There are multiple ways to share files between two computers running Windows. If you are on a Windows 11/10 PC, you do not need to install any third-party app to share files, as Windows 11 ships with a brilliant feature called Nearby Sharing that lets you quickly share files between two Windows 11/10 computers.
What is Nearby sharing exactly?
Nearby sharing in Windows 11/10 allows users to share files between Windows 10/11 devices via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Since the feature uses Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, it can only be used to share files between nearby Windows computers.
Does Nearby sharing require an Internet connection to share files?
No, as mentioned earlier, the Nearby Share feature uses Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to share/receive files. So, you do not need an active internet connection, meaning devices can be completely offline. The only requirement is that the Network profile type should be set to Private. The other requirement of Bluetooth 4.0 or above with Low Energy support is supported by almost all modern computers.
Nearby Sharing is turned off by default and can be turned on under the Settings app. Refer to the directions below to turn on the Nearby Sharing feature on your Windows 11 PC.
To check the Network profile type, go to Windows 11 Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi page, click on the network you are connected to, and then check if Private network or Public network is selected. If you wish to use the Nearby sharing feature, ensure that the network is set to Private network.
Turn on the Nearby Sharing feature in Windows 11
Step 1: Open the Windows 11 Settings using search or Windows logo + I keyboard shortcut.
Step 2: On the left pane of the Settings app, click System.
Step 3: Now, on the right side, scroll down to see Nearby sharing and click on the same.
Step 4: Here, click Nearby sharing, and then select “My devices only” or “Everyone nearby” depending on your requirement. Select “My devices only” if you would like to share files/documents between your computers only. Select the “Everyone nearby” option to share/receive between other Windows 10/11 devices as well.
As you can see, the same page also shows the discoverable name of your Windows 11 device on other PCs. Also, by default, all received files are automatically saved to the Downloads folder, and the same can be changed by clicking the Change button next to the Save files I receive to option.
For directions on how to use the feature, refer to our how to use Nearby sharing in Windows 11 to share files guide.
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