Make a network connection between two computers

How to Connect Two Computers and Share Files Using a LAN Cable

To set up a network connection between two computers using a LAN cable and share files, follow these steps:

Step 1: Connect the Computers

1. Connect the LAN Cable: Plug one end of the LAN cable into the Ethernet port of the first computer (System 1) and the other end into the Ethernet port of the second computer (System 2).

Step 2: Configure Network Sharing on System 1

1. Open Network Sharing Center:

   • Go to the Control Panel on System 1.
   • Click on Network and Sharing Center.

2. Change Advanced Sharing Settings:

   • Click on Change advanced sharing settings.
   • Expand the All Networks section.
   • Turn on Network Discovery and File and Printer Sharing.
   • Select Turn on password protected sharing to secure access.
   • Click Save changes.

3. Configure IP Address:

   • Right-click on the Ethernet icon in the system tray and select Open Network & Internet settings.
   • Click on Change adapter options.
   • Right-click on the Ethernet connection and select Properties.
   • Click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and then Properties.
   • Select Use the following IP address and enter:
     • IP Address: 192.168.1.1
     • Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
     • Default Gateway: Leave this blank.
   • Select Use the following DNS server addresses and enter:
     • Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
   • Click OK to save the settings.

Step 3: Configure Network Sharing on System 2

1. Open Network Sharing Center:

   • Go to the Control Panel on System 2.
   • Click on Network and Sharing Center.

2. Change Advanced Sharing Settings:

   • Click on Change advanced sharing settings.
   • Expand the All Networks section.
   • Turn on Network Discovery and File and Printer Sharing.
   • Select Turn on password protected sharing to secure access.
   • Click Save changes.

3. Configure IP Address:

   • Right-click on the Ethernet icon in the system tray and select Open Network & Internet settings.
   • Click on Change adapter options.
   • Right-click on the Ethernet connection and select Properties.
   • Click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and then Properties.
   • Select Use the following IP address and enter:
     • IP Address: 192.168.1.2
     • Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
     • Default Gateway: 192.168.1.1
   • Select Use the following DNS server addresses and enter:
     • Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
   • Click OK to save the settings.

Step 4: Verify the Connection

1. Check Network Connection:
   • On either computer, open File Explorer and click on Network in the left sidebar.
   • Right-click on the computer icon and select Refresh to see if the other computer appears in the network list.

Step 5: Share Files Between Computers

1. Set Up File Sharing:

   • Right-click on the folder or file you want to share.
   • Select Share with and then Specific people.
   • Choose Everyone to allow access or specify users.
   • Click Share.

2. Access Shared Files:

   • On the other computer, navigate to File Explorer > Network to view and access shared files.