Transferring large files between two computers can be slow and frustrating when you rely on USB drives, Wi-Fi, or cloud storage. But there’s a much faster and more reliable method that many people don’t know about — using a simple Ethernet/LAN cable to directly connect two PCs.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to transfer files from PC to PC without internet, without a router, and without any third-party software. Once connected, both computers behave like they’re on the same local network, allowing you to copy files at very high speed. The setup only takes a few minutes and works on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Let’s walk through everything step by step in the simplest way possible.
What You Need Before Starting
Before we begin the setup, make sure you have everything ready. The good news is — you don’t need any special equipment or software.
You’ll need:
- Two Windows computers (Windows 10 or Windows 11)
- One Ethernet / LAN cable (Cat5, Cat5e, or Cat6 — any works)
- Basic administrator access on both PCs
Modern computers automatically detect direct Ethernet connections, so you don’t need a special crossover cable. A normal LAN cable is enough.
Once you have the cable, plug one end into the first computer and the other end into the second computer. After connecting, wait about 10–20 seconds for Windows to recognize the Ethernet link.
Now we’re ready to create a private network between the two computers.
Step 1: Establish a Network Between Two Computers
To connect both computers directly, we need to assign manual IP addresses so they can communicate over the LAN cable.
Don’t worry — just copy the values exactly as shown.
On Computer 1
- Press Windows + R
- Type
ncpa.cpland press Enter - Right-click Ethernet → select Properties
- Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)
- Select Use the following IP address
Now enter:
- IP address:
192.168.0.1 - Subnet mask:
255.255.255.0 - Default gateway:
192.168.0.2
Click OK → OK
On Computer 2
Repeat the same steps, but enter:
- IP address:
192.168.0.2 - Subnet mask:
255.255.255.0 - Default gateway:
192.168.0.1
Click OK to save.
Both computers must use IP addresses from the same range (192.168.0.x), but each PC must have a unique number.
Now both computers are on the same network and directly connected.
Test the Connection (Optional)
On Computer 1, open Command Prompt and type:
ping 192.168.0.2
On Computer 2:
ping 192.168.0.1
If you see replies, the connection is working perfectly.
Step 2: Enable Network Sharing on Both Computers
Now that both computers are connected on the same network, we must allow Windows to discover and share files between them.
You need to do this on both PCs.
- Open the Windows search bar
- Type Advanced sharing settings
- Click to open it
You’ll see three sections: Private, Public, and All Networks.
Under Private Network
Turn ON:
- ✅ Network discovery
- ✅ File and printer sharing
Under Public Network
Also turn ON:
- ✅ Network discovery
- ✅ File and printer sharing
This ensures the connection works no matter how Windows classifies the network.
Under All Networks
- Turn ON Public folder sharing
- Turn OFF Password-protected sharing (recommended for easy access)
Turning off password protection lets the other computer access shared folders instantly without login prompts.
After enabling everything, click Save changes.
Repeat the same steps on the second computer.
Now both PCs are ready to share files.
Next, we’ll share a folder and start transferring files.
Step 3: Share a Folder on the LAN
Now we’ll share a folder from one computer so the other PC can access it and copy files.
On the Computer That Has the Files
- Create a new folder (for example: LAN Share)
- Move all the files you want to transfer into this folder
- Right-click the folder → Give access to
- Click Specific people
- From the dropdown, select Everyone
- Click Add
- Set permission to Read/Write
- Click Share
Windows will now show a network path, something like:
\\PC-NAME\LAN Share
Write this path down.
On the Second Computer
- Open File Explorer
- Click the address bar
- Type the shared path:
\\PC-NAME\LAN Share
If the PC name doesn’t work, use the IP address:
\\192.168.0.1
The shared folder will open instantly. You can now copy and paste files to your own computer just like a normal folder.
You’ll also see the other PC listed under the Network section in File Explorer. Any shared folders will appear there automatically.
How to Stop Sharing a Folder Later
After you finish transferring files, you may want to disable sharing for privacy or security. Stopping sharing is quick and easy.
- Go to the folder you shared
- Right-click it
- Select Give access to
- Click Remove access
- Confirm Stop sharing
The folder is now private again and no longer accessible over the LAN.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
If the connection doesn’t work immediately, don’t panic. Here are the most common fixes:
❌ The other PC doesn’t appear in Network
This is normal sometimes. Instead of browsing Network, type the IP directly:
\\192.168.0.1
❌ “Network path not found”
Check:
- Both PCs have IPs in the same range (192.168.0.x)
- Subnet mask is
255.255.255.0 - Ethernet cable is firmly connected
Test with:
ping 192.168.0.1
❌ Windows asks for username/password
Turn OFF Password-protected sharing in Advanced Sharing Settings.
Or log in using the other PC’s Windows credentials.
❌ Transfer speed is slow
- Use Cat5e or Cat6 cable
- Zip many small files into one large file
- Avoid background downloads during transfer
Important Notes
- This method works best for Windows to Windows
- For Mac or Linux, you need a different file-sharing setup
- Perfect for transferring huge files (movies, backups, games, etc.)
Conclusion
Using an Ethernet cable is one of the fastest and simplest ways to transfer files between two computers. No router, no internet, no USB drives — just a direct high-speed connection. Once you set it up once, you can reuse this method anytime you need quick file transfer.
If you have any questions, feel free to drop a comment — I’ll be happy to help.
