Can you connect a laptop to a desktop via USB

Connecting two computers allows you to transfer files between them and share an internet connection. Read this article to find out how to connect two computers using the bridging USB cable, an ethernet cable, and via WiFi.

How to connect two computers with a USB cable?

Before you start

When it comes to choosing your cable, there are various USB-to-USB options on the market. We recommend selecting the bridged cable, which is also known as a USB networking cable. This cable has an electronic circuit at its center that facilitates the connection between two PCs. For high-speed use, use a USB 2.0cable, which has a better transfer rate than a standard network connection.

The most common alternative is known as an A/A USB, which has two standard USB connectors at each end. However, this cable does not include the bridge chip, making it useless for the connection. As a matter of caution, A/A USB cables may burn the USB ports and the power supplies connected.

Connecting the computers

• These cables normally come with an installation CD or DVD containing software. Install the program on both computers.
• Insert the USB cable in both computers and launch the transfer software that you installed previously [Start > All Programs > All Apps > your program].
• Now you can browse all your files from both computers on one of them. The file manager software will be divided into two parts: local and remote. The local one displays the files you are browsing on this computer and the remote ones on another pc.
• To transfer files, simply drag and drop them from remote to local and vice versa.
• After you finish, you can remove the USB cable.

How to connect two computers with an ethernet cable?

The main difference between a USB and an ethernet cable is the speed: it is between1.5Mbps 10Gbpsfor the USBcable and between100Mbps 10Gbpsfor the ethernet cable.Also, the first one aims to allow peripherals connection [like keyboards], whereas the latter is used for networking.

• Make sure both computers support Ethernet cable.If not, you will need an external ethernet adaptor.
• Plug the to ends of the cable into the two systems.
• Open theControl Panel by clicking on theWindows button and typing Control Panel.
• Next, selectNetwork and Internet.
• ClickNetwork sharing center.
• From there, choose Change advanced sharing settings.
• Scroll down toFile and printer sharing and clickTurn on file and printer sharing.
• Confirm by selectingSave changes.
• Select the folder of your choice and choose theshare tab.Select the receive and clickDone.

How to connect two computers via WiFi?

There are different ways to connect two computers via WiFi but the easiest way is to use an already existing network.Here, we're going to see how to connect two computers within an already existing network, underWindows 10.

• PressWindows Key + Iat the same time.
• SelectSystem.
• SelectShared experiencesfrom the left.
• Scroll on the right and toggle theOn buttonunder theNearby sharing section.
• From theI can share or receive content from menubelow, selectEveryone nearby.
• Next, click on theChangebutton above to set the folder/filesyou want to share.
• Once this is done, scroll down toShare across devices.Switch theOn buttonon and selectEveryone nearbyfrom the dropdown menu below.