🔗 How to Set Up Peer-to-Peer Networking Between Computers (Windows)
Want to share files or printers between two computers without using a central server or the internet? Welcome to the world of peer-to-peer (P2P) networking.
Setting up a P2P network is surprisingly simple — whether you're in an office, a computer lab, or even working from home. With the right setup, you can transfer files, share printers, or access folders from another PC in just a few clicks.
This tutorial will guide you through setting up a peer-to-peer LAN or Wi-Fi network between two Windows PCs, assigning static IPs, enabling file sharing, and more.
🎯 What Is Peer-to-Peer Networking?
A peer-to-peer (P2P) network is a direct connection between two or more computers that allows them to share resources like files or printers without going through a central server.
- Each computer acts as both a client and a host
- No need for dedicated network hardware or domain setup
- Ideal for small offices, home users, or IT training labs
📦 What You’ll Need
- Two Windows computers or laptops
- A LAN (Ethernet) cable or both devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network
- Administrator access on both PCs
🛠️ Step-by-Step Guide to Set Up a Peer-to-Peer Network
✅ Step 1: Physically Connect the Computers
- If using LAN:
- Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into PC1
- Plug the other end into PC2
- Use a crossover cable if you're connecting directly without a switch or router (most modern PCs can auto-detect though)
- If using Wi-Fi:
- Ensure both PCs are connected to the same Wi-Fi network or mobile hotspot
✅ Step 2: Assign Static IP Addresses
To communicate directly, each PC needs a unique static IP in the same subnet.
On PC1:
- Go to
Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings
- Right-click your active network adapter > Properties
- Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) > Properties
- Select
Use the following IP address:
- IP address:
192.168.1.1
- Subnet mask:
255.255.255.0
- Leave Default Gateway blank
- IP address:
- Click OK
On PC2:
- Follow the same steps, but use:
- IP address:
192.168.1.2
- Subnet mask:
255.255.255.0
- IP address:
✅ Step 3: Ensure Both PCs Are in the Same Workgroup
This allows the computers to recognize each other on the network.
- Right-click This PC or My Computer > Properties
- Click Advanced system settings
- Go to the Computer Name tab
- Click Change... and set the Workgroup name to something like
WORKGROUP
- Apply and restart both PCs if you made changes
✅ Step 4: Enable File and Printer Sharing
- Go to
Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center
- Click Change advanced sharing settings
- Expand the current network profile (Private or All Networks)
- Turn on the following:
- Turn on network discovery
- Turn on file and printer sharing
- Optional: Turn off password-protected sharing
- Save changes
✅ Step 5: Share Folders or Drives
- Navigate to the folder you want to share
- Right-click > Properties > Sharing tab
- Click Share...
- Choose Everyone > set permissions (Read or Read/Write)
- Click Share > Done
✅ Step 6: Access Shared Files via IP Address
- On PC1, press
Windows + R
> type:\\192.168.1.2
(to access PC2) - On PC2, type:
\\192.168.1.1
(to access PC1) - You’ll see shared folders and printers
- You can also map shared folders as drives for easy access
🖨️ How to Share a Printer Over a Peer-to-Peer Network
- On the PC connected to the printer:
- Go to
Control Panel > Devices and Printers
- Right-click printer > Printer properties
- Go to Sharing tab > Check Share this printer
- Go to
- On the other PC:
- Go to
Devices and Printers
- Click Add a printer
- Browse for the network-shared printer or enter its IP
- Go to
📊 Troubleshooting Tips
- Check Windows Firewall settings — allow file and printer sharing
- Make sure both PCs are on the same subnet and workgroup
- Try pinging each PC from the other (e.g.,
ping 192.168.1.1
) - Disable antivirus or third-party firewall temporarily if access is blocked
- Ensure shared folders have the right permissions for “Everyone”
🔁 Recap: Quick Peer-to-Peer Setup Summary
- Connect PCs via LAN or same Wi-Fi
- Set static IPs (e.g., 192.168.1.1 and 192.168.1.2)
- Same Workgroup name on both PCs
- Enable File and Printer Sharing
- Share folders or devices
- Access each other via
\\IP Address
in File Explorer
🎯 Final Thoughts – Build Your Own Mini Network
Peer-to-peer networking is a simple yet powerful way to connect two computers for file sharing, printer access, or collaboration — all without needing a server or complex IT infrastructure.
With just a LAN cable or Wi-Fi, some basic IP setup, and a few Windows settings tweaks, you’ll be sharing files like a pro in minutes.
Need help setting up your P2P network or training others? Bigtoyo Computer Technology Ltd. offers expert IT training, technician certification, and real-world tech solutions for homes, offices, and schools.
Written by Bigtoyo Computer Technology Ltd. – Experts in networking, computer repair, and hands-on IT technician training in Nigeria and beyond.