How to Enable Nearby Sharing in Windows 11

This post shows students and new users steps to turn Nearby on or off sharing when using Windows 11. When you turn on Nearby sharing in Windows 11, you can share documents, photos, and other content with devices using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

This feature is turned off by default in Windows 11. A nearby sharing feature is handy, especially if you want to quickly share content via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi with someone or some device nearby.

You can also use Nearby sharing to share with other PCs. However, both PCs—the one you’re sharing from and the one you’re sharing with—must have Bluetooth enabled. With this, no need for a USB thumb drive or external drive to share between PCs.

If you’re excited about Windows 11, keep reading posts on it.

To get started with Nearby sharing in Windows 11, follow the steps below:

How to turn on Nearby sharing in Windows 11

As mentioned above, Nearby sharing can quickly help you share content over Bluetooth Wi-Fi to other devices nearby. To enable it, follow the steps below.

Windows 11 has a centralized location for the majority of its settings. Everything can be done, from system configurations to creating new users and updating Windows from its System Settings pane.

To get to System Settings, you can use the Windows key + I shortcut or click on Start ==> Settings, as shown in the image below:

Alternatively, you can use the search box on the taskbar and search for Settings. Then select to open it.

Windows Settings pane should look similar to the image below. In Windows Settings, click System, and select Nearby sharing on the right pane of your screen, as shown in the image below.

On the Nearby sharing settings pane, select the options to share to your devices or with everyone nearby.

The settings should be applied immediately. You can now exit the settings pane.

How to share documents and pictures via Nearby sharing in Windows 11

Now that Nearby sharing is enabled, you can begin sharing documents and pictures with devices nearby.

On the PC with the document you want to share, open File Explorer and find the document you want to share; in File Explorer, right-click on the document and select Show More options.

On the next context menu, select Share, and then select the name of the device you want to share with.

Ensure the other device you’re sharing with has Nearby sharing enabled. Then select it from the list of devices you want to share.

On the receiving device or the device you’re sharing with, select Save & Open or Save when the notification appears.

To share pictures, follow the same steps above.

How to turn off Nearby sharing in Windows 11

If you’re done sharing with devices and want to turn off or disable Nearby sharing, reverse the steps above. Go to the Start menu ==> Settings ==> System ==> Nearby sharing and select the options to turn Off.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

• Nearby sharing in Windows 11 provides a convenient way to share files and documents quickly with nearby devices.
• The feature is disabled by default, but can easily be enabled through System Settings.
• It’s compatible with both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections, ensuring a seamless sharing experience between devices.
• Users can share a variety of content, including documents and pictures, within just a few steps.
• If you no longer wish to use Nearby sharing, disabling it is just as straightforward.
• Leverage this handy feature to enhance your productivity and simplify file sharing among your devices!