Sharing files between two Windows PCs can be frustrating if you don’t know the right methods, even more so if the files in question are large in size. Here are a few ways to share any file (large or small) between the two Windows computers without using cables or any other peripheral devices.
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Nearby Share is quite a nifty feature by Microsoft baked into Windows by default and it works on Windows 10 version 1803 or later.
Pro Tip: How to Find Out Your Build and Version of Windows
1. Search for Nearby Share from the search icon on the taskbar and tap on the Nearby share settings.
2. By default, Nearby share is turned off. Click on Everyone nearby to turn it ON on both PCs and become visible to everyone on the same network.
Tip: You can also set it to My devices only if you’re sharing files to windows devices logged in with the same Microsoft account.
3. Now, right-click on any file that you want to share and tap on the Share icon.
4. Connect the second PC to the same Wi-Fi network.
5. A pop-up window will open with nearby sharing options and it will automatically detect any Windows computer on the same network.
6. Click on the device name that you want to share files with.
7. Save the file on the second PC.
8. The transfer will begin when the file is accepted on the second PC.
Pros:
- Preinstalled in Windows, no extra app required.
- Fast and secure, developed by Microsoft.
Cons:
- Only works with Windows devices.
- Both devices should be on the same network.
- The transfer rates can be on the slower side if files are sent via Bluetooth.
If you don’t see the above options in your Windows device then either you can update to the latest version of Windows or use any of the below methods that are sure to work.
Nearby Share has been present in Android devices for quite some time and now, Google has brought the same functionality to Windows too.Â
Earlier this year, this method was in beta stage but after months of testing, the company has released Nearwby Share officially.
1. Download Nearby Share from Google on both windows devices.
2. Open the downloaded setup file to complete the installation process.
3. Open the installed app and set the option as Receive from everyone.
4. Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both your Windows PCs.
5. Select files or folders to share and let it search for your Windows devices nearby.
6. Accept the sharing request on the other PC.
7. The file transfer will start and will be saved in the receiver PC’s Downloads folder.
Pros:
- Can share files with both Android as well as Windows devices.
- Fast and secure, developed by Google.
- Works offline.
Cons:
- Doesn’t support ARM devices at the moment.
- The two PCs need to be within a range of 16 feet or 5 meters.
3. Sharing Google Drive Link
Since the inception of Google Drive, it has been a huge hit among the masses due to its cross-platform functionality and easy-to-operate nature. With the release of Share link, this was made even simpler since files could be accessed from anywhere.
1. Open Google Drive in your web browser.
2. Click on New located in the top left corner and select File or Folder Upload.
3. Locate your file or folder via the pop-up window and click on Open.
4. Once the file is uploaded to the drive, select the file and go to the Share menu.
5. Change the permission to Anyone with the link and set the access permission as Viewer or Editor.
6. Now, Copy Link or share it with the second Windows PC via mail.
7. On the second PC, open the shared link in a browser and click on the Download icon in the top-right corner to download the file.
Pros:
- Can share and access files easily.
- Instant and secure, developed by Google.
- Once uploaded, the file will stay saved unless deleted from the drive.
Cons:
- Limited free storage of 15GB, paid thereafter.
- Sometimes hindered by permission access problems.
- A Google account is required to upload and share links, although downloads can be done without an account.
Pro tip: While we used Google Drive as an example, the same can also be achieved with OneDrive.
Also Read: How to Sign Out, Pause, or Uninstall OneDrive on Windows
4. Local Network Sharing
This method is used widely by corporations for faster and easier access and transfer of data. Here are the steps to set it up easily.
1. Search for Advanced sharing from the search icon on the taskbar and tap on Manage advanced sharing settings.
2. Enable File and printer sharing in private networks section.
3. Right-click on the file/folder you want to share and go to its Properties.
4. Navigate to the Sharing tab and click on Share.
5. Select the access as Everyone and click on Share.
Tip: You can also select whom to give access to in the drop-down menu.
6. Voila! The file is now available on the local network.
7. Connect the second PC to the same local network.
8. On the second PC, click Windows + R to open the Run dialog box, then type \\localhost.
9. Click on OK. This way you can access the shared files on any Windows PC on the same local network and copy them to the required device as well.
Pros:
- Comes preinstalled so no extra app is needed.
- Fast and secure, developed by Microsoft.
- Files are accessed easily once set up.
Cons:
- Not beginner friendly and can be bothersome to set up.
- Data copying speeds are dependent on the network and device hardware.
Privacy Concerns
While the files can be easily accessible among devices by following the above guide, user privacy should always be a priority. You can also temporarily disable the nearby sharing feature to not turn up on everyone’s device whilst sharing a file.
Transfers Made Easy
You can share files wirelessly using the Nearby share from Microsoft or Google, using Google Drive links, or just local area connection but if wired is your way then you can also share files among two PCs using the LAN cables.
Also Read: Why is My Wi-Fi Not Working But Ethernet is
