What installation allows a Windows 11 laptop to behave like a server?

A Windows 11 laptop becomes server-like when it runs a web-based application that restricts access to users on the local network. This configuration enables the laptop to manage resources and respond to requests from devices connected to that same local network, much like a traditional server would.

In this setup, the web-based application can host services such as a network application, intranet site, or internal resources that only users within the local network can access. This is key for scenarios like internal file sharing, networked database management, or running internal web applications that do not require exposure to the larger internet for security and performance reasons.

Other options focus on external or broader access, such as accessing resources via the internet or utilizing cloud services. While those can facilitate some server-like functions, they do not provide the same local network structure that a dedicated server would typically offer to users confined within a specific physical network. Thus, the scenario presented in the chosen answer effectively captures the essence of a local server environment operating on a Windows 11 laptop.