Simple Windows 11 Networking Procedure

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Goal

Enable easy file and printer sharing between Windows 11 computers on the same local network by ensuring consistent authentication and private network settings.

Step 1. Ensure All Devices Are on the Same Network

  • Connect all Windows PCs to the same Wi-Fi or Ethernet network.
  • Verify by checking the network name:
    • Settings → Network & Internet → Status → Properties
    • Confirm that each device lists the same network name.

Step 2. Use the Same Workgroup Name

  1. Press Windows + R, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter.
  2. Go to the Computer Name tab.
  3. Click Change… under “To rename this computer or change its domain or workgroup.”
  4. Under Workgroup, enter a common name (e.g., WORKGROUP) for all machines.
  5. Click OK, and restart the computer if prompted.

Step 3. Create Identical User Accounts

  1. On each computer, go to Settings → Accounts → Family & other users.
  2. Click Add account, then I don’t have this person’s sign-in information → Add a user without a Microsoft account.
  3. Use the same username and password on all computers (e.g., OfficeUser / Password123).

Step 4. Make Each Account an Administrator

  1. Go back to Settings → Accounts → Family & other users.
  2. Select the user → Change account type.
  3. Set Account type to Administrator, then click OK.

Step 5. Set Your Network as Private

You can verify and change this using PowerShell:

  1. Open PowerShell as Administrator:
    • Press Start, type “PowerShell,” right-click it, and select Run as administrator.
  2. List all network profiles:
get-netconnectionprofile
  1. Set the network category to Private:
set-netconnectionprofile -Name "Network 5" -NetworkCategory "Private"

Step 6. Enable Network Discovery

  1. Go to Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Advanced sharing settings.
  2. Under Private (current profile):
    • Turn on Network discovery.
    • Turn on File and printer sharing.
  3. Click Save changes.

Step 7. Test Connectivity

  1. From one PC, press Windows + R, type \\ComputerName of another PC (e.g., \\OfficePC2), and press Enter.
  2. Enter the username and password you created earlier when prompted.
  3. If the connection succeeds, you can browse shared folders and printers.

✅ Summary

By:

  • Keeping all PCs on the same network and workgroup,
  • Using identical administrator accounts and passwords, and
  • Setting the network to Private with discovery enabled,

you simplify Windows 11 networking and make file sharing straightforward—without needing to manage complex domain settings.

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