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How to Send Files with Windows Nearby Sharing

Tap through each step to send files with Nearby Sharing.

  1. Turn on "Nearby sharing" under Settings β†’ System β†’ Shared experiences

    In the Settings app, go to "System β†’ Shared experiences" and switch on "Nearby sharing."

  2. Turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on both PCs

    Both computers exchanging the file need Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on.

  3. Right-click the file and choose "Share"

    Right-click the file you want to send and select "Share."

  4. Pick the device from the nearby list to send

    Click the name of the other detected computer β€” the recipient gets an accept notification, and the transfer starts once they accept.

  5. Why it's useful

    Without a USB drive or email, you can quickly send files wirelessly to another Windows PC in the same room.

Send files without a USB drive

When you need to move a file to another Windows computer nearby, Nearby Sharing skips the need for a USB drive, an email attachment, or a cloud upload β€” the file travels directly between the two machines.

Control who can send to you

Changing the receiving setting from "Everyone nearby" to "My devices only" limits incoming transfers to your own other devices signed into the same Microsoft account, which is a safer default if you're on a shared or public network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do received files get saved?

They're saved to your "Downloads" folder by default, and clicking the notification opens that folder directly.

What if someone I don't know tries to send me a file?

Changing the receiving setting to "My devices only" instead of "Everyone nearby" limits transfers to only your other devices signed into the same Microsoft account.