🚀 Share Files Easily with Windows Nearby Sharing
Imagine being able to send a photo, a document or any file from one computer to another with just a few clicks, without cables, without USB and without uploading anything to the internet. That's exactly what the Nearby sharing of Windows!
If you work with more than one computer, if you want to quickly share something with a colleague, or if you just want a smarter way to transfer files, this guide is for you. We'll show you everything step by step, in simple terms that anyone can understand.
🎯What is Nearby Sharing?
The Nearby sharing (in Greek "Nearby Device Sharing") is a smart feature that comes pre-installed on Windows 10 and Windows 11 computers. It allows you to send files to other computers nearby, using your device's Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
When is it useful:
- When you want to send photos from your personal computer to your work computer
- To share documents with colleagues in the office
- When you want to avoid email for small file transfers
- To avoid using a USB stick or external drive
⚙️How to Activate it
✅ Step 1: Open Settings
Press the button Start (the Windows icon) and then click on the gear for the settings Settings. Alternatively, press Windows + I on your keyboard.
✅ Step 2: Finding the Function
In the settings window, click System and then on the left side find and click on Common use.
✅ Step 3: Activation
You will see the option Nearby sharing. Click the switch to turn it on (it will turn blue).
Important: It will ask you to choose between two options:
- "Only my devices" - Only computers using the same Microsoft account
- "Everyone near me" - Any computer in the area (less secure)
To start, choose "Only my devices" for greater security.
Nearby sharing
✅ Step 4: Select a Storage Folder
Below you will see where the files you receive will be saved. You can choose the folder Downloads or another folder of your choice.
(I.e.How to Send Files
Once you enable the feature on both devices, sending files is a breeze:
🔸 Method 1: Via Right Click
Right-click the file you want to send, select "Share" and after "Nearby sharing"A list of available devices will appear.
🔸 Method 2: Via the Share Button
Select the file and press the button "Share" on the Windows Explorer toolbar.
🔸 Method 3: Via Drag & Drop
In some cases, you can drag the file onto the other device's icon when it appears.
What happens next: The recipient will see a notification on their screen and can choose to accept or reject the file. Once accepted, the transfer will begin automatically!
✅Why It's Worth Using
🚀 Incredibly Fast
No waiting for cloud uploads or slow email. The transfer happens locally and is much faster than USB for smaller files.
🔒 Secure and Private
Your files don't go online. They stay on the local network between your devices.
🎯 Easy to Use
You don't need to install anything extra. It's already there, waiting for you to use it!
🔌 Without Cables
Forget about USB sticks, external drives and cables. Everything is done wirelessly.
📁 Supports Everything
Images, videos, documents, PDFs, even web links - it sends them all!
⚠️What You Should Know
📏 Limited Distance
It only works when the computers are close together (usually within 10 meters). You can't send files from home to the office.
📱 Windows only
It does not work with Android phones or iPhones. It is exclusively for Windows computers.
🔄 Requires Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
If a device does not have active Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, the feature will not work.
⚙️ Few Customization Options
You can't change many things in the function. It's simple but also limited.
❓FAQ
Nearby Sharing is available in all Windows 10 (from 2018 onwards) and all Windows 11. If you have an older version, update.
No, unfortunately. Nearby Sharing is only for Windows PCs. For mobile, try Microsoft's Phone Link or other apps like ShareIt.
Check if: 1) Both computers have active Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, 2) They are close to each other, 3) They have Nearby Sharing enabled, 4) There is no firewall blocking the connection.
Yes, it is quite secure. The transfer is encrypted and the recipient must always approve the download. Plus, you can turn it off when you are not using it.
There is no specific limitation, but for very large files (over 1-2 GB) it may be slower. For such files, a USB or external drive may be a better option.
💡Useful Tips for a Better Experience
🎉Time to Try It!
- They work with multiple computers
- They work together in the office.
- They want a fast, hassle-free way to transport
- They are concerned about the privacy of their data
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