How to Network Two Computers

Network two computers to share resources.

The typical way to network two computers is to create a network using a router. However, if you do not have a router but you still want to network your computers, you can use the Windows Ad Hoc (computer-to-computer) network utility. The Ad Hoc utility enables you to create a network between the two computers that you can use to share resources, such as a printer. To use the utility both computers must have a wireless adapter.

Instructions

Create the Network

1. Click "Start" on the first computer and select "Control Panel."

2. Click "Network and Internet" and select "Network and Sharing Center."

3. Click "Set Up a New Connection or Network." The Set Up a Connection or Network window opens.

4. Click "Set Up a Wireless Ad Hoc (Computer-to-Computer) Network" and click "Next."

5. Click "Next" and enter a name for the network in the "Network Name" box. Select the type of security that you want to use from the drop-down "Security Type" box.

6. Enter a password for the network in the "Security Key" box, and then click the "Save this Network" check box. Click "Next" and the wizard automatically creates the network. Click the "Close" button when the network is ready. The first laptop broadcasts the new network.

Connect the Two Computers

1. Click the "Network" icon in the notification area of the system tray on the second computer.

2. Select the Ad Hoc network from the list of available networks.

3. Click the "Connect" button and enter the password for the network in the "Security Key" box.

4. Click "OK." Windows connects the second computer to the network.

References

• Microsoft Windows: Set Up a Computer-to-Computer (Ad Hoc) Network
• Microsoft Windows: View and Conect to Available Wireless Networks