Setting Up a Wired Connection Between Two Windows 11 PCs Using an Ethernet Cable
How to Connect Two Windows 11 Desktops with an Ethernet Cable
Let’s get into the details. After you’ve set this up, those two computers should be able to share files and even access the internet if you want. The steps are pretty straightforward — just plug in the cables and adjust some settings. By the end, you’ll be ready to go!
Prepare Your Networking Gear
First things first, you’ll need a decent Ethernet cable — commonly called LAN or RJ45. For most setups, a Cat 5e or Cat 6 cable works well. Make sure both your PCs have Ethernet ports (they usually do). If you’re working with some older gear, you might need a crossover cable instead. No worries if you didn’t know that — most newer computers auto-detect the right connection, which saves a lot of hassle.
Just a tip: if you plug it in and the connection doesn’t happen immediately, double-check that the cable is properly seated in both ports.
Connect the Two Computers
Plug one end of the cable into the first PC and the other end into the second. It’s straightforward, but some people forget to check that everything’s plugged in securely. Make sure the cables are snug — you don’t want any loose connections giving you trouble. Once connected, click on the network icon in your system tray; if you see a wired connection indicator, that’s a good sign that the setup is recognised.
Adjust Network Settings
Things get a bit technical here, but stay with me. Head to ‘Settings’ > ‘Network & Internet’ > ‘Ethernet’. Click on ‘Change adapter options’, right-click your Ethernet connection, and select ‘Properties’. Find ‘Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)’ and click ‘Properties’. You’ll need to assign static IP addresses — for example, use 192.168.1.1 for one PC and 192.168.1.2 for the other. They must be on the same subnet.
If this all sounds a bit technical, just remember: each device needs a unique IP in the same range for things to work smoothly. Also, turn on ‘Network discovery’ and ‘File and printer sharing’ in the Control Panel to make everything visible on the network.
Enable File Sharing
Next, to transfer files easily, you’ll want to make sure sharing is enabled. Return to the ‘Control Panel’ and go to ‘Network and Sharing Center’. Under ‘Change advanced sharing settings’, turn on ‘Network discovery’ and ‘File and printer sharing’. If you trust the network and don’t mind inputting passwords each time, you can toggle ‘Password protected sharing’ off — just be aware of the potential security risks. To access shared folders, open ‘File Explorer’, then either type in the IP address or browse through the network list.
Share and Transfer Files Like a Pro
Once everything’s set up, transferring files is quick and easy. Open ‘File Explorer’ and type in the other computer’s IP address in the address bar — for example, \\192.168.1.2. You should see shared folders if all is configured correctly. For easier access, consider mapping a network drive — right-click ‘This PC’, select ‘Map network drive’, choose a drive letter, and connect.
Want to share a folder? Right-click it, select ‘Properties’, go to the ‘Sharing’ tab, and choose either ‘Share…’ or ‘Advanced Sharing…’ to customise permissions. Easy as!
Tips for Connecting Two Windows 11 PCs
- If one or both machines are quite old, you might need a crossover cable — these are designed for non-auto-detecting hardware. It’s handy to keep one around just in case.
- Always double-check that file sharing is activated on both computers before trying to access shared folders — it saves a lot of frustration.
- Make sure IP addresses are unique and in the same range — otherwise, the computers won’t communicate properly.
- If you run into issues, try disabling your firewall temporarily to see if that’s blocking the connection. Just remember to turn it back on afterwards!
- Keep your Ethernet cable length under 100 metres to avoid connection issues or dropouts.
FAQs About Connecting Windows 11 PCs via Ethernet
Why use a LAN cable to connect two computers directly?
Using a LAN cable provides a direct, stable link between the two devices, which often means faster transfer speeds and fewer interference issues compared to Wi-Fi. Perfect for big files or sensitive data transfers that require a reliable connection.
Can I use any Ethernet cable for this?
Generally, yes — most modern Ethernet cables (like Cat 5e or Cat 6) will do the job. If you’re working with very old hardware, you might need a crossover cable, but most new PCs support auto-MDIX, so that’s less of a concern nowadays.
What if one computer doesn’t see the other?
Check the IP addresses — they need to be on the same network range and be unique. Also, verify that ‘Network discovery’ and ‘File sharing’ are enabled on both. Sometimes, loose or faulty cables are the culprit, so give those a quick check, too.
Can I share my internet connection through this setup?
Yes, if one PC has internet access, you can set up ‘Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)’. Just go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Network & Internet’, select your connection, then in ‘Connection Properties’ enable sharing. Easy.
How do I keep my network secure?
Keep your systems updated, only enable sharing in trusted environments, and protect shared folders with passwords. You can also set specific user permissions for added security.
Quick Summary
- Choose the right Ethernet cable (Cat 5e or Cat 6).
- Plug the PCs into their Ethernet ports.
- Set static IP addresses (e.g., 192.168.1.1 and 192.168.1.2).
- Turn on ‘Network discovery’ and ‘File sharing’.
- Access shared folders via ‘File Explorer’, using IP addresses or network names.
Connecting two Windows 11 computers with a LAN cable remains one of the simplest ways to create a quick, reliable local network. It sidesteps complicated setups and makes sharing files fast and secure. Properly configured, it’s a seamless way to swap resources for work or play. Hopefully, this saves you some time and frustration — happy networking!