Creating a local area network (LAN) without unnecessary cables is a common task for modern users, whether it's setting up a game server for friends, collaborating on documents, or centralized media storage. Unlike wired connections, wireless technology WiFi It allows you to instantly connect devices in different rooms while maintaining a high enough data transfer rate for most everyday tasks. However, despite its apparent simplicity, the setup process often runs into software security barriers within the operating system.
The main difficulty lies not in the physical connection, which occurs automatically when there is a signal, but in the correct settings of network profiles and permissions at the operating system level. WindowsIf you want computers to see each other, share files, and use shared peripherals, you'll need to go through several configuration steps. In this article, we'll cover each step in detail, from checking the hardware to setting up access to specific folders.
It's worth noting right away that the stability of such a network directly depends on the quality of your router and signal strength. File transfer speeds over a wireless network will always be lower than over a direct cable connection (Ethernet), and may vary depending on interference, wall thickness, and radio channel congestion. However, for most use cases in an apartment or small office, this method is the most convenient and practical solution, requiring no additional wiring.
Equipment check and basic requirements
Before moving on to software settings, you need to make sure your hardware is ready for operation. All computers you plan to connect must be connected to the same router. This means they must be within range of a strong signal and use the same access point. If one computer is connected via cable and the other via WiFi, the network will still work, but the data transfer speed will be limited by the wireless connection.
The most important requirement is that all devices belong to the same subnet. In standard home routers, this is ensured automatically: the router assigns IP addresses from a single range, for example, 192.168.0.x or 192.168.1.xIf you have a complex network infrastructure with multiple routers, ensure they operate in access point or bridge mode rather than creating isolated subnets.
⚠️ Attention: The "Guest Network" feature on routers isolates connected devices from each other by default for security purposes. If your computers are connected to guest WiFi, they won't be able to see each other, even if they're in the same room. Use your main network.
It's also worth checking the WiFi standard version supported by your adapters. For comfortable work with large files, it's advisable for your equipment to support the standard. 802.11ac (WiFi 5) or newer. Older standards 802.11g/n can become a bottleneck, significantly reducing the speed of data copying and causing timeouts when accessing shared resources.
Setting up a network profile in Windows
The Windows operating system is paranoid by default and assigns the "Public" profile to a new network when first connecting. In this mode, the system prevents other devices from discovering the computer and blocks incoming connections. To link the computers, we need to change this status to "Private."
To do this, go to the menu Start → Settings → Network & Internet → StatusIn the "Properties" section of the current connection, you'll see the current network profile. Click the toggle button to change the network type from "Public" to "Private." Windows will then make your computer visible to other devices on this network.
Next, you need to enable detection features. Open the Control Panel by following this path: Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Change advanced sharing settingsHere you will see a window with fine-tuning options for different profiles.
- 🔍 Turn on network discovery and check the box to automatically configure connected devices.
- 📁 Turn on file and printer sharing.
- 🔐 Allow Windows to manage HomeGroup connections (if used).
Don't forget to also check the "All Networks" section at the bottom of the same window. There's a critical setting called "Password-protected sharing." If you're on a trusted home network, you can disable this to make access easier. However, if you allow strangers to use your network, it's best to leave protection enabled and use the same accounts on all PCs.
Creating a shared folder and setting access rights
Once the network infrastructure is set up, it's necessary to determine what data will be accessible to other users. Simply opening the "C:" drive isn't safe. We'll create a dedicated folder or select an existing one and configure sharing rules for it.
Right-click the folder you want to share and select "Properties." Go to the "Sharing" tab and click "Advanced." Check the "Share this folder" box. In the "Share name" field, you can leave the default name or enter your own, which will be displayed on the network.
At this stage, it's important to configure user permissions correctly. Click the "Permissions" button. By default, the "Everyone" group is set to read-only. If you want other users to be able to not only download files but also delete or modify them, select the "Everyone" group and check "Full Control."
⚠️ Attention: Granting "Full Control" to the "Everyone" group means anyone who connects to your WiFi can delete files in this folder. Use this option only in a fully trusted environment or create a separate user with a password.
There's also a "Security" tab in the folder properties, which controls access at the NTFS file system level. Make sure the "Everyone" user (or a specific user) with the necessary permissions is added there. It often happens that permissions are granted in "Access," but denied in "Security," resulting in the "Access Denied" error.
☑️ Setting up a shared folder
Search for computers on the network and connect to resources
Once all the machines are configured, you can begin testing. The easiest way to find another computer on the network is to open File Explorer and go to the "Network" section in the left navigation panel. If everything is set up correctly, you'll see the names of all the computers connected to your router.
If computers don't show up immediately, try refreshing the list or wait a few minutes. Windows sometimes takes time to update the list of network resources. You can also use a direct connection via IP address, which is the most reliable method and eliminates name issues.
To do this, find out the IP address of the target computer. On the remote PC, click Win + R, enter cmd and in the black window enter the command ipconfigFind the line "IPv4 address", it will look like this 192.168.1.XXNow on your computer, click Win + R and enter this address, preceded by two backslashes, for example: \\192.168.1.45.
- 💻 Open File Explorer and enter the IP address of the remote PC in the address bar.
- 🔑 If prompted, enter the login and password for the remote computer account.
- 📂 You will see a list of all shared folders on this computer.
For ease of use, you can map the shared folder as a network drive. To do this, right-click "This PC" in File Explorer and select "Map network drive." Select the drive letter (e.g., Z:) and enter the path to the folder. It will now appear as a regular hard drive in "My Computer."
What should I do if I'm asked for a password that doesn't work?
Often, the problem is that Windows is attempting to log in as your current local user. In the password entry window, click "Use a different account" and enter the username and password of the computer you're connecting to. You can enter the login in the format COMPUTER_NAME\Username.
Comparison of connection methods and troubleshooting
Despite the standard procedures, users often encounter various errors. Issues may be related to antivirus software, firewall settings, or network adapter driver issues. Below is a table to help quickly diagnose common problems.
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Computers are not visible on the "Network" | The discovery service is disabled. | Enable the Discovery Resource Publishing service |
| Password prompt upon login | Password protection is enabled | Disable protection in the Network and Sharing Center |
| "Access Denied" error | NTFS permission conflict | Check the Security tab in the folder properties. |
| Low transmission speed | Weak WiFi signal | Move closer to the router or use 5 GHz |
Windows Firewall and third-party antivirus software deserve special attention. They can block incoming connections, considering the local network potentially dangerous. If you use a third-party antivirus (for example, Kaspersky, ESET, Avast), check its network settings. Often there's a mode switch: "Public" or "Trusted network." Switch it to trusted mode.
The SMB 1.0 protocol is also worth mentioning. In new versions of Windows 10 and 11, it is disabled by default due to vulnerabilities. If you are trying to connect to a very old computer (Windows XP) or network-attached storage (NAS), you may need to enable SMB 1.0 support using "Turn Windows features on or off." However, this should be done with caution and only if absolutely necessary.
Local network security via WiFi
When exchanging data over the air, security is key. A WiFi signal extends beyond your home, and theoretically, an attacker could attempt to connect to your network. If this happens, they'll gain access to all shared resources if they're unsecured.
The first rule is to use strong encryption on your router. Make sure the appropriate security type is selected in your wireless network settings. WPA2-PSK (AES) or WPA3Old protocol WEP It can be hacked in minutes and should not be used. Your WiFi password should be complex and unique.
The second rule is to regularly update your router firmware and operating systems. Manufacturers are constantly patching security holes that could allow remote code execution or bypassing local network authentication.
⚠️ Attention: Router interfaces and Windows menus are subject to update. The layout of options may differ slightly from those described in the instructions. Always consult the official documentation for your hardware model if you cannot find the setting you need.
If you work with sensitive information, consider creating a separate Windows user account specifically for network access with limited privileges and a complex password. This will add another layer of protection to your data from unauthorized access.
Is it possible to create a network without a router?
Yes, you can create a computer-to-computer (Ad-hoc) network or use the Mobile Hotspot feature in Windows 10/11. However, the speed and stability of such a connection will be lower, and setup is more complex than using a full-fledged router.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why can computers see each other but not open folders?
The issue is most likely related to NTFS permissions. Even if everything is enabled in the "Access" tab, the "Security" tab of the folder's properties may be blocked. Also, check if your antivirus software is blocking access.
How do I find out my computer's IP address to connect?
Open command prompt (cmd) and type ipconfigLook for the IPv4 address line. You can also find the IP address in the network settings: Settings → Network & Internet → Properties.
Is it possible to link computers with different versions of Windows (7, 10, 11)?
Yes, this is possible. However, issues with SMB protocols may arise. On Windows 10/11, you may need to enable SMB 1.0 support to work with Windows XP/7, although this reduces security.
Does internet speed affect file transfer speed between PCs?
No, it doesn't. The speed of file copying within a local network depends only on the speed of your WiFi router, the signal quality, and the speed of the hard drives of the connected computers. The internet connection may even be disconnected.
What should I do if the network disappears after waking up from sleep mode?
This is a common power saving issue. Go to Device Manager, find your WiFi adapter, open its properties, go to the "Power Management" tab, and uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power."