Share files between Windows PCs with Nearby Sharing

If you need to move a photo, document or link between two PCs sitting nearby, Windows Nearby sharing lets you choose the receiving device from the Share panel. The other PC must accept the transfer, and received files go to the folder set for incoming shares. Microsoft supports the feature on Windows 11 and Windows 10 version 1803 or later; it can use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Microsoft’s Nearby sharing guide

Nearby sharing suits a quick hand-off. It does not leave the source folder available to browse from another computer. If you need ongoing access to files on a trusted local network, use Windows’ separate network file-sharing controls .

Set up Nearby sharing on both PCs

On each Windows 11 PC, open Start → Settings → System → Nearby sharing. On Windows 10, open Start → Settings → System → Shared experiences. Turn Nearby sharing on and choose who can share with or receive from that PC. The setting needs to be enabled on both the sending and receiving devices.

Choose My devices only when both PCs are signed in with the same Microsoft account. For a transfer to someone else’s PC, choose Everyone nearby on the devices that need to find one another. Microsoft warns that this option makes the PC’s name and Bluetooth MAC address available to nearby devices; that information could be used to link the PC to its owner. Use broad visibility only when needed, then switch back to My devices only.

On the receiving PC, check Save files I receive to before sending anything. Select Change if you want to choose a different folder. Knowing the destination first makes it easier to confirm that the copy arrived.

Windows 10 still meets the documented feature requirement when it is running version 1803 or later. However, Microsoft ended Windows 10 support on 14 October 2025. The feature may still be available, but that does not mean the PC continues to receive free security updates. Microsoft’s Windows 10 support notice explains what changed.

Send a file and confirm the copy

1. On the sending PC, open File Explorer and select one file. Choose Share from the toolbar, or right-click the file and choose Share.
2. In the share panel, select the name of the receiving PC.
3. On the receiving PC, check that the sender and file are expected, then choose Save or Save & open.
4. Open the folder shown under Save files I receive to. Confirm that the new copy is there and opens as expected.

For a first transfer, use a small, non-sensitive file. This checks visibility, acceptance and the save location without involving a valuable document. Once the test works, repeat the steps for the file you intended to send.

Which connection does it use?

Nearby sharing can use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Microsoft says a Windows 11 PC on the latest version can use Wi-Fi when the receiving Windows 10 or 11 PC is connected to the same private Wi-Fi network; otherwise, the transfer can use Bluetooth. Microsoft notes that Bluetooth transfers are slower, so Wi-Fi can help when its documented conditions are met. Its Nearby sharing troubleshooting guide explains the transfer options.

Do not change a public or work-managed network to Private just to try a transfer. Windows describes Public as the recommended setting for most networks; Private makes the PC discoverable to other devices on that network. If you are on a guest, hotel or managed network, keep its existing profile and use Bluetooth or another transfer method instead. Microsoft’s network-profile guidance explains the difference.

If the other PC does not appear

Check the setup on both devices before changing network settings:

• Confirm Nearby sharing is enabled on both PCs, and turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on each.
• If My devices only is selected, make sure both PCs use the same Microsoft account. For another person’s PC, use Everyone nearby only while you need to make the devices discoverable.
• If Nearby sharing is missing from the Share panel, check the Windows version and Microsoft’s compatibility checklist , including Bluetooth Low Energy support.
• If the sender is waiting but the receiver gets no banner, check the receiver’s notification list: press Windows + N on Windows 11 or Windows + A on Windows 10. Microsoft notes that Focus Assist can suppress Nearby Sharing banners, while Do not disturb sends most Windows 11 notifications to Notification Center; Microsoft’s Windows notification guide explains both the shortcuts and notification behavior.
• If a transfer stops, keep both PCs awake until it finishes. On a work device, ask IT about network restrictions instead of disabling the firewall or changing managed settings.

Choose a different method for a different job

Use Nearby sharing for a single file or link when you can identify the receiving PC and someone can accept the prompt. Use a network share when another computer needs continuing access to a folder on a trusted local network. For a remote recipient, Microsoft points to OneDrive for internet file sharing. For a shared folder on a trusted local network, use Windows network file sharing. Nearby sharing is not a backup or permanent sync. Microsoft explains the difference between local sharing and internet sharing .

The reliable check is simple: send one harmless file, accept it on the intended PC, and verify the copy in the configured receive folder. Then return the sharing scope to My devices only if you no longer need broader discovery.