Most of us know that using an ethernet cable is one of the simplest ways to connect two computers regardless of what software they use. But what about when you don’t have one on hand? Do you wait until you can get one, or are there other more convenient ways of connecting two computers? This article will help us solve such problems.
Creating a Wireless Network on Windows 10
Below are easy ways to make the connection between two PCs on Windows 10. They may even tempt you to forget why you needed the ethernet cable in the first place.
Create an Ad-Hoc Wireless Network
It is worth noting that each computer should have the necessary Wi-Fi hardware. Though you need Wi-Fi for this, you can follow the procedure without a router. This type of connection is also popularly known as peer to peer mode since direct communication is allowed between the two computers.
Begin by holding down Windows key + X and then A from your keyboard on one PC. Doing so will automatically launch Command Prompt as an administrator on your computer. Key in the following commands after launch:
NETSH WLAN set hostednetwork mode-allow ssid=network name key=password
The network name and password are up to you. Once done, click Enter for the command to take effect. You will then see a prompt confirming that the ad-hoc network has been generated. It will come with the parameters you chose (network name and password). You can activate it by keying in the following commands:
NETSH WLAN start hostednetwork
Tap the Enter key. You will receive an automatic response stating that the hosted network has started.
On the second computer, open the Wi-Fi menu and join the created network under the name you chose and the password you used. To enable sharing of files between the two computers, head to Control Panel and click on Network and Internet. Go to Network and Sharing Center and click on Advanced sharing settings. While here, toggle on the options Turn on network discovery and Turn on file and printer sharing.
Once you have performed the necessary actions on computer one, you will view the second computer as a second local disk. To gain access to the content you want to share, right-click on the desired local disk representing the other computer and select Share with. More options will appear. Click on Advanced sharing, then toggle on the Share this folder option. Finally, tap on Apply. The two local disks or computers are now connected and reachable on either device. To do the same for the second PC, you must first input the computer username and password.
Alternative Methods of Connection
Below are other methods you can use to connect two computers wirelessly:
- Joining an existing wireless network
Computers that share a Wi-Fi connection can easily and directly share files and information through this same connection. This is made possible by having a router with reliable speeds available and properly configured. This method’s advantage is that you can connect to more than one other device on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Pair using Bluetooth
This method requires both computers to be Bluetooth enabled and able to pair. Once you have met this requirement, you can share files to and fro the two computers, one at a time. However, this connection is just a short-term solution as both computers need to be close for it to work.
Benefits of Connecting Two Computers Wirelessly
The urgency of connecting two or more computers wirelessly could be born from many various circumstances, as listed below.
- Co-workers might want to share crucial information on a joint project.
- You might want to link devices for a meeting presentation.
- Family members could want to share files.
- Friends might want to try out a new online casino 2021.
Conclusion
Connecting two or more computers is a task anyone may be required to do at one time or the other, and having the skills to do it will come in handy. The reason behind the connection will aid in deciding what method of wireless connection to use.