Windows 10: creating a home network

I have a desktop computer with a wireless adapter and an external hard drive with all of my files on it. I have a new laptop that I want to network with the desktop so that I can access and work with the files on my external hard drive. I am having issues with all of the different instructions out on the site as to how to do this. My kid had the same equipment and did an easy peasy Home Group which is no longer available. I DO NOT WANT to work through One Drive. All I want is to be able to have the computers linked so that I can acces my external hard drive from either computer. Most of the solutions are outdated and refer to Home Group and, of course, I do not see a sort by date option to weed them out. I have Windows 10 with 1903 and 1909 versions. My desktop does not list the laptop in a network. the laptop lists the desktop but says that I dont't have permission to access it. I am totally at a loss. all of the articles just confuse me more. Is there anyone who can give me a straight forward way to set up a home network?

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help creating a home network

Which PC is the printer connected to? Takes a few extra steps if on Vista but unfortunately forget which ones without checking my home pc(currently afk & on droid).

 

Did our Epson printer get hacked?

Another question, is this on a home network or a work network? The steps @eidairaman1 listed are always a good first step. If this is on a work network you manage, I'd be much more concerned than the home one. It is possible someone is screwing with you, but malware could also be the culprit.

 

Configuring NAS to my home network

Change the GB ethernet switch with the router. The router as the first step will create it's own network, so you can have one subnet for all of your devices.