🔗 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
⚡ For faster and more stable connections, we recommend using a LAN cable (Ethernet). However, Wi-Fi also works for basic sharing.

🛠️ 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:

  1. Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings
  2. Right-click your active network adapter > Properties
  3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) > Properties
  4. Select Use the following IP address:
    • IP address: 192.168.1.1
    • Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
    • Leave Default Gateway blank
  5. Click OK

On PC2:

  • Follow the same steps, but use:
    • IP address: 192.168.1.2
    • Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0

✅ Step 3: Ensure Both PCs Are in the Same Workgroup

This allows the computers to recognize each other on the network.

  1. Right-click This PC or My Computer > Properties
  2. Click Advanced system settings
  3. Go to the Computer Name tab
  4. Click Change... and set the Workgroup name to something like WORKGROUP
  5. Apply and restart both PCs if you made changes

✅ Step 4: Enable File and Printer Sharing

  1. Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center
  2. Click Change advanced sharing settings
  3. Expand the current network profile (Private or All Networks)
  4. Turn on the following:
    • Turn on network discovery
    • Turn on file and printer sharing
    • Optional: Turn off password-protected sharing
  5. Save changes

✅ Step 5: Share Folders or Drives

  1. Navigate to the folder you want to share
  2. Right-click > Properties > Sharing tab
  3. Click Share...
  4. Choose Everyone > set permissions (Read or Read/Write)
  5. Click Share > Done

✅ Step 6: Access Shared Files via IP Address

  1. On PC1, press Windows + R > type: \\192.168.1.2 (to access PC2)
  2. On PC2, type: \\192.168.1.1 (to access PC1)
  3. You’ll see shared folders and printers
  4. You can also map shared folders as drives for easy access
💡 If access is denied, ensure both PCs have matching usernames or that password-protected sharing is disabled.

🖨️ 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
  • On the other PC:
    • Go to Devices and Printers
    • Click Add a printer
    • Browse for the network-shared printer or enter its IP

📊 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.

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