To transfer a large amount of data from a desktop computer to a laptop, you do not need to buy an external hard drive or an expensive terabyte flash drive.
But connecting a laptop to a computer via USB as a tablet or smartphone (which I wrote about in) will also fail. You need to set up and configure a network between devices. A PC and a laptop combined into one home network open up a lot of opportunities for group use of devices - this is a network game mode, this is a multiplayer work with programs, it is a fast and convenient file exchange. At the same time, unlike the connection of mobile devices, such a connection is equally functional for both wired and wireless connections.
Connecting a laptop via a network cable
The easiest way to connect your PC and laptop into a single network is through a network port. An RJ 45 LAN port is found in all PCs and laptops - both older and newer models. The devices are connected with a twisted-pair network cable, which can be purchased (already crimped) at any computer store or from a provider. Don't make a mistake with the footage - it's better to buy more meters of cable than to embarrass yourself later.
Connect the cable to the network ports of the PC and laptop, then proceed with the network settings using standard Windows tools. To transfer files over the network, open the network share to those folders that will be available to one and the other device.
Wireless connection using Wi-Fi
To establish a direct connection between a PC and a laptop via Wi-Fi, of course, these modules must be present on both devices. Such is available in almost all modern laptops, monoblocks, as well as in "advanced" assemblies of the system unit. However, even if your PC does not have built-in Wi-Fi, you can always purchase it separately as a USB or PCI adapter.
With a wireless connection, one of the devices must act as an access point, and the other will connect to this point. This type of connection is called Ad Hoc and is characterized by the fact that the wireless connection is established without the help of a router.
Activate the Wi-Fi modules on your PC and laptop, then use standard Windows tools to configure the wireless network on both devices.
If you need to connect a second monitor to a computer, but it is not available, then there is the option of using a laptop as a display for a PC. This process is carried out using only one cable and a small setting of the operating system. Let's take a closer look at this.
To complete this process, you will need a work computer with a monitor, HDMI cable, and a laptop. All settings will be done on the PC. The user only needs to perform a few simple steps:
- Take an HDMI cable, with one side plug it into the corresponding connector on your laptop.
- Connect the other side to an available HDMI port on your computer.
- If one of the devices does not have the required connector, you can use a special converter from VGA, DVI or Display Port to HDMI. More details about them are written in our article at the link below.
- Now you should start the laptop. If the image was not transferred automatically, click on Fn + F4(on some laptop models, the button for switching between monitors can be changed). If there is no picture, adjust the screens on the computer.
- To do this, open "Start" and go to "Control Panel".
- Select an option "Screen".
- Go to section "Configuring display settings".
- If the screen was not found, press the button "Find".
- In the pop-up menu "Multiple screens" select item "Expand These Screens".
Now you can use your laptop as a second monitor for your computer.
Alternative connection option
There are special programs that allow you to remotely control your computer. Using them, you can connect your laptop to your computer via the Internet without using additional cables. One of the most popular programs is TeamViewer. After installation, you only need to create an account and connect. Read more about this in our article at the link below.
In addition, there are many more programs for remote access on the Internet. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the full list of representatives of this software in the articles on the links below.
There are many ways to transfer information from computer to computer, and the use of each of them is conditioned by the conditions and capabilities of the person who needs to transport the data. In particular, in laptops, two protocols are provided specifically for the corresponding purposes: LAN and WLAN... Also modern machines have HDMI port... But can it be used to exchange information between devices, and if so, how to connect a laptop to a laptop via HDMI, more on that later.
Connecting your laptop to your laptop via HDMI is pretty simple. To do this, you need to insert the cables into the jacks, and ... And then nothing. The fact is that HDMI in laptops only works for output... That is, it can transmit data, but it is not able to receive it.
HDMI in laptops is designed to output images and sound to an external output device such as a TV. Thus, it turns out that it is pointless to connect two laptops with an HDMI cable.
How can laptops be connected to each other
But, by the way, why bother trying to use HDMI technology to exchange data between laptops, if modern devices have several other protocols that are specifically designed for this purpose.
Method 1. We use Wi-Fi
The easiest way to establish a connection between two laptops - this is to combine them into a private WiFi network... For example, in Widows 7, this is very easy. For this you need:
- Go to "Control Panel" - "Networks and Internet" - "Network and Sharing Center";
- Select "Manage wireless networks";
- Click on "Add";
- Select "Create a computer-to-computer network";
- Click "Next", enter the name of the access point, specify the encryption method and come up with a password;
- Then click "Next" - "Finish".
Then you need to change the sharing settings, for which you need to open the "Advanced sharing options" and, for example, for the "Home and work" network, put all the switches in the "Allow" position.
The created network will allow you to transfer files from laptop to laptop, use the shared Internet (if shared access is enabled), etc.
Method 2. Connect via LAN ports
Another option Is the connection of a laptop to a laptop via LAN ports... This requires a cable with appropriate inputs / outputs. To create a LAN connection you will need:
- Connect the cable to two laptops;
- Click on "WIN + R" and enter "ncpa.cpl";
- In the window that opens, right-click on "Local Area Connection";
- Select "Properties";
- In the window that appears, you need to double-click on "Internet Protocol version 4";
- In the window that appears, enter: "IP address": 192.168.1.1, "Mask": 255.255.255.0.
On the second computer, you will need to repeat these steps, only specifying other data: "IP address": 192.168.1.2, "Mask": 255.255.255.0. After that, the two computers will be united into one network, and they will be able to freely exchange information.
Method 3. We connect laptops via Bluetooth
Another option Is the connection of two laptops by Bluetooth... To establish a connection using this protocol, you will need a special program, for example, BlueSoleil. For how to set up a Bluetooth connection, see the instructions supplied with the software.
The cost of computing technology is constantly decreasing. If earlier, in order to buy components, you had to discuss your desire at a family council, taking into account the available budget, now you can increase the amount of memory or replace the video card with a more efficient model by “accidentally” going to an electronics store “just to see” what technical innovations have appeared.
The fact that every second family has a home personal computer no longer surprises anyone. Usually, with its help, schoolchildren do their homework and play computer games, and wired Internet is also connected to it. The large diagonal of the monitor screen is one of the indisputable advantages. The disadvantage of a stationary computer system is no less obvious - it is cumbersome. In addition to the fact that it is impossible to take it with you on the road, it also requires a place in the room for a special table.
In parallel with personal computers, their mobile counterparts have always existed - laptops, compact and neat. But only entrepreneurs and wealthy people could afford to buy a laptop. Recently, everything has changed: over the past few years, the price has dropped several times, so you can often find both a computer and a laptop in homes. At the same time, the question “how to connect a laptop to a computer” has acquired a special urgency. Moreover, such an opportunity is provided by the developers. Connecting a laptop to a computer allows you to quickly and easily rewrite files, play multiplayer games without a global network, organize Internet access from two computers at the same time, and much more.
There are two main ways to connect your laptop to your computer: wired and wireless. Connecting with a network cable requires Ethernet cards in a laptop and a computer, fortunately, they cost a penny and only a lazy manufacturer does not integrate them into their products. In modern models, the corresponding connectors outwardly resemble telephone, but slightly increased in size. To figure out how to connect a laptop to a computer, there is no need to read complicated instructions, because in the most common Windows operating systems, everything is simplified as much as possible.
Computer? You need to perform certain actions:
Purchase a network cable (twisted pair) of the required length with connectors installed at both ends from the nearest computer store. For the 100 Megabit standard, the length can be up to 100 m inclusive;
Install a driver for each network card;
Connect the corresponding connectors with the power cable.
To determine how to connect a laptop to a computer, you need to know for what purpose the connection is being made. In this example, we will consider a popular option with a home laptop and computer. Both on the first and on the second, it is necessary to open access to folders and files. To do this, on the desired folder (you can "share" the entire disk at once), press the right mouse button and in the options menu we allow general access. For Vista and Win 7, you will need to additionally confirm the display of folders and work with them in the Network and Sharing Center (section "Advanced settings"). In we change the name of the workgroup so that it is the same on both devices - this will simplify scanning. In the "network adapters" menu of the device manager, we set the full duplex to 100 Megabits, this will increase the reliability when connecting different standards (for example, 100 Mbps and 1 Gbps). A reboot may be required. After the operating systems are loaded, you need to wait about 20 seconds - during this time, the adapters will be automatically configured and the network will be configured. Next, open "My Computer" and click "Network" (Network Neighborhood). If everything is correct, then the available resources of both computers will be displayed. Important: sometimes antiviruses (NOD32) block the display for security purposes, in which case you should first configure them.
14.03.2015
Connecting a laptop to a stationary computer is necessary when you need to transfer a large amount of information that does not fit on a flash drive. This can be done in different ways.
The compressed network cable is twisted pair, category 5 or higher. Both ends must be equipped with 8P8C connectors. To make a connection, you need to configure a local network.
- Load the system unit and open the tab with the control panel, we will need the "Network and Sharing Management" section.
- You will need to change the adapter parameters.
- Find your new local area connection and go to settings.
- In the window that appears, click on the line "TCP / IP 4" and click on "properties".
- After this operation, the following window will open.
- Enter the following data in it:
- "IP address" - 192.168.1.1;
- "Subnet mask" - 255.255.255.0.
- Confirm your actions with the "OK" button.
The next step is to do all of the above on a laptop. If this is not done, the connection will be impossible. The settings you enter will be slightly different: in the IP address, put the last digit 2, i.e. 192.168.1.2. All other data are the same.
After the laptop is connected to the computer and the network is configured, test how it works using the PING command. To this end, in the stationary device, launch the command line through the "start" menu, and in the window that appears, type "PING" and the IP address of the second device. The confirmation of the network operation will be the replies coming from it.
How to connect a laptop to a computer via Wi-Fi
To perform this operation, you need to connect the router to the device. On both the host computer and the connecting computer, set the codes for the credentials. In addition, specify the data that will be allowed to view. To this end:
- Select one of the folders or drives;
- Click on it with the right mouse button;
- Go to "properties" and set access;
- This is followed by "advanced configuration";
- Check the line "Share this folder".
Then enter the control panel and follow this path:
- "Network and Internet";
- Network and Sharing Center;
- "View network computers and devices."
A window will appear, it will show the account information of the computer to which you will connect the laptop. Next, you should click on them and enter the password in the field that appears. You created it for the computer credentials from the beginning. Upon completion of this operation, the laptop connects to the computer.
Please note that not every router supports this function, so you need to check if your model has such an opportunity.
How to connect a laptop to a computer via a hub
You can also use network equipment to connect two devices. To do this, you need a hub that will allow you to connect not only two, but also many more devices, if the need arises. To complete the task you will need:
- Network cable;
- Plastic connectors;
- Crimping tool.
Procedure:
- Disconnect your desktop computer. Remove the case cover and insert the hub into the motherboard connector.
- Take a screwdriver and screw the hub with a screw. Close the case and turn on the device.
- After turning on, the system will detect new hardware and offer to install the appropriate drivers on it. If this does not happen, install them yourself by running the program from the Windows Control Panel.
- Insert the software disc into the drive and specify the location where the drivers will be installed. At the end of the operation, the computer can continue to work.
- The network cable can be purchased already crimped or crimped by yourself, with the presence of special tools. Insert it with one end into the hub connector and the other into the Ethernet connector of the second device. The order in which to crimp the wires is usually indicated in the instructions for the hub.
- Select the "My Computer" icon and right-click on it, open "properties". Go to the "computer name" tab and click "change". Give the device you are connecting a name and one workgroup with the host computer.
- Click on "Local Area Connection" by activating the "Properties" command. Next, "connection properties", "Internet Protocol TCP / IP" and in the required line enter the IP address of the connected device - 192.168.0.2. The subnet mask must be 255.255.255.0. We carry out the same operations with the first computer. Its IP address must be 192.168.0.1.
All described options apply to devices equipped with the Windows operating system. Now let's look at the features of connecting OS X.
Apple products differ not only in software, but also in the mechanical design of technology. Other connector types are available. This creates a certain inconvenience for consumers who have several computers from different manufacturers.
Macs can only be connected over Wi-Fi. In the basic configuration, they are not equipped with a socket to which a network cable is connected. In principle, it is possible to purchase additional equipment through the Apple Store, but this is advisable only if the network will consist of more than 4 computers, and the Internet speed will be very low. In any other situation, it is enough to use a Wi-Fi connection.
There are two possibilities for this:
- Use a standard router;
- Use an AirPort adapter.
If all your devices are from Apple, then you can configure the network through a regular router. For devices from different manufacturers, it is best to use AirPort. This station automatically performs all the settings and completely eliminates the possibility of an IP address conflict.
Now let's take a look at the procedure that is required to create a wireless connection:
- Take an Ethernet cable and plug it into a port on your router or AirPort.
- AirPort creates all the settings automatically, in the case of a router, use the instructions above.
- Reboot the equipment by holding down the "Reset" button for 10 seconds, or at the same time pull out the power cable.
- Wait for the device to turn on.
Next, we connect to the network from the computer:
- Find the Wi-Fi network icon.
- Click on it with your mouse.
- If the network is protected by a password, enter it.
- Check the "Connect automatically" checkbox.
That's it, now you can go online. Use iCloud to share files.
Windows 8 computers connect to a Wi-Fi network in exactly the same way. For older operating systems, you need:
- Open the control panel;
- Select "Network and Internet" or "Network and Sharing Management";
- Find the "Available wireless networks" tab;
- Click on it two;
- Select your network from the list and connect.
As you can see from the above, the process is not complicated and does not require any special skills. In principle, only two problems are possible:
- Devices cannot see each other;
- No internet access.
In the first case, there is clearly a conflict of IP addresses, in the second - most likely, they forgot to add the function "Share the Internet".
