A modern office or home office is unimaginable without a well-established local network, allowing for the instant exchange of large files, documents, and multimedia content. Using a wireless connection WiFi Eliminates the need to run cables throughout the apartment, ensuring mobility and a tidy workspace. However, despite the ubiquity of technology, many users still face difficulties when trying to see a neighboring computer in a network environment.
The main problem lies not in the lack of a signal, but in the security settings of the operating system, which by default block external connections to protect against threats. To remotely control To access files or run programs on another device, you need to properly configure the network profile and sharing settings. In this article, we'll walk you through the process of creating a stable connection between two or more Windows computers using only your router's capabilities.
The setup process requires attention to detail, as even the slightest mismatch in addresses or names can lead to connection errors. We'll cover both automatic discovery methods and manual IP address configuration for cases where standard protocols fail. The key condition for a successful connection is that all devices are in the same subnet, that is, they must be connected to the same router.
Checking basic requirements and preparing equipment
Before moving on to complex interface settings, you need to ensure that the physical foundation for the connection is set up correctly. All computers you plan to connect must be connected to the same wireless network. WiFiIf one computer is on a guest network and the other is on the main network, or if the devices are located on different frequency bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) without support for mesh or proper routing technology, they may not "see" each other.
Make sure the wireless adapter is enabled on all target machines and the drivers are working correctly. Often, the problem lies in antivirus software or the built-in firewall blocking incoming connections, considering them suspicious. Local area network should be marked as "Private" or "Home" rather than "Public", as the latter profile minimizes the device's visibility to outsiders.
⚠️ Attention: If you're using a corporate network or public WiFi at a cafe, administrators often set up Client Isolation, which technically prevents devices from communicating within the network, even if you know their addresses.
It's also worth checking that computer names are unique. Two devices with the same name NetBIOS On the same network, this will create a conflict, making the connection unstable or impossible. You can change the name through the system settings, which require a reboot for the changes to take effect.
Setting up a network profile and discovery settings
The first step to a successful connection is changing your network profile. By default, Windows often assigns new connections the "Public Network" status, hiding your computer from others. To work in a local environment, you need to change this status. Open the network settings in Control Panel or through the Start menu and find your active WiFi connection.
In the network properties, change the profile to "Private." This will make your computer visible to other devices and open the ports required for discovery services. After that, you need to configure sharing settings. Go to the Network and Sharing Center and find the "Change advanced sharing settings" section.
Here you will need to enable several critical options for the protocol to work. SMB (Server Message Block), which is responsible for file transfer:
- 📡 Enable network discovery - allows the computer to see other devices and be visible itself.
- 📂 Enable file and printer sharing — allows other users to access your resources.
- 🔑 Enable password-protected sharing — requires entering your account login and password when connecting (recommended for security).
Don't forget to save your changes by clicking the corresponding button at the bottom of the page. Some versions of Windows may require enabling support. SMB 1.0, however, this is not recommended for security reasons unless you have very old devices on your network (such as Windows XP or old NAS).
☑️ Network preparation checklist
Creating a shared folder for data exchange
After configuring network settings, you need to determine which resources will be shared. The easiest way is to create a new folder on the drive, for example, calling it "SharedData," and configure its access rights. Right-click the folder, select "Properties," and go to the "Access" tab.
Click the "Advanced" button and check the "Share this folder" box. In the "Permissions" section, you can fine-tune what actions other users can perform: read-only, read and write, or full access. For a home network, granting permissions to the "Everyone" group is often sufficient, but for an office, it's better to assign specific accounts.
| Access level | Reading | Recording | Changing rights | Recommended use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Read only | Yes | No | No | Archives, documents for viewing |
| Change | Yes | Yes | No | Working folders, joint projects |
| Full access | Yes | Yes | Yes | Administration, system folders |
| Access Denied | No | No | No | Hidden resources |
There's also a "Security" tab in the folder's properties. Make sure the "Everyone" user or a specific account with the appropriate permissions is added there. Sometimes the "Access" tab settings conflict with NTFS file system permissions, and access is blocked at that level.
What to do if the folder won't open?
If you receive an access error when trying to log in, check that the account password on the remote computer matches the one you're entering. Also, try disabling password protection in the advanced sharing settings (only for trusted home networks).
Connecting via IP address and computer name
The most reliable way to access another computer is to use its IP address. Computer names can take a long time to resolve or resolve incorrectly due to the DNS service on the local network, whereas an IP address is static (as part of a DHCP session) and accurate. To find out your current IP, open a command prompt (cmd) and enter the command ipconfigFind the line "IPv4 address", it usually looks like 192.168.0.X or 192.168.1.X.
On the second computer, open File Explorer and in the address bar, enter two backslashes followed by the IP address of the target machine. For example: \\192.168.1.55After pressing Enter, the system will attempt to establish a connection. If all settings are correct, you will see a list of shared folders on this computer.
If the connection requires authorization, a login and password entry window will appear. It's important to enter the account details for the specific computer. to which You're connecting to the server you're using, not the one you're using. For convenience, you can check the "Remember credentials" box to avoid having to enter your password each time.
⚠️ Attention: IP addresses assigned by a router via DHCP may change after a device reboot. For consistent operation, it is recommended to configure a static IP address in the router settings or in the Windows network adapter properties.
An alternative method is to use the computer name. In File Explorer, type \\ComputerNameThis method works faster on smaller networks, but depends on the NetBIOS service being properly functioning. If the name doesn't work, switch to numeric addresses.
Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)
If your goal is not just to transfer files, but to fully control the second computer, see its screen and run programs, you will need technology Remote Desktop ProtocolIn Windows, this feature is built in by default, but on the receiving end (the computer that will be controlled), it must be enabled manually.
Go to "Settings" → "System" → "Remote Desktop" and toggle the switch to "On." The system will prompt you to know the name or IP address to connect. Also, make sure the user you plan to log in as has a password. Blank passwords are often blocked by RDP security policies.
To start a session on a client computer, use the built-in Remote Desktop Connection app. Enter the IP address or hostname, click Connect, and enter the credentials. You'll see the remote machine's desktop in a separate window.
- 🖥️ Full control - you control the mouse and keyboard of the remote system.
- 🚫 Screen lock — the screen on the remote computer will go dark or lock (depending on the Windows version).
- 📁 Resource forwarding — you can configure forwarding of local disks and a printer to a remote session.
Diagnosing problems and resolving connection errors
Even with careful setup, glitches can still occur. The most common error is "Windows cannot access...". First, check if the computer is visible at all. Open a command prompt and try pinging the remote machine: ping 192.168.1.XXIf there is no response (Request timed out), the problem is at the network or firewall level.
Third-party antivirus programs (Kaspersky, ESET, Avast) often have built-in firewalls that ignore Windows settings and block incoming connections. Try temporarily disabling network protection in your antivirus to test. You should also check the "Host Function Detection Provider" service in the "Services" section (services.msc)—it should be running.
If the computers are on different subnets (for example, one is on 192.168.0.x and the other is on 192.168.1.x), they won't see each other without configuring routing. Make sure all devices have the same subnet mask (usually 255.255.255.0). In complex cases, resetting the network settings with the command netsh int ip reset followed by a reboot.
⚠️ Attention: Settings interfaces and menu item names may vary depending on your Windows version (Home, Pro, Enterprise) and security updates. If you can't find an option, search for it in system settings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect to a computer if it is asleep or turned off?
By default, no. However, Wake-on-LAN (WoL) technology exists, which allows you to wake your computer with a magic packet sent over the network. This requires motherboard support, BIOS/UEFI settings, and the appropriate network adapter settings in Windows. The computer must also be connected to a power source.
Why does the password prompt keep appearing even if I enter it?
This is a common issue with desynchronized credentials. Go to "Control Panel" → "Credential Manager." Find the saved credentials for your network address, delete them, and try connecting again, carefully entering your username and password. Make sure you use the username in the following format: PC_NAME\User.
Is it safe to share folders over WiFi?
This is safe within a home network protected by a WPA2/WPA3 password. However, if guests are allowed to connect to your WiFi, it's best to use a guest network with client isolation or set complex passwords for shared resources. Never enable public Wi-Fi sharing on public networks without using a VPN.
How to transfer a file larger than 4 GB between computers?
The FAT32 file system doesn't support files larger than 4 GB, but modern drives use NTFS. When transferring over a network, the limitation depends not on the file system, but on the protocol. The SMB protocol used in Windows easily transfers files of any size supported by the destination drive's file system.