How to share files between two Windows PCs?

This article will teach you how to enable file sharing between two Windows computers on a LAN network. This connection will be made using a crossover Ethernet cable via the RJ45 ports.

How connect two Windows computers via LAN?

The setup process for establishing a LAN connection is nearly identical for both users, but for clarity's sake, we have broken it down by user.

User 1

User 1 will begin this process by heading to My Computer and clicking on Properties > Computer Name.
Change Computer name to A and the Workgroup name to ABC. Click on OK to save the changes.
Next, open the Control Panel and head to Network Connections. Right-click on the LAN connection and select Properties, followed by Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) > Properties.
Enter the following number into the field marked IP Address:

192.168.0.1

Next, enter the following into the field labeled Subnet Mask:

255.255.255.0

All other fields should be left blank. Click on OK to save changes.

User 2

Once complete, User 2 should open My Computer and head to Properties > Computer Name.
Change Computer name to B and Workgroup name to ABC. Click OK to save changes.
Next, go to Control Panel > Network Connections. Right-click on the LAN connection and select Properties, followed by Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) > Properties.
Enter the following number into the field marked IP Address:

192.168.0.2

Next, enter the following into the field labeled Subnet Mask:

255.255.255.0

All other fields should be left blank. Click OK to save changes.

How to establish the network connection?

Once the connections and settings have been properly saved, both PCs should be connected by local network (this may require you to restart both computers). Check to see if the connection has been established by pinging each PC.

User 1 can ping User 2 by heading to Start > Run > CMD > ping 192.168.0.2.

User 2 can ping User 1 by heading to Start > Run > CMD > ping 192.168.0.1.

This local connection can now be used to play multiplayer games, or to share files. You can also map a drive on another computer to a local drive by heading to My Computer > Tools > Map Network Drive and selecting the drive letter and network path of the shared folder.

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