How to Share Files Between Two Computers Over LAN

Sharing files between two computers on the same local network (LAN) is one of the fastest and most secure ways to transfer data. Whether you want to move large files, back up documents, or collaborate on a home network, this guide will help you set it up in minutes.

🔌 What You’ll Need

• Two computers connected to the same LAN (via Ethernet or Wi-Fi)
• Windows 10 or Windows 11 operating system
• Administrator access on both computers

⚙️ Step 1: Connect Both Computers to the Same Network

If you’re using Wi-Fi, make sure both devices are connected to the same wireless router. For a faster connection, use an Ethernet cable and connect both PCs directly or through a switch.

Make sure both PCs are on the same network before sharing files.

🖥️ Step 2: Enable File Sharing

On both computers:

1. Open Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Advanced sharing settings.
2. Enable:
   • Turn on network discovery
   • Turn on file and printer sharing
3. Click Save changes.

📂 Step 3: Share a Folder

Right-click the folder you want to share → select Properties → Sharing tab → Advanced Sharing → check Share this folder → click Apply.

Enable sharing for a specific folder.

🔑 Step 4: Access the Shared Folder from the Other Computer

On the second computer, open File Explorer → in the address bar type:

\\ComputerName\SharedFolder

Alternatively, go to Network in File Explorer and select the first PC.

🛠️ Troubleshooting Tips

• Ensure both PCs are in the same Workgroup (Control Panel → System).
• Temporarily disable antivirus/firewall if sharing doesn’t work.
• Check IP addresses: both should start with the same subnet (e.g., 192.168.1.x).

💡 Bonus Tip: Create a Shortcut

You can right-click the shared folder → Send to → Desktop (create shortcut) for faster access next time.

Accessing shared folders over LAN is quick and efficient.

✅ Conclusion

Now you know how to share files between two computers on your LAN network easily. This method is perfect for local backups, gaming setups, or quick file transfers without relying on cloud storage.

Written by Computeria ITS — Practical IT tips for your everyday tech needs.

 

How to Connect a Printer via Wi-Fi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Learn how to connect any Wi-Fi printer to your home or office network in just a few minutes. This guide works for HP, Canon, Epson, and Brother printers.

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🖨️ Why Set Up a Wi-Fi Printer?

Wireless printers make life easier — no cables, no complicated setup, and the freedom to print from any device on your network. Whether you're using a laptop, smartphone, or tablet, Wi-Fi printing lets you print from anywhere in your home or office.

Step 1: Prepare the Printer

• Plug in your printer and power it on.
• On the printer’s display, open Network Settings or Wireless Setup Wizard.
• Select Wi-Fi Setup Mode (names vary by brand).

Step 2: Connect to Your Wi-Fi Network

Choose your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and enter your Wi-Fi password carefully. Wait until the printer confirms the connection.

Step 3: Add the Printer on Your Computer

For Windows:

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth & Devices → Printers & Scanners.
2. Click Add Device and wait for your printer to appear.
3. Select it and click Add.

For macOS:

1. Open System Settings → Printers & Scanners.
2. Click the + sign to add a new printer.

Step 4: Print a Test Page

Once the printer is added successfully, print a test page to ensure everything is working properly.

💡 Bonus Tip: Mobile Printing

Install the official app for your printer brand:

• HP: HP Smart
• Canon: Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY
• Epson: Epson iPrint
• Brother: iPrint&Scan

These apps allow direct printing from Android or iOS devices over Wi-Fi.

✅ Conclusion

Setting up a Wi-Fi printer takes just a few minutes, and once done, you’ll enjoy cable-free printing from all your devices. If your printer won’t connect, make sure both the printer and the computer are on the same Wi-Fi network — and restart your router if necessary.

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Author: Computeria ITS – Smart Tech Tips & DIY Solutions

Tags: printer, Wi-Fi, setup, tutorial, computer networking

See also:

How to Protect Your Home Wi-Fi Network from Unwanted Users

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🔒 How to Protect Your Home Wi-Fi Network from Unwanted Users

Having a fast Wi-Fi connection is great — until you realize someone else might be using it without your permission.
Unknown devices not only slow down your internet speed but also put your privacy and data at risk.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to secure your home Wi-Fi network, step by step, like a professional network technician.

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📶 1. Change the Default Router Password

When you first install a router, it comes with a default username and password like admin / admin or user / 1234.
Hackers (and even your neighbors) know these combinations by heart.

✅ What to do:

• Log in to your router settings (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).

• Go to Administration → Password.

• Set a strong password: at least 12 characters, mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.

Tip: Avoid using your name, street, or phone number — these are easy to guess.

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🔐 2. Use WPA3 (or WPA2) Encryption

Your Wi-Fi encryption defines how data travels between devices and the router.
Old standards like WEP or WPA can be cracked in minutes.

✅ What to do:

• In router settings, open Wireless Security.

• Choose WPA2-Personal or WPA3-Personal (if available).

• Set a new Wi-Fi password that’s different from the router admin password.

Good example:

MyNet_2025_Secure!

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📡 3. Hide Your Wi-Fi Network (SSID)

By default, your router broadcasts its network name (SSID) to everyone nearby.
You can make your network invisible to strangers.

✅ What to do:

• Go to Wireless Settings → SSID Broadcast.

• Disable the option “Broadcast SSID.”

• Manually connect your devices by entering the SSID and password once.

Even though advanced users can still detect hidden networks, this step keeps casual intruders away.

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👥 4. Limit Connected Devices and Use MAC Filtering

Every device (phone, laptop, TV) has a unique identifier called a MAC address.
You can create a list of devices that are allowed to connect — and block all others.

✅ What to do:

• In router settings, find MAC Filtering / Access Control.

• Enable “Allow only listed devices” mode.

• Add the MAC addresses of your trusted devices.

This is especially useful if you suspect someone has already connected to your Wi-Fi.

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⚙️ 5. Update Router Firmware Regularly

Router manufacturers often release firmware updates that fix security vulnerabilities.
Outdated firmware is like leaving your front door unlocked.

✅ What to do:

• Check for updates in Administration → Firmware Update.

• Download from the official router brand website only.

• Reboot the router after update.

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🌐 6. Use a Guest Network

If visitors or friends often use your Wi-Fi, it’s safer to create a guest network.
That way, your personal devices remain isolated from theirs.

✅ What to do:

• In settings, enable Guest Network.

• Set a different password.

• Disable access to local network resources.

Your guests can browse the web, but can’t access your computers or files.

🧠 7. Detect and Remove Unknown Devices

Sometimes the best way to stay secure is to check who’s connected.

Use free apps like:

• Fing (Android/iOS)

• Advanced IP Scanner (Windows)

• Who’s on My Wi-Fi (Windows/macOS)

If you spot an unknown device:

1. Change your Wi-Fi password immediately.

2. Reboot the router.

3. Enable MAC filtering (as in Step 4).

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🔥 8. Bonus: Turn Off WPS and Remote Management

• WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) lets you connect by pressing a button — but it’s also easily exploited.

• Remote Management allows access to your router from the internet — disable it unless you really need it.

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✅ Final Thoughts

A secure home Wi-Fi network means:

• Faster internet (no freeloaders!)

• Safer personal data

• Peace of mind

These steps take less than 30 minutes and make your network almost bulletproof.
Remember — your router is the digital front door of your home. Keep it locked.

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Typical problems with internet router and how to solve it!