Do you want to create a quick network connection between two computers or laptops to share some files? Or maybe you want to share an internet connection? Windows 7 and Vista have a build-in feature to create a quick ad hoc wireless network connection, this means you can connect directly with another computer or laptop without the need of a router.
To begin, click Start and select Network. Now click on Network And Sharing Center as shown in the screenshot below. If you can’t find Network, then type Network in Start Search and hit Enter.
Now in the left sidebar, click Set Up A Connection Or Network. From the list select Set Up A Wireless Ad Hoc(Computer-To-Computer) Network option and click Next.
Click Next again and it will ask you to type a Network name and select the Security settings as shown in the screenshot below.
Make sure you select a good password, if you don’t know which security type to select, click on Help Me Choose link next to it. After you are done click Next and the Network connection will be ready.
Now in the Network And Sharing Center you can choose what to share as you can see from the screenshot below.
To Share an Internet Connection, click View Status next to the connection that you want to share. Now click on Properties button which you will find under Activity.
Click on the Sharing tab and tick the checkbox where it says Allow Other Network Computers To Connect Through This Computer’s Internet Connection. Under Home Networking Connection select Wireless network Connection and click OK.
Now your connection is ready to to shared. To enable the wireless network connection you just made, go to Start and click Connect To.
You will see your wireless connection listed there. Select your connection and click Connect.
You will see a success message as shown below.
You will see your connection listed under Wireless Network Connection on the other computer. Simply connect from there and you are done sharing the internet connection.
Note: To connect successfully make sure the wireless hardware is enabled on both computers or laptops.
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20 Comments
I have a problem with the picture #2, that’s I can’t see the option to chose “create ad hoc connection”. there are only: connect to the Internet, setup wireless, manual, dial-up … What is the problem ?, some parts is not installed? My OS is Vista Business. I could connect to the Internet normally (either by broadband or wireless).
Please help me. Thanks you so much.
Email: miranamoonshade@yahoo.com
Hmmm I wonder what your problem could be, I am using Vista Ultimate and the option is showing. Maybe it is restricted to Ultimate only.
I have the same problem. Using Windows Vista Home Premium and cannot see the “ad hoc” selection. HELP!
I think the option is there, you will have to scroll down to find it.
If you still cannot see this option, it could be because you don’t have wireless driver installed properly. Try updating your wireless card driver, and keep your vista up-to-date by using the Windows Update.
Let me know if the problem still persist.
i hv windows vista starter. it doesn’t have the option for ‘set up a wireless ad-hoc’. what should i do?
I have vista on two laptops and it connected and share the internet connection but when we wanted it the next day it only connects the computers but not the shareing of internet connection.
You will have to go to Internet Connection Properties and enable the Connection to be shared in a network.
both mine are running vista ultimate, they are connected to the network. But the internet doesnt seem to be sharing properly. I can connect to the net on this comp but the other 1 cant. Ive enabled sharing in the options and stuff. and on the other comp it says connected with limited connectivity.
I’ve set up a network between two laptops both having Vista and do not want to connect to the internet. How can I share files in this capacity? Each laptop shows correctly as shared and I can share a document on each side, but can’t get to the other laptop’s document to view.
Do I have to be on the internet in order to share? I thought I could network two computers this way. They are less than 300 feet from each other at all times.
Hi there,
I have two laptops, one is with Vista and other running with XP. Can I make any ad-hoc connection with them for sharing Internet? I am little worried. can you please help me…
Thank you:)
You can have an Ad-hoc network with one on Vista and one of XP, I have this working right now. However, while I can share files and printers, I cannot get it to share an internet connection?
Try these apps:
http://www.addictivetips.com/windows-tips/conne...
and…
http://www.addictivetips.com/windows-tips/share...
You can have an Ad-hoc network with one on Vista and one of XP, I have this working right now. However, while I can share files and printers, I cannot get it to share an internet connection?
Try these apps:
http://www.addictivetips.com/windows-tips/conne...
and…
http://www.addictivetips.com/windows-tips/share...
You can have an Ad-hoc network with one on Vista and one of XP, I have this working right now. However, while I can share files and printers, I cannot get it to share an internet connection?
Try these apps:
http://www.addictivetips.com/windows-tips/conne...
and…
http://www.addictivetips.com/windows-tips/share...
Mission impossible as above, instructions are wrong !!!
It is very easy however every time you want to connect another pc to the network, (internet) for sharing ad hoc in Windows vista or 7 it means a new connection and causes problems if you have an active firewall.
Another minus for windows.Sharing is caring !!!
Hi guys,
I have the following issue. I connect my two laptops via ad-hoc network. Everything is OK. I share my internet trough ICS. I have on both of laptops Internet and I can surf all over the Internet. Then suddenly (after not more than 2min) the laptop which is connected to the ad-hoc network, but without the LAN cable for internet, is losing connection first with internet then disconnect from the ad-hoc network unexpectedly. If some has solution for this issue I will be very appreciate.
Thanks, in advanced.
I have yow lap tops that I want to connect. The one lap top has vista premium and the other windows 7 home premium. I did all the steps shown above an it’s connected but it’s saying there is no network acess. I’ve tried diagnosing the problem but there’s no network acess. Please help!!!
Hey i tried this and it keeps switching on and off. I think it might be because one of the pc’s im trying to connect is on windows 7 basic and the other professional. would this make a difference?
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