How-To Geek

Beginner: How to Use LogMeIn Hamachi to Access Your Files Anywhere


What we are going to do is download and install Hamachi, setup a network name and password and then join the network from another computer. Still think it’s hard? Here’s a detailed how-to, but first let’s get to know Hamachi.

Hamachi is a VPN client. It creates a Virtual Private Network over a public network like the Internet. When this client runs, it implements a virtual network adapter, and you’re given an additional IP address that identifies you on any virtual network you join. You then create a virtual network by name, assigning it a password. Now anyone running the Hamachi client can join your network by connecting to it by name, and supplying the password.

Note: LogMeIn Hamachi is not a remote control application so you don’t get control of the computers, you just access the network shares files.

We’ll start by downloading LogMeIn Hamachi from the link at the end of the article. Get it installed then fire it up. Once you start it, it will tell you to click the Power On button so press it.


When the dialog pops-up enter a name for this computer then click create.


Now Hamachi is up and running but we need a network to connect all the computers. Click on Create a new network to create one.


When this window pops-up enter the Network ID and a password


After entering the Network ID (name) and the password click create and the network will be created immediately. The network is created but there is only one computer in the network. To get other computers in the same network you’ll have to install Hamachi on them and set it up just like you did on the first computer but instead of creating a new network, click join an existing network and enter the network ID and the password.


Congratulations! You have got your own network and can access all the computers that are connected to it. Just right-click the computer that you want to access and select Browse. You will see the shared files just like you do with computers on you LAN network.Let’s try it, right-click and select Browse


These are the files, folders and printers that are shared on the target computer.


LogMeIn Hamachi has two great features. First, all connection are encrypted so you are safe. Second, it is transparent, meaning all technical stuff are done behind the scenes so no IP address, Gateway Address or DNS is required to be set. Awesome!


Download LogMeIn Hamachi


  • Published 11/3/11

Comments (14)

  1. Eytan

    I actually just set this up the other day, but browsing files is very slow. Also, whenever I try to copy files (even small ones), the connection to the share closes.

    I’m on Mac OS X 10.6.7 and the target computers are Windows 7 and XP.

  2. Erik

    I use it every day, best VPN ever.
    And you can use the IP address to build up Remote Desktop Connection…

  3. x3geek

    will this make setting up subsonic remote access easier?

  4. Cambo

    Does anyone else find Hamachi painfully slow??

  5. Cambo

    That said, Teamviewer also has a VPN service built into it which I find much faster.

  6. Xana452

    Already use this for minecraft servers amongst friends :D

  7. celly

    How come its so slow, is it because I cross platform (osx and win7) or is that just how this works?

  8. Vincent

    this doesn’t work on my powerPC, any alternative?

  9. Jean-Michel

    I used Hamachi for a while (2 years),
    then I switched to NeoRouter, It’s less sexy but you can install your own (NeoRouter) server (that’s a big plus).

  10. vgamesx1

    why? I port forward for almost all gaming needs.
    9/10 times is very easy and all you need is the right port to open and your IP address. (which as long as you only share it with friends like I do.)

  11. tom

    Here’s a dumb question: I’m already using LogMeIn. Do I gain anything by adding Hamachi?

  12. tommy2rs

    If you are running a router with DD-WRT, OpenWRT or Tomato firmware you already have OpenVPN available. Why mention this? Well, you might want to manage your own VPN server instead of having it managed by a third party, in this case Hamachi.

  13. Hadi

    Did you know that “Hamachi” is a Persian term which means “All the things/stuff”.

  14. UniUbuntu

    Hamachi was great for me, til it got firewalled by our office. Now I’m using Google Docs and Syncdocs to access files on my home machines.

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