Local networks are normally created by connecting computers to a router. If you have two PCs that you want to network but no router, you can connect them using an Ethernet crossover cable or establish an ad-hoc wireless network if they have Wi-Fi hardware. You can do anything you could on a normal network after hooking them up, including sharing files and printers. Some network adapters dont require crossover cables and can function with any type of Ethernet cable; check your network adapters documentation for more details.
Connect the Ethernet crossover cable to the Ethernet ports on the back of each PC. Youll find this port on the left or right side of laptops.
Click Start on one of the PCs, select Control Panel and click View Network Status and Tasks under Network and Internet.
Click Public Network under Unidentified Network and select Home or Work.
Click the Change Advanced Sharing Settings link in the sidebar and expand the Home or Work section by clicking it.
Verify Turn On Network Discovery is enabled and click Save Changes. Also select Turn On File and Printer Sharing if you want to share files and printers.
Repeat this process on the other PC to enable network discovery and file and printer sharing.
Click Start and select Control Panel on one computer.
Click View Network Status and Tasks under Network and Internet.
Click Set Up a New Connection or Network under Change Your Networking Settings.
Select the Set Up a Wireless Ad Hoc [Computer-to-Computer] option and click Next.
Type a name for your wireless network into the Network Name box.
Select a security type such as WPA2-Personal from the Security Type box.
Type a passphrase into the Security Key box. Youll need this to connect on the other PC.
Click the Save This Network check box and select Next to create the network.
Click the Network icon in the second computers system tray, select the network you created and provide its passphrase to connect.
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Writer Bio
Chris Hoffman is a technology writer and all-around tech geek who writes for PC World, MakeUseOf, and How-To Geek. He's been using Windows since Windows 3.1 was released in 1992.