How to Enable Nearby Sharing in Windows 11

This guide explains how to turn the Nearby sharing feature on or off in Windows 11.

When you turn on Nearby sharing, you can send files, photos, and other items to nearby devices using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. This feature is turned off when you first get Windows 11. It is very useful for sending files quickly without needing a USB drive. You just need to make sure both computers have Bluetooth turned on.

Why use Nearby sharing?

It allows you to move files between devices instantly without cables or cloud storage. It makes sharing photos or documents with someone in the same room much faster.

What happens when you are done?

Once you finish sharing, you can turn the feature off to save battery life and keep your computer secure from unwanted connection requests.

How to turn on Nearby sharing

You can manage this feature in the main Windows settings menu. Note: You must be logged in as an administrator to change system-level settings.

1. Open your settings by pressing the Windows key + I on your keyboard, or click Start > Settings.

2. In the System menu, scroll down and click on Nearby sharing on the right side of your screen.

3. Choose whether you want to share with your own devices or with everyone nearby.

The changes happen instantly, and you can close the window.

How to share files

Once the feature is on, you can start sending files right away.

1. Open File Explorer and find the file you want to send.

2. Right-click the file and select Show more options.

3. Click the Share icon and pick the name of the device you want to send the file to.

4. On the other computer, a notification will pop up. Click Save & Open or Save to accept the file.

How to turn off Nearby sharing

If you are finished, you can turn the feature off to keep your settings clean.

1. Go to Start > Settings > System > Nearby sharing.

2. Select the Off option.

Summary

Nearby sharing is a quick way to move files between Windows 11 computers using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. It is disabled by default, but you can turn it on in your system settings. Once enabled, you can right-click any file to share it with a nearby device. When you are finished, you can easily turn the feature off in the same settings menu.