Connecting two computers or laptops using an Ethernet/LAN cable is a reliable way to share files directly between them without needing an internet connection. This method is often faster and more secure than using Wi-Fi. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you set up the connection on Windows 11/10.
What You Need
1. Ethernet/LAN Cable: A standard Cat5e or Cat6 cable is sufficient.
2. Two Computers/Laptops: Both should have Ethernet ports or USB-to-Ethernet adapters.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Connect the Computers
1. Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port of the first computer.
2. Plug the other end of the Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port of the second computer.
Step 2: Configure Network Settings
On Windows 11/10 Computer 1:
1. Press `Win + I` to open the Settings app.
2. Go to Network & Internet.
3. Click on Ethernet on the left pane.
4. Click on Change adapter options.
5. Right-click on the Ethernet connection and select Properties.
6. Double-click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
7. Select Use the following IP address and enter:
– IP address: `192.168.1.1`
– Subnet mask: `255.255.255.0`
– Leave the Default gateway blank.
8. Click OK and then Close.
On Windows 11/10 Computer 2:
1. Follow the same steps as for Computer 1 up to the Ethernet properties.
2. Double-click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
3. Select Use the following IP address and enter:
– IP address: `192.168.1.2`
– Subnet mask: `255.255.255.0`
– Leave the Default gateway blank.
4. Click OK and then Close.
Step 3: Enable File Sharing
On Both Computers:
1. Press `Win + I` to open the Settings app.
2. Go to Network & Internet.
3. Click on Status on the left pane.
4. Click on Sharing options.
5. Under Private, select Turn on network discovery and Turn on file and printer sharing.
6. Under All Networks, select Turn off password protected sharing.
Step 4: Share Files
On Computer 1:
1. Right-click on the folder you want to share and select Properties.
2. Go to the Sharing tab.
3. Click on Share.
4. Select Everyone from the drop-down menu and click Add.
5. Set the permission level to Read/Write.
6. Click Share and then Done.
On Computer 2:
1. Open File Explorer.
2. Go to Network on the left pane.
3. You should see the other computer listed. Double-click on it.
4. You can now access the shared folder.
FAQs about Connect
Q1: What if I don’t see the other computer in the Network section?
Ensure both computers are on the same network and have network discovery turned on. Restarting the computers can also help.
Q2: Can I share files without disabling password-protected sharing?
Yes, but you’ll need to ensure the same user accounts with the same passwords exist on both computers.
Q3: Is there a speed difference between using Wi-Fi and Ethernet for file sharing?
Yes, Ethernet generally offers faster and more stable speeds compared to Wi-Fi.
Q4: Can I connect more than two computers using this method?
No, for more than two computers, you’ll need a network switch or router.
Q5: Is this method secure?
This method is secure for local file sharing as long as you keep the Ethernet cable connected only when necessary.
Conclusion
Connecting two computers using an Ethernet cable for file sharing is a straightforward process that offers high-speed data transfer. By following the steps above, you can easily set up and start sharing files between Windows 11/10 computers.
