Connecting two Windows 10 computers together in an ad hoc local network can be useful, it can allow you to share files or game together when you can’t trust, or don’t have a wireless network. To do so, the first step is to plug a Crossover Ethernet Cable from one device into the other. Alternatively, this can also be done with the use of a hub or router – the steps will be the same. Make sure both computers are connected to the same one, and keep in mind that the connection type will be different depending on which type of connection you are using.
Once connected you need to configure the two Ethernet adapters to be able to communicate. Open Control panel and browse to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center and then click “Change adapter settings” on the left-hand side.
Right-click on your Ethernet device and select properties. In the adapter properties, double click on “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)”.
Set the IP address to be 192.168.0.1 and the subnet mask to be 255.255.255.0 on the first device. On the second device, the IP address should be 192.168.0.2 and the subnet mask should be the same as the first host. Apply the changes by clicking ok until you’re back to the list of network adaptors.
Once both computers are connected and have IP addresses assigned. Go back to Network and Sharing Center and click on “Change advanced sharing settings” on the left-hand side. In the advanced sharing settings menu, ensure “Turn on network discovery” and “Turn on automatic setup of network-connected devices” are both enabled.
Enabling network discovery will allow the Windows 10 devices to identify each other and communicate via network protocols. If you want to connect to a game, web or FTP server this should now work.
Should you want to share files through Windows’ file-sharing features, you will need to enable “File and printer sharing” from the same menu that you enabled network discovery. You will also need to configure the files and folders to be shared.
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