If you use multiple computers in a private or work environment, you will benefit from a local Windows 11 network. It connects PCs and laptops, simplifies file sharing, and helps you collaborate on documents.
There are various ways to work together on a Windows 11-based network.The easiest way is to create a shared workgroup, a kind of team of computers with equal rights. In a workgroup in Windows 11, member devices are connected so that computers on the network can see each other. This is done for file and printer sharing, which allows computers in a workgroup to share Office documents, images, music, videos, and so on at the file level. To make basic settings and set up a workgroup in Windows 11, follow these instructions. After setting up a workgroup network, use network shares to share individual documents or entire folders on your hard drive with other computers on the network.
Connecting Windows 11 to the network
Windows 11’s workgroup-based network requires all desktops and laptops to be connected to each other. To do this, simply connect your computers to a WLAN router, either via an Ethernet cable or over a wireless WLAN network. The router physically connects the computers and printers connected to it so that they can communicate with each other. To do this, the DHCP server in the router, which is active by default, assigns unique IP addresses to individual devices. After that, data packets are transferred between computers, and you don’t have to worry about addressing and routing them.
Modern WLAN routers automatically perform all necessary actions by default. So make sure that your computer and all other computers designed to work on the network are connected to the router. After that, follow these steps in Windows 11.
Check your network profile
For a private network, the network profile type “Private” must be selected in the workgroup in Windows 11. This ensures that your computer can be seen by other computers as well. To check and, if necessary, change the profile type, in the Settings app, click on “Network and Internet” and your network connection – “Ethernet” or ” WLAN”. Make sure that the “Private” option is selected in the “Network Profile Type” section and close the window.
Activate network functions
The next step is to activate “File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks” on your PC or laptop. To do this, open the “Settings” app and click on “Network and Internet” on the left. Click on “Advanced Network Settings”, and then on the” Other Adapter Settings “tab, click”Edit”. Windows 11 opens a new window with the icon of your network connection. It is labeled as “Ethernet” or similar for a wired network connection, or “Wi-Fi” for a wireless network connection. Now in Windows 11, a window with numerous settings will appear. Make sure that the “File and Printer sharing for Microsoft Networks” option is checked. Confirm ” OK ” and close the connection window.
An alternative way to enable “File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks” is through the search function: Click on the Windows button and type “Control Panel”. Click on the Control Panel app. Click Network and Internet > View Network Status and Tasks > Change Adapter Settings. The network connection icon will now appear in Windows 11. Right-click it and select Properties to make sure that File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks is checked.
Configuring the computer name
Windows 11 uses the computer name to uniquely identify the computer on the network. We recommend that you use the most meaningful computer name possible so that you can easily recognize and assign it to the system. The Settings app in Windows 11 displays the current computer name at the top of the start page. If you want to change the name, click Rename.
After that, Windows 11 will open a new window. Enter the appropriate name in the empty input field. It can only contain letters, numbers, and hyphens. Confirm the selection with the “Next” button and restart your computer.
First aid if computers can’t find each other over the network
If File Explorer in Windows 11 doesn’t show any computers on the network other than your own, the following checklist will help you troubleshoot and resolve the issue.
- Network Profile : In the Settings app, under Network and Internet, check whether your computer uses the Public Network (recommended) network profile. If yes, switch to the “Private Network” profile.
- Router Settings : In the work menu of your Wi-Fi router, find the security setting that can block communication between devices.
- Not connected to the guest network : sure that your computer is not connected to the router via guest Wi-Fi access. Access to other computers on the network via guest Wi-Fi is prohibited for security reasons.
- Different workgroups : Only if the workgroup installed in Windows 11 on all computers on the local network matches, Explorer will display the connected computers in the Network section.
- Firewall blocks network access : The profile “Private” sets special rights in the Windows Firewall that allow access to the computer from outside. If you are using other security software that includes a firewall, you must configure the appropriate exception in it.
- Check the advanced sharing settings : In the Control Panel, go to Network and Internet > View Network Status and Tasks > Change Advanced Sharing Settings. Make sure that the “Enable file and printer sharing” option is enabled in the “Private” section.
