How to Set Up a Local Network Between Computers in Windows 10 and Windows 11

What Is a Local Network Between Windows Computers?

A local network, also called a LAN, connects computers and devices inside one home, office, or small business network. When two or more Windows PCs are connected to the same router, switch, Wi-Fi network, or Ethernet segment, they can exchange files, use shared printers, access network drives, and communicate without using the Internet.

In Windows 10 and Windows 11, a local network usually depends on several core settings: a Private network profile, Network Discovery, File and Printer Sharing, correct user permissions, and a firewall configuration that allows local SMB traffic.

Before You Set Up a Local Network in Windows 10 or Windows 11

Before changing Windows settings, make sure the physical or wireless network is working correctly. File sharing will not work reliably if the computers are connected to different routers, isolated guest Wi-Fi networks, VPN-only networks, or different VLANs.

Set the Network Profile to Private in Windows

The Private network profile tells Windows that the current network is trusted. This is required for easy local discovery and sharing. If the network is set to Public, Windows hides your PC from other devices and blocks many sharing features by default.

Enable Network Discovery and File Sharing in Windows

After setting the network profile to Private, enable the sharing features that make your computer visible to other PCs on the LAN.

Check the Computer Name and Workgroup for Windows File Sharing

Modern Windows versions do not require HomeGroup, and HomeGroup has been removed. However, unique computer names and a consistent workgroup can still make local network management easier.

1. Press Win + R, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter.
2. Open the Computer Name tab.
3. Check the Full computer name. Each PC should have a unique name.
4. Click Change if you want to rename the computer or change the workgroup.
5. Use the same workgroup name on all PCs, for example WORKGROUP.
6. Restart the computer if Windows asks you to apply the change.

How to Share a Folder Between Computers on a Local Network

The safest method is to create a dedicated folder for LAN sharing instead of sharing an entire drive. This gives you better control over what other users can access.

1. Create a folder, for example C:\Shared or D:\LAN-Files.
2. Right-click the folder and select Properties.
3. Open the Sharing tab.
4. Click Advanced Sharing.
5. Enable Share this folder.
6. Enter a clear share name, for example Shared or OfficeFiles.
7. Click Permissions and define who can access the share.
8. Click OK to save the settings.

After sharing the folder, Windows creates a network path like this:

Network Path Example\\COMPUTER-NAME\Shared

You can use this path from another computer to open the shared folder directly.

Configure Sharing Permissions and NTFS Permissions Correctly

Windows uses two permission layers for shared folders: Share permissions and NTFS security permissions. The most restrictive result applies. For example, if Share permissions allow Full Control but NTFS permissions allow only Read, the remote user will only have Read access.

Recommended Permission Setups

• Read-only sharing: allow Read permission for users who only need to copy or open files.
• Collaborative folder: allow Change or Modify only for trusted accounts that need to edit files.
• Avoid wide-open access: do not give Full Control to Everyone unless this is a temporary test folder on a trusted network.
• Use named accounts: for better security, create or use a specific Windows account with a password on the host PC.

How to Access a Shared Folder from Another Windows Computer

Once the folder is shared, open it from another computer using File Explorer, the Run dialog, or a mapped network drive.

Method 1: Open the Network Section in File Explorer

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Click Network in the left pane.
3. Double-click the computer that hosts the shared folder.
4. Open the shared folder.
5. Enter the username and password if Windows asks for credentials.

Method 2: Use the Direct Network Path

1. Press Win + R.
2. Type the network path in this format:

Network Path by Computer Name\\COMPUTER-NAME\ShareName

You can also use the IP address if name resolution is not working:

Network Path by IP Address\\192.168.1.25\ShareName

Method 3: Map the Shared Folder as a Network Drive

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Right-click This PC and select Map network drive.
3. Choose a drive letter, for example Z:.
4. Enter the folder path, for example \\OFFICE-PC\Shared.
5. Enable Reconnect at sign-in if you want the drive to stay available after reboot.
6. Click Finish.

Set Static IP Addresses for a More Reliable Windows Local Network

Most home and office networks use DHCP, where the router automatically assigns IP addresses. This is usually fine. However, if computers often disappear from the Network section or mapped drives break after reboot, a static IP address or DHCP reservation can make access more predictable.

Option A: Use DHCP Reservation on the Router

This is the best method. Log in to your router and reserve a fixed IP address for each computer by its MAC address. Windows stays configured for automatic addressing, but the router always gives the same IP to the same device.

Option B: Set a Static IP in Windows

1. Press Win + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter.
2. Right-click your active Ethernet or Wi-Fi adapter and select Properties.
3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
4. Select Use the following IP address.
5. Enter an IP address in your network range, for example 192.168.1.25.
6. Enter the subnet mask, usually 255.255.255.0.
7. Enter the default gateway, usually your router address, such as 192.168.1.1.
8. Enter DNS servers, for example your router address or another trusted DNS server.
9. Click OK.

How to Share a Printer on a Local Network in Windows

If one computer has a USB printer connected, you can share it with other computers on the same local network.

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners in Windows 11, or Settings → Devices → Printers & scanners in Windows 10.
2. Select the printer you want to share.
3. Open Printer properties.
4. Go to the Sharing tab.
5. Enable Share this printer.
6. Enter a simple share name, for example HP-Laser.
7. On another PC, add the printer from Printers & scanners or connect directly with \\COMPUTER-NAME\HP-Laser.

How to Test Whether the Local Network Works

If sharing does not work immediately, test the network in layers: IP connectivity first, then name resolution, then Windows file sharing.

1. Find the IP Address of Each Computer

Open Command Prompt and run:

Command Promptipconfig

Look for the IPv4 Address, for example 192.168.1.25.

2. Ping the Other Computer

From one PC, run:

Command Promptping 192.168.1.25

If you receive replies, the basic network connection is working.

3. Test Access to the Shared Folder

Use the Run dialog:

Run Dialog or File Explorer\\192.168.1.25\Shared

4. Check Name Resolution

If IP access works but computer-name access does not, test:

Command Promptping COMPUTER-NAME

If this fails, use the IP address for mapped drives or check Network Discovery, DNS, router settings, and firewall rules.

Fix: Windows Computers Cannot See Each Other on the Local Network

Network browsing in Windows can be inconsistent, especially after updates, router changes, VPN use, or firewall changes. Use the checklist below to solve the most common issues.

Check Required Windows Services

Press Win + R, type services.msc, and check that these services are running or set to their default startup type:

• Function Discovery Provider Host
• Function Discovery Resource Publication
• SSDP Discovery
• UPnP Device Host
• Server
• Workstation

Allow File and Printer Sharing in Windows Defender Firewall

1. Open Windows Security.
2. Go to Firewall & network protection.
3. Click Allow an app through firewall.
4. Click Change settings.
5. Find File and Printer Sharing.
6. Allow it for Private networks.
7. Do not enable it for Public networks unless you fully understand the risk.

Frequently Asked Questions About Setting Up a Local Network in Windows

Do I need Internet access for a local network between Windows computers?

No. A LAN can work without Internet access. The computers only need to be connected to the same local router, switch, Ethernet network, or Wi-Fi access point.

Do Windows 10 and Windows 11 still support local file sharing?

Yes. Windows 10 and Windows 11 still support local file sharing using shared folders, SMB, user accounts, permissions, and mapped network drives.

Why can I access a shared folder by IP address but not by computer name?

This usually means basic network connectivity works, but name resolution or discovery is failing. Use the IP address in the network path, check Network Discovery, restart the router, and verify that required discovery services are running.

Should I disable password-protected sharing?

For security, keep password-protected sharing enabled. Disable it only on a trusted home network when convenience is more important than strict access control.

Can I share an entire drive over the local network?

Yes, but it is usually not recommended. Share a specific folder instead. This reduces the risk of accidentally exposing system files, personal data, backups, or application folders.

What is the best way to access a shared folder every day?

Map the shared folder as a network drive and enable Reconnect at sign-in. For best reliability, also reserve a fixed IP address for the host PC in your router.