Transfer Files from PC to PC Using LAN / Ethernet Cable

Want to transfer large files between two computers without Wi-Fi, router, or internet?

You can connect two PCs directly using a simple Ethernet cable and share files at full LAN speed. This method is faster than USB drives and safer than cloud transfers.

It works completely offline.

Even a cheap CAT5 Ethernet cable works perfectly.

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What You Need

• Two Windows PCs or laptops
• Ethernet / LAN cable
• Network ports on both devices
• No router required
• No internet required

This method works on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

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Step 1 — Connect Both PCs

Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into the first computer and the other end into the second computer.

Windows should detect a wired network automatically.

If nothing happens, don’t worry — we will configure it manually.

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Step 2 — Assign Static IP Addresses

Both computers must be on the same network range.

On PC 1:

1. Open Control Panel
2. Network and Internet → Network Connections
3. Right-click Ethernet → Properties
4. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)
5. Click Properties

Enter:

IP Address: 192.168.1.1
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway: leave blank

Click OK.

On PC 2 repeat the steps and enter:

IP Address: 192.168.1.2
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway: 192.168.1.1

Now both PCs are connected on the same private network.

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Step 3 — Enable Network Sharing

On both computers:

1. Search Advanced sharing settings
2. Enable Network Discovery
3. Enable File and Printer Sharing
4. Turn on for Private + Public networks
5. Enable Public Folder Sharing
6. Turn OFF password protected sharing (optional)

Repeat on the second PC.

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Step 4 — Share a Folder

On the PC that contains the files:

1. Create a folder
2. Move files into it
3. Right-click folder → Give access to → Specific people
4. Select Everyone
5. Click Add
6. Allow Read/Write permission
7. Click Share

Windows will show a network path like:

\\192.168.1.1\SharedFolder

Write this down.

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Step 5 — Access Files from Second PC

On the other computer:

1. Open File Explorer
2. Type the network path in the address bar
3. Press Enter

The shared folder will open instantly.

You can now copy files normally.

Transfer speed depends on your Ethernet port (usually 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps).

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Step 6 — Stop Sharing (Optional)

When finished:

1. Right-click shared folder
2. Give access to → Remove access
3. Click Stop sharing

The connection will close.

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Troubleshooting

• PC not visible → check network discovery
• Access denied → re-enable permissions
• No connection → verify IP addresses
• Firewall blocking → allow file sharing
• Slow speed → use better Ethernet cable

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Important Notes

• This works only between Windows PCs
• Mac/Linux require different sharing method
• Always disconnect after transfer
• Use strong folder permissions

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Final Result

You now have a direct LAN connection between two PCs with full file transfer capability — no internet required.

This is the fastest offline transfer method available.

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