How do I connect two computers with Windows 10?

Answered by John Hunt

To connect two computers with Windows 10, you have a few options, but one of the simplest ways is to create a wireless ad hoc network. This allows you to establish a direct connection between the two computers without the need for a router or internet access. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

1. Go to the Control Panel by typing “Control Panel” in the search bar and selecting the corresponding app.
2. In the Control Panel, click on “Network and Sharing Center.”
3. On the left-hand side, click on “Set up a new connection or network.”
4. A new window will appear. Select “Set up a wireless ad hoc (computer-to-computer) network” and click “Next.”

Now, let’s go through the setup process for the ad hoc network:

5. Give your network a name that will be used to identify it. This can be anything you prefer, such as “MyAdHocNetwork.”
6. Choose a security type for your network. I recommend selecting “WPA2-Personal” as it offers better security. However, if you have older devices that can’t connect to WPA2 networks, you may need to select “WPA-Personal” or “Open” (which has no security).
7. Set a security key (also known as a password) for your network. Make sure it’s a strong and unique password to prevent unauthorized access.
8. Check the box that says “Save this network” if you want Windows to remember the network settings for future use.
9. Click “Next” and then “Close” to finish the setup process.

Now that you have set up the ad hoc network on one computer, you need to connect the other computer to it:

10. On the second computer, open the Network and Sharing Center following the same steps as before.
11. Click on “Connect to a network” to view available networks.
12. You should see the ad hoc network you created listed there. Select it and click “Connect.”
13. If you set a security key, you will be prompted to enter it. Type in the password you set during the network setup.
14. Once the password is entered correctly, the second computer should successfully connect to the ad hoc network.

Congratulations! You have now successfully connected the two computers using a wireless ad hoc network. You can now share files, printers, or other resources between the computers.

Please note that creating an ad hoc network may not be the most efficient or secure method for connecting computers. If you need a more permanent solution or require internet access, consider using a router or setting up a local network.