How to connect two laptops via Wi-Fi: 4 working methods with settings

Connecting two laptops via Wi-Fi, either with or without a router, opens up opportunities for quickly sharing files, collaborating on projects, or even setting up a local network for gaming. However, many users encounter issues: the network isn't detected, the connection constantly drops, or the data transfer speed leaves much to be desired. In this article, we'll explore these issues. all current connection methods — from creating a temporary ad-hoc network to using specialized programs like Radmin or TeamViewer.

It's important to understand that the connection method depends on your goals. If you simply need to transfer files, a temporary network is sufficient. For stable remote control or gaming, a more reliable connection via a router or software will be required. We'll look at options for Windows 10/11, macOS And Linux, and we will also point out typical errors that prevent a successful connection. For example, Windows 11 disables support for legacy security protocols (such as WEP) by default, which can block the creation of an ad-hoc network. - Few people know about this.

Method 1: Create an access point on one of the laptops

The most versatile method is to turn one laptop into virtual router, and connect the second one to it as to a regular Wi-Fi network. This works on Windows, and on macOS, and even on Linux (with some nuances). The main advantage: no additional equipment is required, and the connection speed is limited only by the capabilities of the Wi-Fi adapters.

On Windows 10/11 This is done through the command line or the Options menu. For example, in Start → Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile hotspot You can enable internet tethering in a couple of clicks. But there are some pitfalls:

• 🔹 Limit on the number of devices: In Windows, by default, you can connect up to 8 devices, but on some laptops with weak adapters this number is reduced to 1-2.
• 🔹 Driver issues: If your Wi-Fi adapter is older than 5 years, the mobile hotspot feature may not work. Check for driver updates via device Manager.
• 🔹 Security: Always set a complex password (at least 8 characters with numbers and special characters), otherwise outsiders may connect to your network.

On macOS the process is even simpler: open System Preferences → Sharing → Internet Sharing, select the connection source (Ethernet or Wi-Fi), and enable the option. However, there's a catch:

⚠️ Note: On Macs with chips Apple Silicon (M1/M2) Wi-Fi sharing via the "Sharing" menu may be unstable. In this case, use the terminal with the following command:

sudo ifconfig awdl0 down

then repeat the setup.

2. Method: Ad-hoc network (direct Wi-Fi connection)

Ad-hoc networks (from English. ad hoc (Ad hoc) allow you to connect two devices directly, without intermediaries. This method is suitable if you don't have a router or want to create an isolated network. However, it has serious limitations:

• 🔸 Low speed: the maximum speed rarely exceeds 10–15 Mbps (compared to 50–100 Mbps in modern routers).
• 🔸 Instability: the connection may be interrupted by the slightest interference (for example, if there is a wall between the laptops).
• 🔸 Limited compatibility: on Windows 11 Ad-hoc networks only work with manual configuration via the command line.

To create an ad-hoc network on Windows, run it in the command line (Win + R → cmd) the following commands:

netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=MyAdHoc key=StrongPassword123
netsh wlan start hostednetwork

Where MyAdHoc — the network name, and StrongPassword123 — password. Then, on the second laptop, find the created network in the list of available Wi-Fi networks and connect.

On Linux (For example, Ubuntu) the process is more complicated. You will need to edit configuration files. /etc/network/interfaces and use the utility iwconfigDetails are hidden under the spoiler:

sudo apt install wireless-tools

sudo iwconfig wlan0 mode ad-hoc
sudo iwconfig wlan0 essid "MyAdHocNet"
sudo iwconfig wlan0 key "YourPassword"
sudo ifconfig wlan0 192.168.1.1 netmask 255.255.255.0

⚠️ Attention: On laptops with Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) ad-hoc networks may not be created due to the lack of support for legacy modes. Check your adapter's specifications via Device Manager → Network Adapters.

Method 3: Connecting via a router (recommended)

If you have a home router, this is the most reliable and fastest way to connect two laptops. Unlike ad-hoc networks, you get:

• 🔹 High speed: up to 1 Gbps on modern routers with Wi-Fi 6.
• 🔹 Stability: no connection interruptions when moving laptops within the coverage area.
• 🔹 Additional functions: You can set up shared folders, printers, or even local chat via LAN messenger.

To make laptops "see" each other on the network:

1. Make sure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center (Windows) or System Preferences → Network (macOS).
3. Check that the network is defined as "Private" (not "Public"), otherwise Windows will block data exchange.
4. To share files, please enable File and Printer Sharing in the network settings.

If the laptops do not see each other, check:

Both laptops are connected to the same Wi-Fi network|

Network marked as "Private" (not "Public")|

File and printer sharing is enabled|

The laptops' IP addresses are in the same subnet (e.g. 192.168.xx)|

Client isolation is disabled in the router settings-->

4. Method: Using remote access programs

If you need to do more than just transfer files, control one laptop from another (for example, for technical support or collaboration), it's easiest to use specialized programs. The most popular are:

• 🖥️ TeamViewer: A cross-platform solution supporting file and voice transfer. The downside is the free version's limited session length (up to 5 minutes).
• 🖥️ AnyDesk: high image transfer speed, but requires a stable internet connection.
• 🖥️ Radmin: optimized for local networks, but only works on Windows.
• 🖥️ RustDesk: open source software with Linux support, but more difficult to configure.

To work in local network without Internet will do Radmin or RustDeskFor example, in Radmin enough:

1. Install the program on both laptops.
2. On the first laptop, run the server (Radmin Server).
3. On the second one, connect to the IP address of the first one (you can find it out through ipconfig (in the command line).

If programs do not connect, check:

• 🔌 Is the firewall disabled (or add an exception for the program).
• 🔌 Do the IP addresses match (must be in the same subnet, for example, 192.168.1.5 And 192.168.1.6).
• 🔌 Is your antivirus blocking the connection (for example, Kaspersky or ESET often interfere TeamViewer).

5. Setting up shared access to files and folders

After the laptops are connected (using any of the listed methods), all that remains is to configure public access to folders. On Windows it's done like this:

1. Right-click on the folder → Properties → Access.
2. Click Share and select a user (for example, All).
3. Set permissions: read only or full access.
4. On the second laptop, open File Explorer → Network and find the shared folder.

On macOS:

1. Open System Preferences → Sharing.
2. Turn on File sharing and add the folder to the list.
3. On the second Mac, connect via Finder → Network or Cmd + K (enter smb://[IP address]).

Common mistakes when setting up public access:

⚠️ Important: If you share folders on a public network (for example, in a cafe or coworking space), always set a password. Otherwise, other users on the same network will be able to access your files.

6. Optimizing connection speed and stability

Even if the laptops are successfully connected, the data transfer speed may be disappointing. Here's how to increase it:

• 📶 Switch to the 5 GHz band: in the settings of the router or access point, select 5 GHz instead of 2.4 GHzThis will reduce interference and increase speed to 300–800 Mbps.
• 📶 Use channels with minimal congestion: in the program Wi-Fi Analyzer (Android) or NetSpot (Windows/macOS) Find the least busy channel and set it manually on your router.
• 📶 Disable Wi-Fi power saving: V Device Manager → Network Adapters → Adapter Properties → Power Management uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.

To check the actual connection speed between laptops, use the utility iPerf:

iperf3 -s // on the first laptop (server)
iperf3 -c [IP address of the first laptop] // on the second (client)

If the speed is below 50 Mbps when connecting through a router, the problem may be:

• 🔋 Weak Wi-Fi signal (check the signal strength in netsh wlan show interfaces).
• 🔋 Outdated adapter drivers (update them on the manufacturer's website, not through Windows Update).
• 🔋 Overload the router (reboot it or disconnect other devices from the network).

7. Solving typical problems

Even with the correct settings, the connection may not work. Let's look at the most common errors and their solutions:

Problem 1: Laptops don't see each other on the network

• 🔍 Make sure both devices are on the same subnet (e.g. 192.168.1.x).
• 🔍 Disable your firewall or antivirus (e.g. Avast often blocks local connections).
• 🔍 Turn on Network discovery V Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center.

Problem 2: The connection keeps dropping

• 🔄 Switch from 2.4 GHz on 5 GHz (or vice versa) - there may be interference.
• 🔄 Update your Wi-Fi adapter driver (download from the manufacturer's website, not through Windows Update).
• 🔄 Reduce the channel width in the router settings (for example, with 40 MHz on 20 MHz).

Problem 3: Slow file transfer speed

• ⚡ Use archivers (7-Zip, WinRAR) to compress files before transferring.
• ⚡ Disable other programs that consume traffic (torrents, online games).
• ⚡ Switch to a wired connection (if possible).

⚠️ Attention: On laptops with Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and higher, connection speed may drop when using encryption WPA3Try switching to WPA2-PSK in the router settings.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions