My Printer Not Connecting

📡 How to Connect Laptops via Wireless Network (Wi-Fi) – Step-by-Step Guide

Need to transfer files or collaborate between laptops at home, in the office, or at school? One of the easiest and most efficient ways is to connect them via a wireless (Wi-Fi) network. No cables. No USBs. Just seamless file sharing and access — as long as you follow the right steps.

This tutorial will guide you through everything you need to know about setting up a wireless network between laptops using a common Wi-Fi connection. Whether you’re running Windows 10 or 11, these steps apply universally.

Let’s get started!

🔧 Requirements to Connect Laptops via Wi-Fi

• Two or more laptops with Wi-Fi capability
• A working wireless router or hotspot
• Windows operating system (Windows 7, 8, 10, or 11)
• Basic user permissions (administrator access)

💡 You don’t need internet access — just a Wi-Fi router to create the local network.

🛠️ Step-by-Step: How to Connect Laptops Wirelessly

✅ Step 1: Ensure Wi-Fi is Enabled on All Devices

• On each laptop, click the Wi-Fi icon in the system tray (bottom-right)
• Select your wireless router/hotspot and connect
• Confirm that each device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network

💡 If you’re using a mobile hotspot, make sure the name (SSID) and password are the same across all devices.

✅ Step 2: Join the Same Workgroup

Workgroups are Microsoft’s way of organizing shared computers. For devices to see each other, they must belong to the same Workgroup.

1. Press Windows + R to open Run
2. Type Control and hit Enter
3. Navigate to System and Security > System
4. Look for the section labeled “Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings”
5. Click Change settings > Change...
6. Ensure all laptops use the same Workgroup name (e.g., WORKGROUP)
7. Restart each laptop after changing

✅ Step 3: Enable Network Discovery & File Sharing

This setting allows other computers on the network to see and connect to your laptop.

1. Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center
2. Click on Change advanced sharing settings (left panel)
3. Expand Private (current profile)
4. Select:
   • Turn on network discovery
   • Turn on file and printer sharing
5. Scroll to All Networks section:
   • Select Turn off password protected sharing (optional)
6. Click Save changes

✅ Step 4: Create and Share a Folder

Now, let’s create a folder you want to share between laptops:

1. Navigate to the folder you want to share (e.g., Documents)
2. Right-click on the folder > select Properties
3. Go to the Sharing tab
4. Click Share...
5. Select “Everyone” from the drop-down list
6. Set Permission Level: Read/Write if needed
7. Click Share and then Done

🔐 If you're on a public or shared network, use “Read” access to avoid accidental edits.

✅ Step 5: Access Shared Files from Another Laptop

Once everything is shared, it’s time to access the files from the other laptop:

1. On the second laptop, press Windows + R to open Run
2. Type \\ComputerName or \\IPAddress of the host device
3. Hit Enter
4. You’ll see a list of shared folders and files
5. Double-click to open or copy the contents

💡 Don’t know the Computer Name?

• Go to Control Panel > System
• Find the “Computer Name” listed under system info

💡 Extra Tips for Smoother Wireless Sharing

• Use Static IP Addresses: Assign static IPs to each laptop to avoid name conflicts
• Create Desktop Shortcuts: Map the shared folder as a network drive
• Use Descriptive Folder Names: e.g., Project_X_Share
• Firewall Settings: Allow File and Printer Sharing in Windows Firewall
• Sync Files: Use tools like SyncToy or Robocopy to mirror shared folders

🧪 Common Issues and Fixes

Problem	Cause	Solution
Can’t see other computers	Workgroup mismatch or Network Discovery off	Ensure same Workgroup and turn on discovery
Access denied message	Password-protected sharing is on	Disable password protection or enter credentials
Shared folder not visible	Folder not shared properly	Recheck folder permissions
Slow transfer speeds	Weak Wi-Fi signal	Move closer to router or use 5GHz band

🔁 Bonus: Share Between Windows and macOS

If you want to share files between a Windows laptop and a Mac:

• Enable File Sharing on Mac via System Preferences > Sharing
• Use smb://MacComputerName on Windows to connect
• Authenticate with Mac credentials
• Vice versa: Use \\WindowsComputerName on Finder > Go > Connect to Server

🎯 Final Thoughts – Stay Connected Wirelessly

Once set up, sharing files wirelessly between laptops is a smooth and cable-free experience. Whether you're working on a team project, backing up important documents, or just transferring photos, using Wi-Fi is both efficient and simple — once you know the steps.

Remember to keep your network secure, use proper folder permissions, and follow best practices when sharing across multiple devices.

Need professional networking or IT setup assistance? Bigtoyo Computer Technology Ltd. offers expert training and technician support — empowering you to build, connect, and maintain strong wireless networks!

---

Written by Bigtoyo Computer Technology Ltd. – Experts in IT solutions, technician training, and hands-on networking education across Nigeria and beyond.