Looking for step-by-step instructions to network 2 HP laptops with Windows 11

gfr92y · Jul 11, 2025

I used to be a very competent PC user, but today I can't even network my wife's new Windows 11 HP laptop and my 3-year old Windows 11 HP laptop.

I cannot believe I can't figure this out!

I hope a number of helpful members will point me in the direction of 3-4 comprehensive step-by-step instructions that start with the most trivial but key settings and deliver me to a successful outcome.

Heartfelt thanks to everyone who tried to help me.

Thank you for considering my desperate cry for help.

gfr92y

antspants · Jul 11, 2025

You haven’t listed your Wifes laptop and OS build. Yes it’s 11 Home but what build? Press Win key + S type “winver” press enter.
You haven’t given any indication of what you have tried and where it went wrong.
You can’t really expect people to compact a (now somewhat) complicated process into 4 steps. At least not unless you advise us on (2) and we can see an obvious place it fell over for you. It actually could be simple (hopefully ) if we know that.

See Computers on Network in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to see the computers you want on your network in Windows 11. When computers on the same network and workgroup are discoverable, you can see them in File Explorer > Network. This allows you to share what you want among the devices connected to the network...

www.elevenforum.com

antspants · Jul 11, 2025

Are you both on Local Accounts or are you both using Microsoft Accounts?

gfr92y · Jul 11, 2025

Antspants,

I apologize for not explaining myself better!

I was not expecting anyone to create something new. I was hoping for some step-by-step instructions that already existed and I suspect the tutorial you provided is just that. I am going to check that out and give it a try and if I run into any problems, I will come back here, provide both versions and builds, described what I tried, and the results of my efforts including what went wrong.

Thanks for your reply. I already feel like I am finally making some progress.

gfr92y

You haven’t listed your Wifes laptop and OS build. Yes it’s 11 Home but what build? Press Win key + S type “winver” press enter.

You haven’t given any indication of what you have tried and where it went wrong.

You can’t really expect people to compact a (now somewhat) complicated process into 4 steps. At least not unless you advise us on (2) and we can see an obvious place it fell over for you. It actually could be simple (hopefully ) if we know that.

See Computers on Network in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to see the computers you want on your network in Windows 11. When computers on the same network and workgroup are discoverable, you can see them in File Explorer > Network. This allows you to share what you want among the devices connected to the network...

www.elevenforum.com

antspants · Jul 11, 2025

gfr92y said:
I apologize for not explaining myself better!

That’s fine. I am no networking genius but I do have an idea of some of the basic stuff other members will want to know.
When my son was younger I was his teams Soccer (Football) coach. This is called an “assist”

I’m rooting for you

antspants · Jul 12, 2025

Have you tried a simple method?

Open File Explorer (Win + E)
In the address bar, type: \\computername (The name of the computer you’re connecting to e.g., \\Office-PC or \\wifes-PC)
Press Enter
You should be asked for credentials (Username/Password for the other laptop)
Enter them and connect.

If you’re not sure what the other computer name is.
On your wifes laptop
Open a command prompt
Type: hostname press enter
It’s also listed somewhere in the Settings, I believe in “System” I am not currently at my PC

If that works, you can create a desktop shortcut to \\computername

Right-click on your Desktop
Choose New → Shortcut
In the location field, type: \\computername (The other computername)
Click Next
Name your shortcut (e.g., Office PC)
Click Finish

gfr92y · Jul 12, 2025

antspants said:
Are you both on Local Accounts or are you both using Microsoft Accounts?

My wife's account and my account on both laptops are Microsoft Accounts and both are Windows 11 Home OS Build 26100.4652

gfr92y · Jul 12, 2025

antspants said:
Have you tried a simple method?

Open File Explorer (Win + E)

In the address bar, type: \\computername (The name of the computer you’re connecting to e.g., \\Office-PC or \\wifes-PC)

Press Enter

You should be asked for credentials (Username/Password for the other laptop)

Enter them and connect.

I am on her laptop and signed on to my account, and I can see MYHP under Network.

However, I tried my username and PIN for MYHP and I got the error message "Username or password are incorrect".

How can I find my credentials for MYHP?

Thanks for all your help!

gfr92y

antspants · Jul 12, 2025

I am not 100% sure how to access \\computername with a pin.

If I recall when helping someone else, you may have to disable Windows Hello (Pin) so that you can use your Microsoft Password for the first connection and make sure you save the credentials if possible..
If you can’t remember your Microsoft password, perhaps a reset of your password?

Reset Password for Account in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to reset the password of a local account and Microsoft account in Windows 11. If you forgot or lost your account password for Windows 11, you may be able to change or reset it. References: Change or reset your Windows password Reset your Windows local account...

www.elevenforum.com

antspants · Jul 12, 2025

Have you tried Remote Desktop?

All editions of Windows 11 (including Home) come with the Remote Desktop Client pre-installed or available from the Microsoft Store. This allows you to connect to another PC, but not host remote desktop sessions.

App name: Remote Desktop
You can use it to connect to another PC (e.g., a work PC or server).

antspants · Jul 12, 2025

Windows (Home included) also comes with Quick Assist (or from the Microsoft Store)

Click Start, then select All Apps > Quick Assist
Help someone (to generate a 6-digit code you'll share)
Get help (to enter an assistance code from someone helping you)
The helper must sign in with a Microsoft account; the person being helped does not need one

I use it to help members locally or overseas. It enables you to control their PC remotely. It’s a free version of something like TeamViewer, AnyDesk, and Chrome Remote Desktop.
But Microsoft Quick Assist is limited, where as (I’ve never tried) I don’t think you can trade files like a Remote Desktop app or \\computername connection, which gives you access to shared folders for down/upload.

gfr92y · Jul 12, 2025

antspants said:
Have you tried Remote Desktop?

All editions of Windows 11 (including Home) come with the Remote Desktop Client pre-installed or available from the Microsoft Store. This allows you to connect to another PC, but not host remote desktop sessions.

App name: Remote Desktop

You can use it to connect to another PC (e.g., a work PC or server).

Great idea, but we need to be able to use Windows Explorer and open files from software running on the user's computer.

gfr92y · Jul 12, 2025

The problem is my wife and I are on a Work/Organization Account for which I am the administrator

Our Microsoft Accounts use our Work/Organization email address; i.e., [email protected].

Our domain and mail server is hosted by GoDaddy.

[email protected] + the Microsoft Account password does not work for credentials.

[email protected] + the GoDaddy Account password does not work for credentials.

Can I set up a "special purpose" set of credentials?

gfr92y

antspants · Jul 12, 2025

I am not sure, I am really sorry.

antspants · Jul 12, 2025

Credentials related to remote connection, I only know as the Microsoft Accounts user/pass

pseymour · Jul 12, 2025

Create a local account on each PC, and use that only to connect to the shares.

antspants · Jul 12, 2025

Nice ^

gfr92y said:
Great idea, but we need to be able to use Windows Explorer and open files from software running on the user's computer.

Then I don’t think \\computername is what you’re looking for. That only gives you access to shared user folders (I believe)

Windows 11 Remote Desktop allows you to access and control a Windows PC from another device over a network or the internet. It's a great tool for remote work or technical support.

Remote Access to a PC

Control your Windows 11 PC as if you're sitting in front of it.
Access files, apps, and network resources.
Useful for working from home or while traveling.
Run demanding applications (like Visual Studio, Photoshop, or AutoCAD) remotely without installing them on the client device.
Only the remote PC needs to meet the hardware/software requirements.
IT professionals can troubleshoot issues on a user's machine from anywhere.
Share clipboard contents (text, images) and transfer files between local and remote machines.
Use multiple monitors on the remote session if the client supports it.
Match or scale displays between devices.
Print documents from the remote PC using your local printer.
Access local drives from the remote desktop session and vice versa.
Uses Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) with encryption and authentication (e.g., Network Level Authentication).
Can be combined with VPN for added security.

antspants · Jul 12, 2025

Hmmmm. When looking for a link (unless it’s already on your Home version) Apparently Microsoft stopped making Remote Desktop App available in May?
The Windows app is going to or has already replaced it.
All I know about the Windows app is that it made connecting to and controlling my PC from my iPad, very easy.

Looking for step-by-step instructions to network 2 HP laptops with Windows 11

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