Technology rapidly changes and each new device we acquire has a set of new features that need proper understanding before we use them.
In this guide, we’ll focus on Wi-Fi Direct, a feature that can be helpful in some situations yet many users seem to overlook its benefits.
Want to know more about Wi-Fi Direct in Windows 10? This manual has got you covered.
Let’s get into it.
Wi-Fi Direct Explained
If you want to transfer files to someone else’s device, but without having to go through the procedure of registering an account for cloud-based storage or a file transfer service website and potentially compromising the files’ security, the best option would be a direct transfer.
There are only a few methods to make a direct transfer, like Bluetooth.
But, for transferring larger files with better speed and more stability, most would agree that Bluetooth is just not enough.
Thankfully, WiFi Direct is a superior feature, allowing two devices to connect through a peer-to-peer connection and transfer files with better speed, up to 250 Mbps. Additionally, unlike Bluetooth which has quite a limited distance range before the connection interrupts, WiFi Direct supports a connection within ranges of up to 200 meters, meaning you have much better freedom of moving and still not interrupting the file transfer, screencast, or whatever it is that you’re using this feature for.
Although the name WiFi Direct is immediately associated with the need for a router, you should know that this feature requires no wireless router or access to a nearby WiFi internet connection, as the devices that have this feature can connect directly to each other, without the need of internet or an access point (AP).
Most modern devices already have the WiFi Direct feature, and chances are that you’ve used it without knowing, as some of the popular services such as Miracast already rely on this technology to allow users to cast their screen on their smart TV screens.
The possibilities are even broader if you use WiFi Direct on Windows, so in the next section, we’ll help you find out whether or not your PC supports this feature.
Is My PC Compatible With WiFi Direct?
If you’re not sure whether your computer is compatible with WiFi Direct and can use that feature, there are ways to check, and we’ll show you how.
- Simultaneously press the Windows + S buttons on your keyboard to bring up the Windows Search bar.
- Type in Windows PowerShell, then right-click the first result and choose Run as Administrator.
- You may see a prompt asking for permission to launch the elevated version of the PowerShell app. Choose Yes to grant permission.
- When the PowerShell panel is open on your screen, type in ipconfig /all and press Enter to execute the command.
- You’ll now see a list of network adapters and connections. If you see Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter on the list, it means your PC supports this feature and can establish WiFi Direct connections.
If you don’t see the WiFi Direct Adapter on the list, you’ll need to acquire and plug in a USB device capable of utilizing the WiFi Direct feature. We cannot say exactly which product to acquire, but there are many choices available on the market, so finding one shouldn’t be difficult.
Setting Up WiFi Direct On Windows 10
To set up and start using WiFi Direct on your Windows 10 PC, follow the steps below:
- Simultaneously press Windows + I on your keyboard to open the Windows Settings Panel.
- Click Network & Internet, then choose Manage WiFi Settings.
- Find WiFi Direct on the menu, then enable it based on the instructions specific to your device.
- Remember or write down the Network Name and Passcode, as you’ll need them to connect your PC later on.
- Open the Windows Search Bar, type in Manage Wireless Networks, and click on the first result. Choose Add, then select the WiFi Network of your WiFi Direct device and type in the passcode as the final step.
Your PC is now successfully linked to the WiFi Direct network. Feel free to utilize it any way you find it beneficial.
Conclusion
Now you know more about the WiFi Direct feature and its broad use case. Hopefully, this will help you improve your experience the next time you require a feature superior to Bluetooth, whether that’s for transferring files, casting your device’s screen on a Smart TV, or more.
For more information, you can always visit the official WiFi Direct informative webpage and learn more from first-hand information provided by the organization.
What Is ETD Control Center And Do You Need It?
WiFi Direct Windows 10 – How to Send Files on Laptop Faster Offline
WiFi Direct is a connection between two devices for transferring files in a fast way. It is not necessarily better than USB 3.0 in speed, but the advantages of WiFi Direct drive a lot of people to wonder “How to use WiFi Direct on laptop running in Windows 10?” After a long-time search, however, most people are still at a loss and can’t even where the switch of WiFi Direct is on the devices. Don’t worry. In this article, we are going to introduce one of the best methods to send files in Windows 10.
Why A Better File Transfer Method Is Required?
When it comes to file transfer from or to a Windows computer, using USB flash drive is the best answer in several years ago. However, there is a limit of files too large (over 4GB) for USB in FAT32 format, and it has been so long a time since people suffer from the unstable yet tedious performance of pen drives, there are actually many more methods to share files in Windows 10 without USB.
Furthermore, the need of file transfer has generally moved to Windows to mobile phone and in reverse, or to be more specific and realistic, people mostly want to transfer files between Android devices and Windows computers.
Given the conditions above, Bluetooth and MTP (through USB cable) are still two candidates for moving data between laptop and mobile phone. A lot of people love Bluetooth, but Bluetooth is not satisfying enough in many cases, such as large file or massive transfer. As for MPT, just have a search and see how many people are stuck at Android USB device not recognized but charging only.
Tips: These methods are still widely used by many people. In addition to the problems mentioned above, there is also risk of losing important files during the transfer. In case you also lose the original copies, don’t hesitate to recover permanently deleted files from your laptop with the best data recovery software – iReparo for PC.
WiFi Direct Introduction
WiFi Direct has been introduced since over a decade ago, only a few years later Bluetooth. However, it is apparently not as famous as Bluetooth. WiFi Direct can be regarded as a sort of Bluetooth over WiFi.
Is WiFi Direct the perfect choice? WiFi Direct exceeds the above options in transfer speed, wireless connection, no need of internet connection. However, WiFi Direct is not as obvious as it should be.
How to Check If WiFi Direct Is Available on Laptop Windows 10
WiFi Direct is supported in various electronic devices, like computers, smartphones and TVs. As long as your computer is not 10 years old, it is very likely compatible with WiFi Direct. In case you want to confirm it, here is how to check it out.
- Step 1. On Windows 10, press Windows + R, type CMD and hit Enter.
- Step 2. In the pop-up Command Prompt window, type ipconfig/all and hit Enter.
- Step 3. Scroll up or down to find an entry labeled Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter.
If you find the entry mentioned above, your computer hardware should be compatible with WiFi Direct. Android devices support WiFi Direct since Android 2.3 and Apple devices have had it since iOS 7 (existing as AirDrop and Airplay). As for entertainment devices, like Smart TV, you need to confirm it with the manufacturer or seller.
To use WiFi Direct, you need to turn on the option on both devices before building a connection. It should be noted that WiFi Direct could be altered in mobile phones running on aftermarket OS, such as Xiaomi, Samsung, Huawei, etc. The option may be either invisible or changed to another name.
- Step 1. On Windows 10, click Start menu, type Connect and open it.
- Step 2. On your Android phone, go to Settings > WiFi, switch on WiFi Direct.
- Step 3. On the available list found by your phone, tap and connect to your laptop.
- Step 4. Send files between the two devices by following the onscreen instruction.
Unless the manufacturers have made specific improvement, the files transferred through WiFi Direct are not properly organized. You may find all photos or videos in one folder. A few third-party tools allow users to transfer files from point to point without internet access basing on the feature of WiFi Direct, such as Shareit and Feem, but some of the functions are exclusive for paid users.
Final Thought
Again, WiFi Direct is far from being the best method to transfer files between two devices. It is worth of considering when you have problem transferring files by USB cable or the USB driver transfer speed is super slow. There is no universal way for file transfer, for example, you will need a special way to copy files without changing date stamp. Check out the tutorials for file transfer and share them to your friends if you find them useful.
Windows computers are equipped with numerous features when it comes to connectivity. Whether you want Bluetooth, Wireless, or wired connectivity, the Windows computers allow you to have a seamless experience in straightforward manners. WiFi Direct is one of those effective tools for Windows which you can use to establish secure and reliable wireless connections with your PC operating system. This feature will help you to share your files offline without using a Bluetooth connection.
This technology uses a peer-to-peer, direct WiFi connection to do the whole thing. It works like just an ad-hoc network but here you will not use any WiFi adapter to create this connection.
Your computer and the receiving device will work in a direct network configuration where you will be free to share files in any direction. Maintaining a suitable distance for the WiFi connection would be important for you.
WiFi direction works as a single-hop network instead of a multi-hop connection where you are free to connect any two supported devices just by using a WiFi connection. Having WiFi Direct Virtual Adapter will be important to create a connection and use it for transferring and receiving files.
Wireless Direct network has no feature to allow your devices to use this feature on its own. That means you will need software to enable this feature and create a connection that works.
We are going to cover all these things below in this article. But, before that, we would like to answer some of your questions related to the Wireless network. So, without further discussions, let’s get started without any delay.
Table of Contents
What is WiFi Direct in Windows 10 with Exact Functionality?
WiFi Direct (Earlier Known as Wi-Fi Peer-to-Peer) is a popular WiFi system used for establishing peer-to-peer wireless connections. There are numerous uses of this technology. But, the most common and trending concept is wireless sharing these days. Because WiFi Direct enables the users to share their files at a very high speed with other devices, it is in huge demand just because of this reason.
We can also use Wireless direct network not only for file sharing but also for screen sharing, wireless printing, and various other things like that.
Latest Smart Televisions, Laptops, Computers, and now equipped with this feature. So, sharing our data from one device to another has become pretty easy with this technology.
As we have discussed earlier, it is required to have a working WiFi connection along with a WiFi Direct supported device, we can effectively utilize this tool to have various features.
If you want to know more about What is WiFi Direct, you can freely read this article on Wikipedia about this technology. So, now we hope you have got the answer to what is a wireless network.
Now, we should go further and know some more details about it.
Is WiFi Direct safe?
Yes, WiFi Direct is an inbuilt feature offered by not only Windows but Android and various other devices too. So, you can trust this technology without any issue. The files can be shared offline, so you do not have to worry about anything even if you do not have an internet connection with yourself.
The main thing to keep in mind here is the app or software you are using to establish the connection. Because, you have to install some third-party tools to enable and use this system, make sure to download only the software which is fully trusted. We are going to give you details about the same too so no need to worry about it.
So, yes, if you want to know Is wireless direct network safe? The answer is Yes. You can use this feature to share any sort of file and they will not be harmed in any way.
However, sharing your files using wired mediums is always a better option to increase security. In simple words, using WiFi Direct for any sort of file sharing work is pretty much safe in all the terms.
What is WiFi Direct screen mirroring and how to use it?
WiFi Direct Screen Sharing is an impressive feature that will allow you to share your computer or Android screen on your Smart Televisions. This would happen only if you have a TV with inbuilt wireless direct network technology. Most of the latest Android and other Smart Televisions are coming up with this feature which you would definitely love to have.
Just like the ordinary Miracast screencasting technology, your PC can easily be used to share your screen across devices. So, if you want, you can have that watching experience on a bigger screen from a smaller screen.
Share your screen using Wireless Connectivity?
The process is pretty simple. Just turn on the Wi-Fi Direct on your Smart TV or any other device you want to make your main targeted device. It means, if you are looking to share your Android screen on a Smart TV, you will have to make your Smart TV the central hub for the connection. For that, you can use the process given below.
- Turn on the Wi-Fi Direct feature on your TV or Computer
- Search for the available Wi-Fi networks on your Android or Computer device.
- Click on Connect
- Now, you can either use the traditional Miracast feature or third-party software to start your screen mirroring.
Now, with this process, you might have become aware of how to enable wifi direct. Now, you can use this technology to not only share your computer screen on a bigger screen but various other combinations too.
Since you will not find any specific app to use the wireless direct network for any purpose or change its settings, establishing the WiFi connection is the best first thing to do in this process.
Then you can make use of a good app and software on both your devices. If you want to know how to set up wifi direct in Windows 10, we are going to give you a detailed guide for the same.
As we have discussed the process of sharing your screen from Windows 10 to the Smart TVs, now we are going to reveal the process of sharing files from Android to the computer and vice versa.
Picking the right software is crucial to establish a connection between both devices. Xender, Shareit, Beam, and various other apps are utilizing the wireless direct network technology to help the users easily and effectively share any kind of files with each other.
But, you have to make a good decision while picking the right software for you.
Check if your Windows computer supports WiFi Direct?
Before proceeding with the connection process, it would be important to check if your computer has this feature inbuilt or not. If it is not there, you would never be able to get the results you are looking for.
That means you will have to use this feature in your PC, your PC must have the hardware and drivers to support it. The process of doing this check is as follows.
- Press Windows+R together to Enter the Run Command Menu
- Enter CMD and hit Enter
Type the WiFi direct command : ipconfig/all
- Now, see the Menu Wireless LAN Adapter Local Area Connector.
- Check-in front of the description for Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter.
- If this thing is written there that means, your PC supports Wi-Fi Direct. If not, then the feature is missing on your PC.
This is perhaps the best and most suitable way of checking if your computer has Wi-Fi Direct Features. You can easily follow this method in any version of Windows and you are good to go.
Now, without any further discussion, let’s know how you can easily connect your PC to an android device using Wi-Fi Direct and use this connection to share files seamlessly.
Connect your Windows PC with another Device with a Wireless Direct network
As we all are aware, there is no direct method of sharing your files through Wi-Fi Direct from one device to another. You can definitely connect your PC to another device through Wi-Fi Direct connection but when it comes to sharing files, screens, or huge files, you would need a platform to do the same.
So, we are going to use free and genuine software which you can easily use on your system.
- You can use Feem to do things easier for you. (WiFi direct feature is free in this software).
- Just install this device in your Windows computer and the Android or other device which you want to connect for sharing purposes.
- Now, open the app on both devices and connect them through WiFi.
- Start sharing and Enjoy.
Connect Wifi Direct Enabled Scanner/Printer for file sharing/printing
Wireless Printing and file sharing are perhaps the most common applications of this technology. That means, we can definitely use this technology to print any sort of document with our printers without using a wired connection.
The process is pretty simple to use. But, keep in mind that you will need a printer with supported Wi-Fi Direct technology. We will come to that too below but now let’s know how you can Connect Wi-Fi Direct Enabled Scanner printer for printing?
Turn On your Printer and make its WiFi Direct option on (Read User-Manual if you don’t know how to do it).
- Open the Feem Software which we have installed above.
- Connect your computer to the laptop using your WiFi.
- Now, use your software to print anything you want.
8 Best WiFi Direct Printers for Windows PC
Epson WorkForce Pro
WorkForce Pro is an impressive and high-performance printer that suits best for companies and small enterprises. This printer is equipped with effective features such as Dash Replenishment, and fast printing speed, etc.
The printer has a speed of 20 ppm for black and white and 10 ppm for color printing.
Pros:
- More performance than laser
- Precision core
- Keep track of ink usage
- Low Printing Cost
Cons:
- Support only Epson Cartridge
- Large in size
HP OfficeJet 3830
HP OfficeJet offers numerous features as a printer and scanner. AirPrint, WiFi Direct, Scan, Fax, and Instant Ink are some of the offerings. You can easily print anything from your smartphone or computer wirelessly. The printer is compact in size and offers affordable printing options to the users.
You can also get your documents printed from Dropbox, iCloud, and Google Drive as well. The printer is also effective for photograph printing too.
Pros:
- Compact in size
- Work with Alexa
- 7 days a week web support
- 35 sheet auto document feeder
Cons:
- Auto 2 sided printing is not supported
- The smart task feature is missing
Epson Expression Home
This is another impressive printer with scanner and copying functions. This printer has 2 sided printing features supported. Also, you can get the files printed from your Android, iPad, or iPhone pretty easily.
The printer is not much compact in size but you can get any type of document printed because of its versatile features.
The printer work with its Instant Dry Clarian Ink that works great for both documents and photographs
Pros:
- Hands-Free voice-activated printing
- Individual cartridges at an affordable price
- 2.4 inches Color LCD
- 100 Sheet feed tray
Cons:
- Only support Epson Cartridge
- Not having a compact design
Epson Workforce WF-2860
This is another great printer that supports NFC, Wi-Fi Direct, and numerous other features at an affordable price. The printer will also work with Ethernet, Scanner, Copier, etc. The printer produces laser-quality outputs that you may not get in any other printer in this range.
The printer is powered with PrecisionCore so that you can expect a great performance from this printer for sure. The printer can effectively handle both printing and scanning features.
Pros:
- 2-sided Printing to save the maximum number of papers
- 2.4 inches color LCD screen
- 150 sheets of paper capacity
- Mobile printing supported
Cons:
- Only works with Epson cartridges
- Slow printing speed
Canon Pixma TR4520
This is another amazing printer with Dash Replacement, mobile printing, and various other advanced features. Using the Canon print app, you can use this printer for wireless printing in an effective manner. Printing documents from your smartphones is pretty easy with this printer.
AirPrint, ADF, Morea Print Service, are some of the main features of this printer. Ink saving printing technology is also very effective in this printer.
Pros:
- Save 10% ink with dash replenishment
- Easy to use wireless connectivity feature
- Automatic ink measurement
- Auto power on/off feature
Cons:
- Disc label printing feature is not supported
- Maximum paper size is 11’x17’
HP OfficeJet 250 Portable Printer
This printer is best for labels, envelopes, photo paper, and other High resolution and various other sorts of things. This printer is best for not only printing but also for scanning, copying, etc. Using the HP ePrint app, you can have the best printing experience from your smartphone too.
You can use Bluetooth and WiFi Direct to get your documents printed using wireless connectivity. The printer has a 2.65” color touchscreen to help you navigate through the settings pretty easily.
Pros:
- Long-Lasting battery
- 10 sheets auto document feeder
- Useful for Scan and copy
- Compact in size
Cons:
- 2-sided printing is not supported
- Slow printing speed as compared to the competitors.
HP OfficeJet 200 Portable Printer
This is another great deal if you need something compact and impressive in this domain. This printer is highly impressive when it comes to the best facilities for mobile and wireless printing. You just have to install the ePrint app on your smartphone and you can have the most amazing mobile printing services.
Along with all these features, the company has kept the price at a very low end. The printer can easily be purchased from Amazon with a 1-year hardware warranty.
Pros:
- 50 sheets of input-output capacity
- Compact in size
- Easy to use
- Effective mobile and wireless printing features
Cons:
- Auto 2-sided printing is missing
- Mono display
- No automatic document feeder
- No scanning and fax features
HP OfficeJet Pro 7720
This is another impressive printer you can effectively use for wireless printing, scanning, and copying purposes. This is a wide-format printer that will suit best for official printing tasks. It can do a 17×17 scan and copy it in a very easy manner. The color printing quality is just impressive and you also get a fast printing speed with this.
With the help of the HP Smart App, you can get any sort of document printer with this from anywhere you want. There are various other features that make this printer one of the best in its class.
Pros:
- High Printing Speed 22 ppm for b/w and 18 ppm for color
- 35-sheet auto-document feeder
- 2.65 inches color touchscreen
- 250 sheet input/output feature
Cons:
- Pretty Expensive as compared to the others
- Not suitable for official works
Final Verdict:
We hope you have now found your answer to what is Wi-Fi Direct, its applications, and connection processes. The article was written by doing complete research so we hope you have got the genuine information from us.
But, before doing any setting change or purchase, make sure to do brief research. Also, changing any unwanted settings on your computer can cause numerous irreversible harms to your system. But, if you follow the process we have shown in this article, you are good to go.
If you have found this article helpful in this regard, make sure to share your valuable feedback in the comment section. Also. give us your suggestions and complaints about this article.
It would be appreciated if you share this article with others too. Also, we keep posting regular articles on this type of topic so stay in touch with us and stay reading.
WiFi is a way of data/information exchange between two or more devices through the use of the internet without any cable connection between them. However, if your internet connection is down, you are detached from the world and other nearby devices. To overcome this issue, Windows 10 offers an excellent feature in which you can share files between different devices without using the internet. It is called WiFi Direct and almost similar to Bluetooth. Let’s read about in detail!
Table of Contents
WiFi Direct, formerly known as WiFi Peer-to-Peer, is a standard wireless connection that allows two devices to connect directly without a WiFi access point, a router, or the internet as the mediator or the middleman. It shares files between two devices without the use of the internet or any intermediary.
Why is WiFi Direct Better than Bluetooth or USB?
WiFi Direct is an easy way to locate devices in your vicinity and connect to them. It is preferred over Bluetooth because:
- Firstly, its ability to transfer or share larger files as compared to Bluetooth.
- Secondly, its speed is much faster as compared to Bluetooth.
Cable data transfer, i.e., the use of data cable, is undoubtedly the fastest mode of data transfer, but it unnecessarily involves dependency on hardware. In case, the data cable becomes faulty or gets misplaced, you are stuck.
Prerequisites to Using WiFi Direct
For using WiFi Direct, the only consideration is to ensure that the USB WiFi adaptor meets two necessary conditions.
- Firstly, the hardware of the USB WiFi adapter must support WiFi Direct.
- Secondly, the driver that would enable the USB WiFi adapter should also endorse WiFi Direct.
How to Check Compatibility of Wifi Direct on your Windows PC
To ensure compatibility to enable Windows 10 PC users to connect using WiFi Direct,
1. press Win+R and enter CMD on your PC, click OK to open Command prompt.
2. Type the command ipconfig/all and press Enter.
If an entry reading “Microsoft WiFi Direct Virtual Adapter” appears on the PC screen, it will indicate WiFi Direct is available in the vicinity.
How to Setup WiFi Direct on your Windows 10 Laptop, desktop, or tablet
The modus operandi of the WiFi Direct system is straightforward. One device detects another device in a fashion similar to discovering another network. Then you enter the correct password and get connected. It requires that out of the two connecting devices, only one device needs to be compatible with WiFi Direct. So, one of the devices in the process creates an access point just like a router, and the other device automatically approaches it and connects to it.
- In the first step, the device required to connect to the PC must be switched on. Having switched on the device, go to the device settings and activate its network and the internet and select Manage WiFi Settings.
- After selecting Manage WiFi Settings, the Bluetooth and other options will get activated, enabling you to browse through the menu to check for “WiFi Direct” option on your device.
- On locating the WiFi Direct option on the device, enable it, and proceed according to the directions administered by the device.
- Once the “WiFi Direct” option is enabled, the required Android device name will be displayed in the available list. Note down the SSID, i.e. the Service Set Identifier, which is simply nothing else but the Network name in your standard natural language syllables such as English. SSID is customizable, so to distinguish it from other networks in and around you, you give a name to your wireless home network. You will see this name when you connect your device to your wireless network.
- Next, you set a password, known only to you, so that no authorized person can access it. Both these details need to be remembered and recorded for future usage.
- Having done so, turn your PC on, and on the search bar click Search and type Wireless.
- In the list of options visible, check on the Manage Wireless Network, option.
- After clicking on Manage Wireless Network, next click on Add and choose the WiFi Network of your WiFi Direct device and enter the password.
Your PC will get synchronized with your WiFi Direct Network.
You can connect your PC to any device you want and share any data/files as desired using the WiFi Direct Network. You can also benefit from a fast wireless connection, enhancing your efficiency through increased productivity.
How to Transfer Files using WiFi Direct from Android to PC or Vice-Versa
To connect and share files wirelessly, you need to ensure that a third-party app like Feem or any other of your choice is installed on both the devices, between whom you want to share files. Feem is free to use, Feem lite app can be downloaded on both the Windows-10 Laptop and the Android Mobile devices from the Play Store.
The process of using Feem to transfer data from Android to the PC or Laptop is simple and straightforward as detailed below:
- Go to Settings, then network and the internet.
- Next, go to hotspot and tethering and set your mobile as an Android hotspot in your Android Phone. Now connect your Window-10 PC to this network.
- Next open Feem on Android and Windows, not get confused as both the devices will be given odd names and a password, by the app. Remember this password or note it down somewhere as when you set up the new connection, you will require this password.
- Choose the device to which you have to send the file. Browse the desired file and then tap to send it.
- After some time, you will have the data sent to the required destination.
How to Connect to Printer using WiFi Direct
You can similarly, connect to your WiFi Direct active printer for file sharing and printing using your PC.
Switch on your Printer.
Next, go to the option of “Printer and Scanner” on your PC and click on it. You will get a prompt “Add a printer or scanner”, select and click the option to add the printer or scanner.
After requesting to add a printer or scanner, opt for the next option to “Show WiFi Direct Printers”. You will have all the choices displayed.
From the list displaying the names of WiFi Direct printers in the vicinity, select the printer you want to connect.
A WiFi Protected Setup or WPS Pin automatically sends the password, which the two devices remember for future use too, to enable an easy and secure connection to a WiFi Direct printer.
Must Read: What is WPS and How Does it Work?
How to Find & Use WPS
Firstly, on your router, there is a WPS button which you need to press, and this will enable you to find out the devices in your neighbourhood. Once done, go to your device and choose the connection you want to connect too. This enables your device to automatically connect to the network without the use of a password.
Secondly, to connect your network to gadgets like wireless printers, etc. that may have a WPS button, you press that button on the router and then on your gadget. Without any further data input, WPS sends the network password, which is stored by your gadget. Thus, your gadget/printer and your network router auto-connect whenever needed in the future without your having to press the WPS button.
The third method is through the use of an eight-digit pin. All WPS enabled routers to have an eight-digit Pin code which cannot be modified by any user and is auto-generated. Some devices which do not have a WPS button but are WPS enabled ask for the eight-digit pin. Once you enter this pin, these gadgets validate themselves and connect to the wireless network.
Recommended: Wi-Fi Standards Explained: 802.11ac, 802.11b/g/n, 802.11a
To conclude this discussion, despite Bluetooth holding the fort since 1994, WiFi Direct, with its ability to locate and connect quickly and transfer data at a fast speed, is gaining prominence. It is similar to the famous and most read and recited story of the hare and the tortoise, except that the Hare, compared to the WiFi Direct, has reversed the concept of slow and steady wins the race in this case.
Introduction
Are you aware of the Wifi Direct function of Microsoft Windows 10 on your personal computer? Or have you ever use it personally for your business? If you are familiar with Bluetooth, it is easy for you to understand more about the Wifi Direct feature that is in there on your Windows 10 PC. Bluetooth is a competitor of wifi direct. Both Bluetooth and Wifi directly have the device-to-device connectivity feature for file transfers and a close range of communications. The difference is wifi direct is not only for file transfers. It can do more than Bluetooth can do. The Wifi Direct feature supports your Windows 10, so if you want to maximize your benefits in it, you have to keep reading this article. And learn how to use it.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Wifi Direct Definition
- Benefits Of Wifi Direct in Windows 10
- Portability
- Applications Are Versatile And Flexible
- Data Transfer Is Better
- Connectivity Secured
- Computer Peripherals Wireless Connection
- Windows 10 PC Wifi Direct Supported
- Setting Up Wifi Direct on Your Microsoft Windows 10
- Where to buy Cheap and Genuine Microsoft Windows 10 License?
Wifi Direct Definition
Now let’s define what Wifi Direct is.
Wifi Direct is an added feature on your Windows 10 PC. From Windows 8 to Windows Server 2012, wifi direct is fully supported.
It allows direct connectivity from peer to peer connection. Wifi Direct use wifi radio frequencies to make the connection without the need for a wifi network. This is how Wifi Direct works.
It works by enabling a software-generated access point from the device host, which creates a temporary network of wifi that is in the process. Then there is a WPS (wifi protected setup) with the pin code, which uses authentication.
This is how the connection between the devices works.
You can now share files, screen sharing, play games, and even share an internet connection.
Benefits Of Wifi Direct in Windows 10
The functions of Wifi Direct are beneficial if we know how to utilize its features. So here are the benefits you can experience with wifi direct:
1.Portability
There is no need for any routers or internet connection to share files and sharing screens. Data transfers are immediate as Wifi Direct is a new technology that evolves. All you need are your devices to connect. And set up the settings required
2. Applications Are Versatile And Flexible
Be reminded that Wifi direct is somewhat similar to Bluetooth technology, which ables to transfer files and synchronize data. But for wifi direct, it includes sending and receiving data, screen sharing, wireless printing, and even playing as multiplayer on all devices connected to the network.
Also, wifi direct can connect to different devices. Even one device is needed to be compliant with the Wifi Direct standards to establish its connectivity to other devices.
3. Data Transfer Is Better
Even the connection is wireless, and no internet connection is needed, transferring speed of wifi direct is up to 250Mbps, unlike Bluetooth technology with only 25Mbps. And when in terms of the distance, compared to Bluetooth 4.0, which has 200 feet only, wifi direct has a theoretical distance of 656 feet.
4. Connectivity Secured
Since there is a need for a passcode or PIN to connect, it is an additional security attribute of the wifi direct. It is because wifi direct is protected by WPA2 security certifications and protocols.
There is a setup process that users need to undergo to connect via the Wifi Direct technology.
5. Computer Peripherals Wireless Connection
The computer peripherals’ wireless connection was made possible because of wifi direct. If you are using wireless mice, keyboards, headsets, speakers, remote control, the functions, and displays are implemented because of Wifi Direct.
Windows 10 PC Wifi Direct Supported
If you are decided to use wifi direct instead of Bluetooth, then your Windows 10 PC or laptop is supported. But take note that Wifi Direct has standards in which your Wifi internal chip or external chip will have to support it as windows 10 has full support.
Now, let’s find out if the Wifi Direct standards support your Windows 10 PC or laptop. You’ll be needing the Windows Powershell.
Follow these simple step to find out:
Step 1: Right Click on Your Start Menu, then select and click Windows Powershell (Admin)
Step 2: Type ipconfig, and it will show you the list of network connections and adapters. See if Microsoft Wifi Direct Virtual Adapter is on the list.
If Microsoft Wifi Direct Virtual Adapter is not listed, it means it does not support Wifi Direct connection.
In this case, you will need a third-party device to support it.
Setting Up Wifi Direct on Your Microsoft Windows 10
It’s time to set up your wifi direct. First, make sure that you turn on the Windows 10 PC that you want to connect to. And here are the steps for the pc you want to connect you have to follow.
Step 1: Right-click your start menu, then click and select Settings
Step 2: Another window will appear, then select and click on Network & Internet
Step 3: Under the Network & Internet, Select and Click Wi-Fi
Step 4: Browse the menus and look for Wi-Fi Direct Alternative. Follow the instructions given as you enable wifi direct.
Step 5: Remember the network name (SSID) and the passcode as you will need them later on.
Step 6: On the other windows 10 PC, which will be your host, click on the Search, then type Wireless. And choose and click on Manage Wireless Networks.
Step 7: Then, Click Add
Step 8: And lastly, choose your wifi direct device wifi network and enter your password. And there you have it, and you are now connected with Wifi Direct network.
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