Transfer Files Between Two PCs Over WiFi

If two computers are connected to the same WiFi network, you can transfer files between them wirelessly — no USB drive, no cable, no internet upload required.

This guide shows two easy methods to transfer files between laptops or PCs over WiFi in Windows 10 and Windows 11. Both methods are built into Windows and completely free.

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📌 What You’ll Learn

• How to share a folder over local WiFi
• How to transfer files instantly using Nearby Sharing
• How to fix common network errors
• How to stop sharing securely

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Method 1 — Transfer Files Using a Shared Folder

This is the fastest method for transferring large files. One computer creates a shared folder that other computers on the same network can access.

Step 1 — Enable File Sharing

1. Open Control Panel
2. Go to Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center
3. Click Change advanced sharing settings
4. Under Private network, enable:
• Network discovery
• File and printer sharing
5. Under All Networks, turn off password-protected sharing

Step 2 — Create a Shared Folder

1. Open File Explorer
2. Create a new folder
3. Right-click → Give Access To → Specific People
4. Select Everyone → Click Add
5. Set permission to Read/Write
6. Click Share

This folder is now visible to other PCs on the network.

Step 3 — Access the Shared Folder on the Second PC

1. Open File Explorer
2. Click Network
3. Turn on network discovery if prompted
4. Open the shared computer name
5. Copy and paste files freely

You now have a high-speed WiFi transfer folder.

Stop Sharing Later

1. Right-click the folder
2. Give Access To → Remove Access
3. Select Stop Sharing

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Method 2 — Transfer Files Using Nearby Sharing

Nearby Sharing allows quick wireless transfer using WiFi + Bluetooth.

Step 1 — Enable Nearby Sharing

1. Open Settings
2. Go to System → Nearby Sharing
3. Select Everyone nearby

Enable this on both computers.

Step 2 — Send Files

1. Select files in File Explorer
2. Right-click → Share
3. Select recipient PC

Step 3 — Accept Transfer

The receiving PC will show a notification. Click Save to accept.

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Which Method is Better?

• Shared Folder → Best for large file transfers
• Nearby Sharing → Best for quick small transfers

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Common Problems & Fixes

• PC not showing → enable network discovery
• Transfer slow → use 5GHz WiFi
• Permission denied → set Read/Write access
• Nearby Sharing not working → enable Bluetooth

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Final Result

You can now transfer files wirelessly between two computers without cables or USB drives. This works on Windows 10, Windows 11, and most home WiFi networks.

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