The other computer asks for permission to add a new device, which is then accepted.
The other computer asks for permission to add a new device, which is then accepted.
These two computers are linked through Ethernet with drives connected between them. I frequently move files between both systems. When both devices are powered on, Windows suggests adding the other as a device; this appears on both machines. What does "add a device" do that differs from the existing file sharing? Dan
OK, thanks for your reply, Darkbreeze.
Yes, one computer uses a laptop with a wifi printer and another doesn't. Both are linked to the internet through their respective routers. The one without a printer has a USB device (like a DAW remote) and Bluetooth gadgets, along with a mouse keyboard, etc. This second machine isn't connected to the internet because I don't want it to, and the Wi-Fi is turned off.
I think the desktop is safe from the internet since the laptop's network connections are on separate subnets.
Are you right about the offline desktop being at risk through the laptop's printer? I mean, Windows might connect them to access the printer.
Yeah, I'm pretty sure it's those peripherals and the only way to be sure is to run the device found wizard and check. You can always halt the process if you don't want to add the device for that machine, but it will usually show the prompt again. You can also add the device and then turn it off in either devices and printers or in the device manager afterward so you won't keep seeing the prompt.