How to Network Windows Computers
- 1). Connect the computers to the same local network. This usually involves connecting the systems physically to the same router or over Wi-Fi to the same wireless network. You can also link the systems using the Windows Ad Hoc network feature or using a virtual private network program such as LogMeIn Hamachi or Cisco VPN.
- 2). Open the Control Panel and click on the "Network and Sharing Center" icon. Alternately, type "Network and Sharing Center" into the search bar on the Start menu and press "Enter."
- 3). Ensure the common network is recognized as a "Home" network. If it is not, click on it and select "Home" from the list. Many networking settings only operate on networks with the "Home" or "Work" designations. Only set this network designation on secure networks that you trust, or you risk leaving the system vulnerable to attack.
- 4). Click on "Change advanced sharing settings." Change the file sharing, media streaming, public folder sharing and network discovery radio buttons to the desired settings, depending on how you wish to use the connections. The network discovery option must be kept on for most networking to operate correctly. Click "Save changes."
- 5). Click on "Homegroup" in the lower left corner of the window, and select "Create a Homegroup." Follow the instructions onscreen to name and create a new networking Homegroup. Note the password, as other users will need to enter it in order to connect. Only one machine needs to create a Homegroup, the others will see it listed as an available connection after creation. Homegroups allow advanced networking operations such as native printer and video sharing.
- 6). Click "Finish" and connect the other systems to the Homegroup by selecting it from the Homegroup window and entering the password. The settings will stay intact as long as the systems remain connected to the same network.
Source...