Gateway" fields. The addresses must match in the first three digits (e.g., 192.168.1.X), and the last segment must be unique for each PC.

You also need to enable network discovery. Without it, Windows will ignore connection requests from network neighbors. This can be done in the Network and Sharing Center. Make sure "Turn on network discovery" and "Turn on file and printer sharing" are enabled.

⚠️ Important: When manually assigning IP addresses, avoid using an address that is already occupied by another device on the network. An address conflict will result in connection loss on both computers.

Organizing file sharing

Once network connectivity is established, the question of data transfer arises. Simply having a connection doesn't mean you can simply drag and drop files. You need to explicitly tell the system which folders or drives you want to share.

Select the folder, right-click it, and go to Properties. On the "Sharing" tab, click "Advanced." Here, check "Share this folder." It's also important to configure permissions so that users can not only read but also write to files, if needed.

There's also the concept of "Public folders." These are special directories in Windows that are accessible by default to all users on the local network. Using these folders is the fastest way to transfer documents without the hassle of setting up access rights for each individual directory.

To access resources on another computer, open File Explorer and enter the network path in the address bar. It looks like this: \\192.168.1.10 or \\ComputerNameIf the system prompts you for credentials, use the login and password for the user account on the remote computer.

Creating a Direct Wi-Fi Network (Ad-Hoc / Hotspot)

If a router isn't available, one computer can become an access point. In Windows 10 and 11, this is accomplished through the "Mobile Hotspot" feature. This allows you to share internet and create a local network for a second device using the first PC's Wi-Fi adapter.

To activate, go to network settings and select "Mobile Hotspot." Select a connection source (e.g., Ethernet or other Wi-Fi) and set a network name and password. Once enabled, the second computer will see the new network in the list of available connections.

It's worth noting that not all Wi-Fi adapters support simultaneous operation in both client and access point modes. If you have an older driver or specific hardware, this feature may not be available. In this case, you'll need to use the command line and a utility. netsh to create a virtual adapter.

Command to create a virtual network via CMD

For advanced users: Run cmd as administrator and enter: netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=MyNetwork key=Password123. Then start the network with the command: netsh wlan start hostednetwork.

⚠️ Note: Settings interfaces may vary depending on your Windows version and Wi-Fi adapter manufacturer. If you don't see the "Mobile Hotspot" option, check your laptop manufacturer's website for updated drivers.

Diagnosing and troubleshooting connection problems

Even with proper configuration, errors can occur. Computers may not be able to see each other, or access may be blocked at the password entry stage. First, check the visibility of the devices using the command pingIn the command line, enter ping 192.168.1.11 (target PC address). If packets are flowing, there's a connection; the problem is with access rights.

Windows services are a common cause of problems. Make sure the Discovery Resource Publishing and Discovery Library Host services are running and in automatic mode. Without them, the computer won't broadcast its presence on the network.

It's also worth checking the SMB protocol. In newer versions of Windows, support for older versions of SMB (v1) is disabled by default for security reasons. If you're trying to connect a modern PC to an older NAS or Windows XP, you may need to enable support for legacy protocols, although this will reduce overall security.

If all else fails, try temporarily disabling Windows Firewall and third-party antivirus software on both computers. This will allow you to accurately determine whether software is blocking the connection. If the network works after disabling protection, configure an exception for the "Private Network" in the firewall rules.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to connect two computers via Wi-Fi without a router?

Yes, this is possible. One computer must create a virtual access point (in Ad-Hoc mode or via Mobile Hotspot in Windows), and the other must connect to it as a regular Wi-Fi network.

Why can't computers see each other on the network?

Most likely, your network profile is set to "Public." Switch it to "Private" in the Wi-Fi settings. Also, check that network discovery is enabled and that your antivirus isn't blocking the connection.

Do I need the same password on both computers?

To connect to a Wi-Fi network, the password must match. Windows user account passwords may differ for accessing shared folders, but when connecting, you'll need to enter the login and password of the user whose files you're opening.

What is the maximum Wi-Fi transfer speed on a local network?

Speed ​​depends on the Wi-Fi standard (n, ac, ax) and band (2.4 or 5 GHz). In the 5 GHz band, Wi-Fi 5 (AC) can achieve speeds of 400-800 Mbps, which is significantly faster than most internet connections.