In the age of cloud storage and messaging apps, direct data exchange between devices sometimes seems like a relic of the past. However, file transfer speeds over a local network often exceed those of internet connections. Linking two laptops via Wi-Fi is the optimal solution for quickly transferring gigabytes of video, games, or work projects without the need for external hard drives. This connection not only provides access to file sharing but also allows for printer sharing or even online gaming.
The process of setting up a local network in operating systems of the family Windows has undergone significant changes in recent years, especially after the upgrade to versions 10 and 11. While users previously had to manually enter IP addresses and fiddle with protocols, Microsoft has now implemented more user-friendly tools, such as "Shared Folders" and the "Nearby" feature. However, the automatic algorithms don't always work correctly, requiring the user to understand the basic principles of network communication.
In this article, we'll cover every step of establishing a wireless connection between two computers, from checking the hardware to fine-tuning access rights. You'll learn how to avoid common mistakes, why laptops might not recognize each other, and what security settings need to be adjusted for stable operation. Local area network — this is the foundation on which many of the convenient features of your digital space are built.
Checking equipment and preparing for connection
Before moving on to software settings, you need to make sure your hardware is ready to work in network mode. First, check that both laptops are equipped with working Wi-Fi adaptersIn modern models, they are built in by default, but older devices or specialized workstations may use external USB dongles, the drivers for which must be up-to-date.
A critical requirement is that both devices be on the same wireless network. This means the laptops must be connected to the same router. If one laptop is connected to a guest Wi-Fi network and the other to the main network, or one is using mobile data, a direct connection will not be possible without additional routing.
⚠️ Note: Some corporate Wi-Fi networks feature AP Isolation. In this mode, the router blocks direct communication between connected devices for security purposes. If you're in an office or hotel, creating a local network may be technically impossible.
It's also worth paying attention to the network type assigned by the operating system to your connection. Windows automatically classifies new networks as "Public," which severely limits your computer's visibility to other devices. To successfully connect, you'll need to switch the profile to "Private," which we'll discuss in the following sections.
Setting up network type and discovery in Windows
The first step in software configuration is to change the network profile from "Public" to "Private." This tells the operating system that you are in a trusted environment (e.g., home) and allows ports to be opened for local communication. Without this step, laptops will ignore each other, even on the same network.
To perform this procedure in Windows 10 or 11, click the Wi-Fi icon in the system tray (lower-right corner of the screen) and select "Properties" under the name of your current network. In the settings window that opens, find the "Network Profile" section and switch the radio battery to PrivateRepeat this operation on the second laptop.
Next, you need to activate the detection functions. Go to Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing CenterIn the left menu, select "Change advanced sharing settings." Here, expand the "Private" profile and ensure the following options are enabled:
- 🔍 Enable network discovery
- 📂 Enable file and printer sharing
- 💻 Allow Windows to manage HomeGroup connections
After making changes, be sure to click "Save Changes." Sometimes the system may ask you to confirm administrator rights. If you're using Windows 11, the settings interface may differ, but the logic remains the same: you need to allow the device to be visible to others.
Creating a shared folder and setting access rights
Once the laptops have "seen" each other in the network environment, it's necessary to determine which resources they will share. The easiest way is to create a dedicated folder that is readable and writable from the other device. Select any drive (e.g., D:), create a new folder, and name it something like SharedData.
To configure access permissions, right-click the created folder and select "Properties." Go to the "Sharing" tab and click "Advanced." Check "Share this folder" and then click "Permissions." Here, select the "Everyone" group (or a specific user) and grant them "Full Control," "Modify," and "Read."
However, the "Access" tab settings are only half the battle. You should also check the "Security" tab in the folder's properties. Click "Edit," then "Add," and enter the word All (or Everyone (in the English version) and click OK. Make sure that the Full Control checkbox is also selected for this group. Double-checking permissions is a common cause of "Access Denied" errors.
⚠️ Caution: Granting full permissions to the "Everyone" group in a folder containing important documents may be unsafe if others have access to your Wi-Fi network. Use this method only on trusted home networks or create separate folders for temporary sharing.
Now, to access this folder from another laptop, open File Explorer and select Network in the left pane. You should see the name of the first computer. After logging in (you may need to enter the username and password for the first PC's account), you'll see the shared folder.
Using Nearby Sharing
For Windows 10 and 11 users, there is a more modern and simpler way to transfer files that does not require creating shared folders and complex permission settings. Nearby Sharing (Close to Someone) uses a combination of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct to quickly transfer files, similar to AirDrop on Apple devices.
To activate this feature, go to Settings → System → Shared Files (or "Experience Sharing" in older versions). Turn on the "Nearby" toggle and select "Everyone" or "My Devices." Make sure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled on both laptops.
The transfer process is as follows: select the file in File Explorer, click the "Share" button (or right-click and select "Share"), and select the second laptop from the list of available devices. A notification will appear on the second device informing you of a request to receive the file, which you must confirm.
| Parameter | Shared folder (SMB) | Nearby | Third-party software (FTP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transfer speed | High (depending on the router) | Medium/High | Maximum |
| Difficulty of setup | Average | Low | High |
| File size | No restrictions | There are restrictions | No restrictions |
| Permanence of access | Yes (constant access) | No (one-time transfer) | Yes |
Why might the "Nearby" feature not work?
This feature is often blocked by antivirus software or firewalls if the network profile is set to "Public." It also requires both devices to be signed in to the same Microsoft account, or the privacy settings must be set to allow discovery by all nearby devices.
Direct laptop-to-laptop connection (Ad-Hoc network)
There's a scenario where you don't have a router handy, but need to connect two laptops via Wi-Fi. In this case, one of the computers can become an access point, creating a virtual wireless network. This is called "wireless mode." Ad-Hoc or "Computer-to-computer", although in modern versions of Windows this is implemented through the "Mobile hotspot" function.
To implement this method on the first laptop (which will distribute Wi-Fi), go to Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile HotspotEnable the feature and select a connection sharing method (e.g., via Ethernet or another Wi-Fi adapter, if available). Set a network name and password.
The second laptop should find the created network in the list of available Wi-Fi connections and connect to it as if it were a regular router. Once connected, both devices will be on the same local network, and you can use the methods described in the previous sections (shared folders or Nearby Sharing) to exchange data.
☑️ Checking the direct connection
It's important to note that when using a hotspot, the primary laptop consumes more power because its Wi-Fi module is constantly broadcasting a signal. Data transfer speeds may also be lower than when both devices are connected to a powerful external router.
Diagnosing problems and troubleshooting errors
Even with proper configuration, users often encounter situations where computers can't see each other. One of the most common causes is a connection blocked by Windows Firewall or a third-party antivirus. If you're confident in your network settings, try temporarily disabling your antivirus to test this hypothesis.
Another effective diagnostic method is to use the command line. Open cmd as administrator and try to ping the IP address of the second computer. Enter the command ping 192.168.1.XX (where XX is the address of the second laptop). If you see the response "Timeout exceeded," it means the low-level connection has not been established.
Often the problem lies in the service SMB 1.0In newer versions of Windows, it's disabled by default for security reasons, but to work with older devices or in specific cases, you may need to enable it. This is done through "Turn Windows features on or off" in Control Panel.
⚠️ Note: Windows Settings interfaces may be updated. If you can't find this option, use the system search (Win+S) and enter keywords such as "network management" or "sharing."
Also, make sure both computers are running the same or compatible SMB protocol versions. Windows 10/11 uses SMB 2/3 by default, which is the standard. Problems may only arise when connecting a modern PC to a very old laptop running Windows XP or Vista.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to transfer files if one laptop is on Windows and the other is on macOS?
Yes, it is possible. On a Mac, go to System Preferences → Sharing and enable File Sharing. Then, on Windows, enter [filename] in the File Explorer address bar. \\IP-address-MacYou will be asked to enter your Mac username and password.
What is the maximum transfer speed for Wi-Fi?
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 up to 300-400 Mbps, which is significantly faster than USB 2.0 but slower than wired Gigabit Ethernet.
Is internet required for a local network to function?
No, internet access is not required. A local network works between devices directly through a router or in ad-hoc mode. However, if you use cloud services for syncing or Microsoft accounts for authorization, internet access may be required.
Is it safe to keep a shared folder open all the time?
On a home network with a strong Wi-Fi password, the risks are minimal. In public spaces or offices, it's recommended to disable public access or use a guest network with client isolation when data transfer is not required.
Why am I asked for a password when accessing a folder, even though I am an administrator?
Windows requires authentication even for administrators on another device. Enter the username and password of the computer account. on which the folder is located, not the one you are connecting from.