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Set Up Nearby Sharing Between Two Windows 11 PCs

Windows Nearby Sharing allows compatible PCs to exchange files using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Configure both computers, choose a safe sharing mode, and verify transfers.

by@guidox updated:10/30/26 time:10 min level:Beginner works on:Windows 10, Windows 11
TL;DR

Enable Nearby sharing on both Windows PCs, turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and select a recipient through File Explorer's Share menu. Accept the transfer on the receiving computer.

Before you start

Requirements

  • Two nearby Windows computers that support Nearby Sharing.
  • Bluetooth Low Energy support on both PCs.
  • Wi-Fi connectivity for faster transfers when supported.
  • Permission to modify network and sharing settings.
Step by step

Instructions

01

Check wireless connectivity

Open **Settings > Bluetooth & devices** on both computers. Confirm that **Bluetooth** is available and set to **On**. Nearby Sharing requires compatible Bluetooth hardware even when supported transfers use Wi-Fi.

02

Enable Nearby Sharing on the receiving PC

Open **Settings > System > Nearby sharing** on the computer receiving files. Select **My devices only** when both computers use the same Microsoft account, or **Everyone nearby** for sharing with another person's PC. The receiving computer will now be eligible to appear in supported nearby sharing requests.

03

Enable Nearby Sharing on the sending PC

Open **Settings > System > Nearby sharing** on the computer sending files. Select the appropriate sharing option to match your intended recipient. For the best available Wi-Fi transfer path, connect both devices to the same trusted private Wi-Fi network.

04

Choose the receiving folder

On the receiving PC, return to **Settings > System > Nearby sharing**. Under **Save files I receive to**, select **Change** and choose the destination folder. Confirm with **Select folder** so incoming files have a predictable location.

05

Send a test file

Open **File Explorer** on the sending computer and right-click a small test document. Select **Share**, then choose the receiving computer under the nearby sharing section. Wait for the receiving computer to display the incoming transfer notification.

06

Accept and verify the transfer

On the receiving computer, select **Save** or **Save & open** in the transfer notification. Open the destination folder you selected previously. Verify that the transferred file opens correctly and matches the original.

⚠ warningEveryone nearby exposes the computer's name and Bluetooth address to nearby compatible devices. Change the setting back to My devices only or Off when sharing is finished.
Troubleshooting

Common issues

The receiving computer does not appear in the Share menu.

Enable Nearby Sharing and Bluetooth on both computers. Check that the receiving computer uses the correct visibility setting and supports Bluetooth Low Energy.

File transfers are unusually slow.

Confirm both computers have Wi-Fi enabled and are connected to the same private network. Otherwise, Windows may use a slower Bluetooth transfer path.

The recipient does not receive a transfer notification.

Reopen Settings > System > Nearby sharing on the receiving PC and verify that sharing is enabled. Keep the device awake and resend the file.

FAQ

Frequently asked

Can Nearby Sharing transfer files to Android or iPhone devices?

Windows Nearby Sharing is designed for compatible Windows PCs. Phone transfers require a separately supported sharing method.

Does Nearby Sharing require an internet connection?

It can transfer files over local wireless connections. An active external internet connection is not required for every transfer.

Where is the official documentation?

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/experience/connectivity-networking/share-things-with-nearby-devices-in-windows

How to undo this

Open Settings > System > Nearby sharing on both computers and select Off. Restore the original receiving folder if you changed it, and remove the test file if it is no longer needed.

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