How do I link 2 laptops together?

Connection and transfer of data are some of the invaluable uses of a computer. A lot of technology has arisen from this dire need. Between computers, one effective method is via the use of Ethernet or LAN cables. Here we walk you through all the steps to establish a LAN cable connection between two Windows 10 PCs for file-sharing or data transfer.

Advantages of LAN Cable Connection

One of the main advantages with connecting two Windows 10 laptops or computers is that it provides a medium to share files when you dont have access to a wireless network.

If you do not trust the available Wi-Fi network, then you can make use of a LAN cable to connect the Windows 10 PCs and share files between them. The process is simple, and you only need to connect both the PCs with LAN cable and tweak a few network settings. It is a nice way to share files locally.

Choosing Between Straight or Crossover Cables

To know which cables will get the work done, you should first determine which devices you want to connect: are they the same kind of devices (two computers, for example) or different kinds of devices (a computer to a network switch or Ethernet hub, for example).

When two like systems share files, one outputs the data while the other receives it as input. Intentionally crossed wiring in the crossover cable connects the transmit signals at one end to the receiver signals at the other end. This makes crossover cables more ideal for an Ethernet connection between similar systems, like two computers.

How to Connect Two Windows 10 PCs with a LAN Cable

With a crossover cable in hand, connect both the PCs. Once done, follow the steps below.

1. Go to Control Panel -> Network and Internet -> Network and Sharing Center -> Change Adapter Settings.

2. Click on Change Adapter Settings. This will reveal different connections. Select the appropriate connection for your LAN. Usually, but not necessarily, the connection will be called Ethernet.

3. Right-click on the connection and select Properties. The local areas connection properties window will appear.

4. Under the network tab, select Internet protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4), then click on Properties.

In the Properties menu, set the IP address and subnet masks of the first computer to:

• IP 192.168.0.1
• Subnet Mask 225.225.225.0

Repeat all the above steps for the second computer and set the IP address and subnet Mask as follows:

• IP 192.168.0.2
• Subnet Mask 225.225.225.0

Note: if you want the local network and Internet to work simultaneously, then ensure that under Adapter Settings you have de-selected IP Ver 6 for all devices. Also reset the IP Address to discover automatically.

5. After assigning the IP addresses, you need to head back to Network and Sharing Center and click on the Change advanced sharing settings option.

6. In the advanced sharing settings menu, you need to enable the Turn on network discovery and Turn on automatic setup of network-connected devices options.

You can also tick the File and printer sharing option. This would allow the other Windows 10 PC to access the files and printers shared on the network.

7. Right-click on This PC and choose Properties. Click on Change settings -> Change. This reveals a window with the name of the workgroup. The value for the workgroup name should be the same for both PCs. By default, the workgroup name will be WORKGROUP, but you can change it to any name you like.

8. Right-click on the drive you want to share. Scroll to the Give access to option and click Advanced Sharing. Under the sharing tab, click the Advanced Sharing button.

This reveals the advanced sharing window. Check the Share this folder checkbox and click Apply -> OK.

At this stage, you will have successfully connected the two Windows 10 PCs to share your drives between them.

Transferring Files

You can now transfer specific folders or files between the two connected Windows 10 PCs. To share specific folders or files from Computer A (ADMIN-HP) with Computer B, follow the steps below:

1. Right-click the desired folder or file in Computer A. Scroll to the Give access to option and click Specific People.

2. In the newly opened Network Access windows, select Everyone from the drop-down menu. Next, click Add and click Share.

3. Similarly on Computer B, you need to open This PC and click on the Network option in the left pane. Here you will see the names of connected computers, part of the network. In this case, Computer A is ADMIN-HP. Double-click on it and all files shared will be displayed. At this stage, you can use the normal copy and paste to move the desired content.

4. If you wish to copy files from Computer B to Computer A, you have to perform the same steps, but this time the steps previously performed on Computer A needs to be performed on Computer B and vice versa.

Wrapping Up

The above method will allow you to connect two Windows 10 PCs with a LAN cable to transfer files. For more sharing options, learn how to share files between Android and Windows 10 on your network.