How to Share Pictures Between Nearby PCs in Windows 11

How it Works: Bluetooth vs. Wi-Fi

Windows Nearby Sharing uses the fastest connection available, usually Wi-Fi 📶 Direct (a technology that allows devices to connect directly to each other without an intermediary network) if both computers support it, or Bluetooth 🔷 if Wi-Fi remains unavailable.

Requirements for Nearby Sharing

• Both PCs must be running Windows 10 (version 1803 or newer) or Windows 11.
• Bluetooth 🔷 must be turned on and set to be discoverable on both devices.
• For Wi-Fi 📶 sharing, both devices should ideally be on the same network and support Wi-Fi Direct.
• The devices need to be close to each other, within the normal range of Bluetooth 🔷 or Wi-Fi 📶.

Setting Up Nearby Sharing on Both Devices

Turn on the feature on both the sending and receiving computers before attempting a transfer.

Step 1Open Windows Settings

On both computers, click the Start button ⊞ located typically in the bottom-left corner of the screen. Proceed by clicking the Settings ⚙️ gear icon.

Step 2Go to System Settings

Inside the Settings ⚙️ window, click on System to access options for hardware and main functions.

Step 3Find Nearby Sharing

On Windows 11: Scroll down the menu on the left side and click on Nearby sharing.

Step 4Set Your Sharing Choices

Control who shares files with the PC by choosing between 'My devices only' or 'Everyone nearby'. Selecting 'My devices only' increases privacy by restricting transfers to signed-in Microsoft accounts, which works best when moving files between personal computers. Choosing 'Everyone nearby' permits any close computer to send files.

• My devices only: This is more private. Your PC can only share with or receive from other Windows devices where you are signed in with the same Microsoft account. This is great if you are sharing between your own computers.
• Everyone nearby: This lets any Windows PC nearby that also has Nearby sharing turned on (and is set to "Everyone nearby") send files to your computer.

Step 5Turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

Using this capability requires enabling Bluetooth on both computers and setting it to discoverable. Keeping Wi-Fi turned on also helps send files more quickly. Selecting 'Everyone nearby' makes the PC's Bluetooth name visible to others, which impacts privacy.

Step 6Choose Where to Save Received Files

Designating a specific folder for incoming files replaces the default Downloads directory if preferred.

Sharing a Picture: Step-by-Step

Sharing a photo between nearby Windows 11 computers becomes a streamlined process after both machines have the capability set up. The Photos app, which functions as the primary tool for viewing and managing pictures on Windows, serves as the main method for this transfer.

Step 1Open the Photo You Want to Share

On the computer holding the target picture, open the Photos app by typing "Photos" in the Windows search bar and selecting the result.

Step 2Select the Picture

Browse the library inside the Photos app and click on the specific picture to expand it.

Step 3Find the Share Button

The Share icon, depicted as a box with an upward-pointing arrow, appears in the toolbar of the Photos app. Windows 11 places this icon near the top of the application window, matching the placement found in Windows 10.

Step 4Choose the Target Device

Clicking the Share icon opens a panel listing available devices found by Nearby sharing. Locate the name of the destination Windows PC in this list and click it.

Step 5Accept the Transfer on the Receiving PC

Incoming files trigger a notification offering choices to 'Save & open' or 'Save'. Selecting 'Save & open' places the file in the designated folder and launches it immediately through the Photos app. Selecting 'Save' stores the file without opening it.

• Save & open: This will save the photo to your chosen folder and then open it right away in the Photos app.
• Save: This will save the photo to your chosen folder without opening it automatically.

Click the preferred option to complete the transfer and store the photo on the PC.

Reference:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/share-things-with-nearby-devices-in-windows-0efbfe40-e3e2-581b-13f4-1a0e9936c2d9

Summary

Nearby sharing provides a powerful mechanism that many people overlook. Following these steps allows for moving photos and other files between computers without extra friction. Try it out the next time transferring a picture becomes necessary. [Your PC Name]