Creating a local network between two or more computers is a basic task that solves a variety of problems, from quickly transferring large files to sharing a printer or online gaming. In the era of cloud storage and instant messaging, direct data exchange local network It often turns out to be the fastest and safest method, regardless of internet speed or file sharing restrictions.
There are several possible connection scenarios: using an existing wireless router to which both devices are connected, or creating a direct computer-to-computer connection without additional hardware. The choice of method depends on your infrastructure and goals, but in both cases, the Windows operating system provides all the necessary tools to accomplish this.
In this article, we'll examine both methods in detail, paying particular attention to configuring security and sharing settings, as errors at this stage most often lead to computers not "seeing" each other. Properly configuring network profiles and services will allow you to create a stable connection that will automatically activate every time your devices are turned on.
Selecting a connection method and preparing equipment
Before moving on to operating system settings, you need to decide on the topology of your future network. The most common option is to use Wi-Fi router, which acts as a central node (access point). In this case, both computers must be connected to the same wireless network, which ensures they are automatically assigned IP addresses from the same subnet.
The second option, known as Ad-hoc network A direct connection, or direct connection, involves one computer distributing Wi-Fi, while the other connects to it as an access point. This method is useful if you don't have a router handy or are in a location where using third-party equipment is impossible. However, it's important to note that with a direct connection, the computer distributing the network may lose internet access unless a special bridge is configured.
- 📡 Via router: Both PCs are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, the Internet is available on all devices, and setup is minimal.
- 💻 Direct connection (Hotspot): One PC creates a network, the second connects, requires manual configuration of IP addresses or use of the "Mobile Hotspot" function.
- 🔌 Hybrid option: One PC is connected via cable, the second via Wi-Fi to the same router, which is also considered a local network.
⚠️ Caution: When using public Wi-Fi networks (such as cafes and airports), network discovery should be disabled. In such areas, your computer may become visible to intruders, posing a risk of personal data leakage.
Make sure both computers have up-to-date wireless adapter drivers installed. Outdated software may not support modern encryption standards or access point operating modes, resulting in an unstable connection or an inability to create a network.
Setting up a network profile and discovery in Windows
The key to establishing communication between Windows computers is choosing the right network profile. The operating system divides networks into "Public" and "Private." In the "Public" profile, the system minimizes the device's visibility to protect data, blocking incoming connections and hiding the computer from other network members.
To create a local network, you need to switch the profile of the current Wi-Fi network to "Private" (Private). This action tells the system that you are in a trusted environment (home or office) and allows discovery protocols to operate at full capacity. Without this step, even with a technically sound connection, computers will not be able to see each other's shared resources.
The process of changing a profile in modern versions of Windows 10 and 11 has become more intuitive, but it still requires some attention. Open the network settings, find your Wi-Fi connection properties, and select the appropriate network type. The system will then automatically apply the necessary firewall rules.
It's also worth checking out the service SSDP Discovery And Function Discovery Resource PublicationThese system processes are responsible for displaying your computer in the network environment. If they are stopped, other devices will not be able to find your PC, even if the network is formally configured correctly.
Creating a local network via a Wi-Fi router
This method is the most preferred for desktop use. You don't need to create new connections; simply ensure both computers are on the same subnet. The router will automatically assign IP addresses via the DHCP server, and all you need to do is configure file access permissions.
Check the IP addresses of both computers. They should start the same, for example, 192.168.1.X or 192.168.0.X, where X is a unique number for each device. If the addresses are in different subnets (for example, one 192.168.1.5, and the other one 192.168.0.5), then direct data exchange without routing configuration will be impossible.
The easiest way to share files is to use the standard "Sharing" feature. Select a folder, open its properties, go to the "Access" tab, and grant permissions to the desired users or the "Everyone" group. This allows the folder to be visible in the network environment.
☑️ Checking the connection via a router
If automatic detection doesn't work, you can access the address by IP. Open File Explorer and enter [IP address] in the address bar. \\192.168.1.X (where X is the IP of the second computer) and press Enter. This method often bypasses discovery protocol errors.
Setting up a direct connection (Hotspot) without a router
If you don't have a router, Windows can turn one of your computers into a hotspot. In Windows 10 and 11, this feature is called "Mobile Hotspot." It allows you to broadcast your existing internet connection (or even the lack of one) over Wi-Fi, allowing a second computer to connect.
To activate, go to Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile HotspotSelect a connection source (for example, Ethernet, if you have a cable connection, or Wi-Fi) and enable the feature. The second computer should find the created network in the list of available Wi-Fi connections and enter the password displayed in the settings.
It's important to understand the difference between access point mode and the classic ad-hoc connection used in older versions of Windows. A modern hotspot creates a full-fledged infrastructure network, with one computer acting as a gateway. This is a more stable and secure method, supporting modern WPA2/WPA3 encryption standards.
⚠️ Warning: When using a mobile hotspot, antivirus software on the receiving computer may detect the connection as a new, unknown network and block file sharing. Temporarily disable protection or add the network to the exceptions list the first time you try to connect.
The data transfer speed in this configuration will depend on the power of the wireless adapter on the "sharing" computer. If the adapter is operating in 2.4 GHz mode, the speed may be limited to 20-40 Mbps, which is sufficient for documents, but slow for large video files.
Setting up shared access and port forwarding
Once a physical connection is established, you need to configure the logical access level. Windows uses a user account system, so accessing resources on another computer may require entering the login and password of the remote machine's user.
To make access to your home network easier, you can disable the password requirement. To do this, Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Advanced sharing settings Find the "All Networks" section and select "Turn off password-protected sharing." This will allow you to connect to shared folders without entering credentials.
Advanced users who need access to specific applications or games may need to adjust firewall rules. If a program can't see the network, check if it's allowed on the private network. Ports used for game servers or specialized data transfer software are often blocked.
| Parameter | Importance for home networking | Significance for the public network |
|---|---|---|
| Network discovery | Included | Disabled |
| File sharing | Included | Disabled |
| Connecting to a HomeGroup | Allow | Block |
| Encryption | WPA2-Personal / WPA3 | Depends on the access point |
What should I do if Windows asks for a password that doesn't work?
The problem often stems from the remote computer using a Microsoft account (email), but you're entering a local password. Try using the email and password for your Microsoft account, or create a local user on the remote PC with a simple password for network access.
Also worth mentioning is the protocol SMB (Server Message Block). In newer versions of Windows, support for the older version of SMBv1 is disabled by default for security reasons. If you're connecting a very old computer or network-attached storage (NAS), you may need to manually enable SMB 1.0 support in Windows components, but do so with caution.
Diagnosing problems and troubleshooting errors
Even with proper configuration, situations may arise where computers can't see each other. First, use the built-in diagnostics: right-click the network icon and select "Diagnose." Windows will attempt to automatically reset the network stack and fix common errors.
If the automatic reset doesn't work, try resetting your network settings using a command. Open the command prompt as administrator and enter netsh winsock reset, and then netsh int ip resetAfter executing the commands, you must restart your computer. This action clears the DNS cache and resets TCP/IP settings to factory defaults.
- 🔍 Visibility check: Use the command
ping 192.168.1.Xin the command line. If there's a response, then there's a physical connection, and the problem is in the access settings. - 🛡️ Antivirus: Temporarily disable your third-party antivirus software. They often have their own firewall that blocks local connections, ignoring Windows settings.
- 🔄 Services: Make sure the Print Spooler and Function Discovery Provider services are running. Without them, the network environment may be empty.
⚠️ Note: Windows Settings interfaces and service names may vary slightly depending on the update version (21H2, 22H2, etc.). If you can't find the item, search in the Start menu or refer to the official Microsoft documentation for your specific build.
Another common cause of problems is different time zones or time misalignment between computers. Security protocols (Kerberos) can block the connection if the time difference between the devices is more than 5 minutes. Check and synchronize the time on both computers.
Local connection security
When setting up a network, don't forget about security. Open file access is convenient, but it's dangerous if strangers can connect to your Wi-Fi network. Use a strong Wi-Fi password and WPA2 or WPA3 encryption. The older WEP protocol can be cracked in minutes and should not be used.
Regularly check the list of connected devices in your router's interface. If you notice an unknown device, change your Wi-Fi password immediately. It's also a good idea to create a guest network for friends to isolate their devices from your main computers and storage devices.
Remember that in "Private Network" mode, your computer is visible to others. If you frequently travel with your laptop and connect to different networks, always confirm the system's "Do you want to make this computer discoverable?" question with "No" when you're away from home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect computers via Wi-Fi if one is running Windows and the other is running macOS?
Yes, this is possible. To do this, you need to enable file sharing (SMB) in the sharing settings on your Mac. On Windows, you may be prompted to enter the Mac username and password when connecting to a Mac. Addressing works similarly: \\IP-address-Mac.
Why is the file transfer speed via Wi-Fi much lower than stated on the router?
Actual speed depends on many factors: distance from the router, number of walls, interference from neighboring networks, and the Wi-Fi standard (n, ac, ax). Furthermore, the SMB protocol has overhead. For large data volumes (hundreds of GB), an Ethernet cable is always preferable.
How can I transfer a file if the computers can't see each other in My Network Places?
Use direct IP address input. Click Win + R, enter \\192.168.1.X (IP address of the target PC) and press Enter. You can also use third-party utilities like Total Commander with a LAN plugin or synchronization programs like Resilio Sync that work over a local network.
Is internet required for a local network to function?
No, the internet is not required. A local area network (LAN) operates independently of the wide area network (WAN). You can transfer files, play online games, and share a printer even without internet access, as long as the devices are connected via a router or directly.