How to set up and use Windows 11 Nearby Sharing to transfer files between PCs without a USB drive

Windows 11 includes a feature called Nearby Sharing that lets you send files, photos, and links to other Windows 11 PCs over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. It is a handy alternative to USB drives, email attachments, or cloud uploads when both computers are in the same room or office. This guide walks you through enabling Nearby Sharing, sending your first file, and resolving common issues.

Before You Begin

Nearby Sharing works best when both PCs meet these requirements:

• Both computers run Windows 11 with the latest updates installed.
• Both PCs have Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth enabled. Wi-Fi is recommended for larger files.
• The two computers are within roughly 10 metres of each other for Bluetooth, or on the same Wi-Fi network for faster transfers.
• Both users are signed in with a Microsoft account or a local account — either works, but the receiving PC must have Nearby Sharing set to Everyone nearby if the accounts are not linked.

Step 1: Enable Nearby Sharing on Both PCs

You need to turn on Nearby Sharing on both the sending and receiving computers. Repeat these steps on each PC.

1. Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I.
2. Select System from the left sidebar.
3. Click Nearby sharing.
4. Choose one of the following options:
   • Off — disables Nearby Sharing entirely.
   • My devices only — allows sharing only between PCs signed in with the same Microsoft account.
   • Everyone nearby — allows sharing with any Windows 11 PC in range that also has Nearby Sharing enabled.
5. Ensure the Save files I receive to location is set to a folder you can easily find, such as Downloads.

Step 2: Send a File or Link

Once Nearby Sharing is enabled on both PCs, follow these steps on the sending computer.

1. Open File Explorer by pressing Windows key + E.
2. Navigate to the file you want to send.
3. Right-click the file and select Share from the context menu.
4. In the share dialog that appears, wait a moment for nearby devices to be detected.
5. Click the name of the receiving PC.
6. On the receiving PC, a notification will appear. The recipient must click Save to accept the transfer, or Decline to reject it.

To share a link from Microsoft Edge or another browser, right-click the page or use the browser’s share button, then choose Nearby sharing from the Windows share dialog.

Step 3: Receive a File

When someone sends you a file, Windows 11 shows a notification in the bottom-right corner of the screen.

1. Click the notification to expand it.
2. Select Save to accept the file. It will be saved to the folder you configured in Step 1.
3. Select Save & open to accept and immediately open the file.
4. Select Decline to reject the transfer.

Troubleshooting Nearby Sharing

The receiving PC does not appear in the share dialog

• Confirm Nearby Sharing is enabled on both PCs and set to Everyone nearby if the accounts are different.
• Check that both PCs have Wi-Fi or Bluetooth turned on. Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices and verify the toggles are on.
• Move the PCs closer together. Bluetooth range is limited, and thick walls can interfere.
• Restart both PCs. Nearby Sharing occasionally stops advertising a device after sleep or hibernation.

Transfer is slow or fails partway through

• Use Wi-Fi instead of Bluetooth for anything over a few megabytes. Bluetooth is fine for small images or links but struggles with large documents or videos.
• Disconnect other Bluetooth devices from both PCs during the transfer.
• Check that both PCs are on the same Wi-Fi network. Nearby Sharing can use Wi-Fi Direct, but being on the same network improves reliability.
• Temporarily disable VPN software on either PC, as it can interfere with local network discovery.

Files are saved but I cannot find them

• Open Settings > System > Nearby sharing and check the Save files I receive to path.
• Click Change to select a new folder, then test with a small file.

Nearby Sharing option is greyed out

• Run Windows Update. Some older Windows 11 builds have bugs with Nearby Sharing.
• Check that your PC has a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth adapter. Desktop PCs without wireless hardware cannot use Nearby Sharing.
• If your organisation manages devices through Group Policy or Intune, Nearby Sharing may be disabled by policy. Contact your IT administrator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Nearby Sharing work between Windows 11 and Windows 10?

Yes. Windows 10 version 1803 and later support Nearby Sharing, and it is compatible with Windows 11. The interface looks slightly different on Windows 10, but the feature works the same way.

Does Nearby Sharing work with Macs or phones?

No. Nearby Sharing is a Windows-only feature. For cross-platform transfers, consider cloud storage or email. For phone-to-PC transfers, use Phone Link or a cloud service.

Is there a file size limit?

There is no hard limit imposed by Nearby Sharing itself, but very large files over Bluetooth will be impractical. For files over 100 MB, use Wi-Fi or a USB drive.

Can I share folders or multiple files at once?

Yes. Select multiple files in File Explorer, right-click, and choose Share. You can also share an entire folder the same way, though very large folders may take a long time.

If you continue to experience issues with Nearby Sharing after following this guide, please Open a Ticket and our support team will assist you.