Easy way to network 2 PCs

[ThunderPants73]

Hi,

I have this setup and was wondering what would be the easiest way to put these onto the same network:

Windows 10 PC downstairs
Windows 10 PC upstairs
Neither are wireless, both will be hardwired to a Virgin Superhub.
VPN installed on PC downstairs.

I've tried networking before, but I could never seem to get the files/folders etc to share. Someone once told me it was the VPN that was preventing it.
I basically want to get them networked so that I can access media files from my main PC downstairs without copying stuff onto a flash drive then carting it upstairs. I do not want to spend any cash on this, so please can you advise me on the best way with that I've already got?

[BenMcr]

If both computers are connected to the SuperHub, then you don't need to spend any money on anything else. You have all the hardware you need. Normally all you'd need to make sure is that the Homegroup is set up https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/...tart-to-finish

As a VPN is designed to hide network traffic from other devices, it could well impact the ability to share between the two computers depending on how it's set up.

[ThunderPants73]

Originally Posted by BenMcr

If both computers are connected to the SuperHub, then you don't need to spend any money on anything else. You have all the hardware you need. Normally all you'd need to make sure is that the Homegroup is set up https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/...tart-to-finish

As a VPN is designed to hide network traffic from other devices, it could well impact the ability to share between the two computers depending on how it's set up.

Thanks, so, could I just disable the VPN when I need to use filesharing?

[BenMcr]

I think on most VPN clients there should be a way for you to configure it to not route local network traffic through the VPN.

[tweetiepooh]

Many business ones are configured to lock the local network out to prevent bridging once VPN link is estabilished.

[BenMcr]

Yes, if you're using a preconfigured one I'd agree.

I was thinking more about the personal VPNs used for privacy reasons, rather than to connect a computer to a business network.

Even the VPN clients used by businesses can probably technically do it - if you have admin control over it.