How to Connect Two Laptops via Local Area Network (LAN)

Get a crossover Ethernet cable. This type of Ethernet cable is used to connect two computers directly. If one of the devices is older, you’ll need a crossover cable, as a regular Ethernet cable will not work with older machines. There is no visible difference between the two types. To ensure you get the right one, ask a store assistant to help you find a crossover cable.

Plug both ends of the cable into the network ports of the two laptops. The network port is where you connect the Ethernet cable to the computer. You'll hear a clicking sound when the cable is successfully plugged into the port.

• Note that some newer laptops lack a network port. Certain laptop manufacturers have removed them to make the devices lighter and thinner. If that's the case, proceed to the next method for wireless connection.

On both computers, navigate to the Control Panel. Depending on the version of Windows you're using, the Control Panel will be located in different places.

• Windows 8: Press the Windows button (the Start button) on the left side of the Alt key. Then, type 'Control Panel.' Click on the icon when it appears below the text box.
• Windows 7, Vista, and XP: Press the Windows button (the Start button) on the left side of the Alt key. Then, type 'Control Panel.' Click on the icon when it appears above the text box. You can also open the Start menu by clicking the icon in the bottom-left corner of the screen.

Ensure both laptops are connected to the same network and workgroup. In the Control Panel of both computers, search for 'System' in the search box at the top-right corner of the window. Click on the 'System' title. Information about the computer, such as Manufacturer, Model, etc., will appear.

• Scroll to 'Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings.' Click on 'change settings' in that section. A new window, 'System Properties,' will appear. In this window, click the 'Change' button at the bottom.
• Enter the same workgroup name on both laptops. The name doesn't matter, as long as it's the same on both devices.

For Windows 8 Users: Again, in the Control Panel, find and click 'Network and Sharing Center.' This section contains all the options related to adjusting your network connection.

• The easiest way to find it is by typing it in the search box at the top-right corner of the Control Panel window.
• In 'Network and Sharing Center,' click 'Change Adapter Settings' on the left side of the window.

For Windows 7, Vista, and XP Users: Directly open 'Network Settings' from the Control Panel. Find it in the search box at the top-right corner of the window.

Right-click on the Local Area Connection option in the 'Network Connections' window and select 'Properties'.

Under 'This connection uses the following items', locate and click on 'Internet Protocol (TCP/I4)'. Then, click 'Properties'.

In the new window, click on the 'Use the following IP address' option. This option allows you to manually enter the address. Enter the following values for each computer:

• Computer 1
  • IP Address: 192.168.0.1
  • Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
  • Default Gateway: Leave blank
• Computer 2
  • IP Address: 192.168.0.2
  • Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
  • Default Gateway: Leave blank

Click 'OK' to apply the changes. At this point, you can share files between the two computers via the connected LAN cable. You might need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

On both computers, navigate to the Control Panel. Depending on the version of Windows being used, the Control Panel may be located in different places.

• Windows 8: Click the Windows button (Start button) located to the left of the Alt key. Then, type 'Control Panel'. Click on the icon when it appears under the text field.
• Windows 7, Vista, and XP: Click the Windows button (Start button) located to the left of the Alt key. Then, type 'Control Panel'. Click the icon when it appears above the text field. You can also open the Start menu by clicking the icon at the bottom left corner of the screen.

In the search box at the top right of the window, search for 'HomeGroup'. Click on the HomeGroup option that appears after the search is completed.

In the HomeGroup window, click the 'Create a homegroup' button located at the bottom right of the window.

• Note that this button will only be enabled if you're not already in a HomeGroup. If you are, you will need to leave your current HomeGroup first.

Click 'Next' on the first screen of the new window that appears. The first screen will explain what a HomeGroup does.

Select the types of files you want to share with other computers. You can choose from folders/libraries such as Pictures, Documents, Music, Printer, and Video. Based on your needs, select or deselect the types of files that are appropriate. Then, click 'Next'.

Re-enter the password from the next screen. This is the password the other device will need to enter in order to connect to the HomeGroup. Then, click 'Finish.'

On the second computer, you will now see the newly created HomeGroup appear in the HomeGroup window. Instead of creating a new group, join the existing one and enter the password when prompted. You can now share files over the network.

Find a crossover Ethernet cable. This type of cable is used to connect two similar devices. If you're using an older Mac, you will need a crossover cable. You can either buy one online or find one at a computer store. There's no physical difference between a regular Ethernet cable and a crossover cable, so make sure you're getting the right one.

Plug the cable into the network port of both laptops. Some newer Mac models no longer have this port, so you may need an adapter to connect to the USB port.

• The cable will make a clicking sound when properly inserted.

On both computers, navigate to the Network settings panel. You will notice two dropdown menus at the top of the window, labeled 'Location' and 'Show' respectively.

In the 'Show' dropdown menu, select 'Network Port Configurations'. A list of port configurations, such as 'Internal Modem' and 'Built-in Ethernet', will appear. Make sure 'Built-in Ethernet' is selected. Click the 'Apply' button to confirm the changes.

On one computer, open the Sharing options panel. At the top of the window, you'll see the computer's name followed by a list of available services below.

• Select the checkbox next to the 'Personal File Sharing' service.
• Below the services list, you will see an address starting with 'afp'. Write down this address, as it is the one needed for the other computer to connect over LAN.

On the second computer, open the Finder window. In the top menu, select 'Go'. From the dropdown menu, choose the corresponding option. You will see the 'Connect to Server' option. You can also press ⌘K to open the 'Connect to Server' window.

Enter the 'afp' address you wrote down earlier for the other computer. A list of IP addresses will appear under 'Favorite Servers'. Find the IP address of the other machine, click on it, and then press 'Connect'.

• If you don't know the IP address, refer to the article on how to find the IP address on a Mac to locate the correct address.

After clicking connect, you will be prompted to enter your username and password. These credentials are the same ones you use to log in to your computer regularly.

You will now be asked to select a drive to mount the file. The files on the other computer are stored on different drives. You can choose to mount all drives on that computer, or if you know which drive contains the file you need, you can select that specific drive.

At this point, you can access the files on the other computer. Data can now be transferred between the two machines without the need for external devices.