Setting Up a Wireless Computer-to-Computer Network on Windows 7

Using the Ad-hoc feature in Windows 7/8 we show how you can set up a quick network connection between two PCs through WiFi

Sometimes we need to create a wireless network between two laptops or computers without a LAN cable. Here we can use the Ad-hoc option in window 7 and 8 to transfer files. But before following any of these steps, make sure the wireless is turned-on on the computers between which you are about to create the ad-hoc network.

Step 1: Creating the Ad-hoc Wireless Network

First, open the Network and Sharing Center. Click on ‘Set up a new connection or network’.

Step 2: The ‘Set Up a Connection or Network’ wizard will now start. From the list of choices, select ‘Set up a wireless ad hoc (computer-to-computer) network’, and click on Next.

Step 3: Now it is time to set up the network. First, type the network name and then select the security type you want to use. For more security, I recommend you choose WPA2-Personal. It provides better encryption and it is much harder to crack than WEP. Then, type the password you want to use and, in case you want to use this network on other occasions, check the box that says ‘Save this network’. When done, click Next.

Step 4: The wizard will now create the network. This activity should take no more than a few seconds. When finished, you will receive a notification that the network has been created and it is ready to use. Make sure you don’t forget the password and then click on Close.

Step5: Your laptop will now broadcast this newly created network and it will wait for other computers

to connect.

Step 6: Connecting Other Computers to the Network

Now it is time to connect other computers to this network. On the client computer, click the network icon from the notification area and you will see the list of available networks. Select the ad hoc network which you just created and click on Connect.

Step7: You will be asked to type the password. When done, click on OK. Windows 7 will now take a few seconds to connect to the network. When done you can now start using the network.

Step8: Sharing Files & Folders on the Network

After setting up an ad hoc computer-to-computer network and connecting all client computers, one would assume that features such as file sharing, networking discovery, etc. will be working and you would be able to start sharing the content you need. You can map any drive or share any folder over this network and those clients which are connected to this network can easily access that information.