Sharing files between two Windows 11 machines over your local network is a handy skill to have — no more faffing about with USBs or external drives all the time. It’s actually pretty straightforward, but yeah, Windows 11 can sometimes make it seem a bit tricky. Here’s a rundown of a few tricks that usually get you sorted, especially if things are hanging up.
How to Network Two Computers on Windows 11
First up, make sure both PCs are on the same network — whether it’s Wi-Fi or Ethernet, doesn’t really matter as long as they’re connected. Double-check the network name in Settings > Network & Internet — that’ll tell you if they’re on the same page. If one’s on Wi-Fi and the other’s wired into the router with Ethernet, that’s alright, but sometimes weird issues pop up if your network setup is a bit wonky. To tidy that up, jump into Settings > Network & Internet > Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
Step 1: Connect to the Same Network
Fair dinkum, if they’re not on the same network, file sharing just won’t work. Sometimes Windows gets a bit forgetful about switching Wi-Fi networks after a move or update, so double-check that. Also, make sure both are set to be discoverable.
Step 2: Turn on Network Discovery (Because Windows Sometimes Resets Itself)
On each PC, head to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings. Then click on Network and Sharing Center — might have to search for it or find it in the Control Panel, as it’s a bit hidden in Windows 11. Once there, click on Change advanced sharing settings. Ensure Turn on network discovery and Turn on automatic setup of network-connected devices are checked. Also, turn on Turn on file and printer sharing. Windows can reset these after updates or restarts, so keep an eye on it.
Step 3: Enable File and Printer Sharing
This setting’s in the same Advanced sharing settings menu. Once you switch on Turn on file and printer sharing, Windows may prompt you to specify if shared items are open for everyone or just certain users — choose what suits your needs. Heads up, some setups need admin credentials for accessing shared folders, which can be a pain but is good to know if sharing gets a bit flaky.
Step 4: Share Specific Folders or Printers
Find the folder you want to share, right-click, and go to Properties. Then click the Sharing tab and hit Share. From the drop-down menu, select Everyone for open access or pick specific users if you like. Set the permissions to Read or Read/Write. Sometimes, sharing doesn’t kick in straight away — a quick restart of both PCs or toggling network discovery again usually sorts it out. Windows can be a bit stubborn like that.
Step 5: Access Shared Resources
Once sharing’s sorted, open File Explorer on the other machine and click on Network. Normally, Windows will list the other PC there, as long as you’ve ticked all the boxes earlier. If it’s not showing up, you can type the network address manually — it looks like \\ComputerName. To find the PC name, go to Settings > System > About or run hostname in PowerShell.
If it still doesn’t show up, try restarting both computers and double-checking that ‘Network discovery’ and ‘File sharing’ are still enabled. Windows can be a bit unpredictable, sometimes resetting certain settings after updates.
Tips for Networking Two Computers on Windows 11
- On the security front: consider setting a password for network sharing in Settings > Privacy & Security > For developers > Network sharing options. Don’t leave your stuff wide open on public Wi-Fi.
- If both PCs use the same login details, sharing’s a lot easier. If not, you might get permission prompts cluttering things up — but that’s a good security move.
- Keep Windows up to date. Sometimes, file sharing just refuses to work on older builds.
- Drivers for your network card can act up after updates, so if things aren’t working, try updating or reinstalling them via Device Manager.
- If sharing’s acting up, check your firewall settings. Windows Defender Firewall can block file sharing — you might need to allow “File and Printer Sharing” explicitly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I network computers running different versions of Windows?
Yeah, usually. But you might come across a few quirks, especially if one’s Windows 10 and the other’s Windows 11. Just make sure network discovery and sharing are enabled on both.
What if I can’t see the other computer on the network?
Double-check your connections, ensure both are on the same Wi-Fi or Ethernet, and verify network discovery and sharing are on. Sometimes flicking the Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter off and on again helps Windows recognise the network properly.
Is it safe to share files over a network?
Generally, yeah — as long as you’re behind a decent router with a firewall. But avoid sharing stuff openly on public Wi-Fi if you don’t want randoms to access your files.
Can I share my internet connection this way?
Nah, this method’s for sharing files and printers, not internet. For internet sharing, look into connection sharing or hotspots.
How do I troubleshoot network issues?
Make sure both PCs are on the same network, that network discovery and file sharing are enabled, and restart your router if things are playing up. Also, check your firewall settings — sometimes they block access. Turning it off temporarily can help identify if it’s the culprit.
Summary
- Make sure both machines are on the same network
- Turn on network discovery and file sharing
- Share folders or printers manually
- Access shared stuff via File Explorer > Network or direct entry
- If stuck, reboot and give it another go
Conclusion
Getting two Windows 11 PCs talking isn’t rocket science, but Windows does like to keep us on our toes. With a few tweaks, a bit of patience, and a quick restart, you’ll be transferring files like a pro in no time. Just watch those firewall and permission settings — Windows can be a bit fussy. Once it’s all set up, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it earlier — makes sharing heaps easier.
Hopefully, this saves someone a couple of hours. Just a heads-up — Windows sometimes resets sharing settings after updates, so double-check those if things suddenly stop working after a reboot.