How to Send a File to Another Device Using Bluetooth in Windows 11
Bluetooth file sharing in Windows 11 lets you send photos, videos, and documents to nearby phones, tablets, and computers without cables or an internet connection. This built-in wireless tool connects two paired devices directly to move files back and forth in a few clicks.
You need to turn on Bluetooth and pair your devices before you start sending anything. This feature works best for quick shares like sending a single picture from your laptop to your phone.
Enable Bluetooth on both devices, pair them, then go to Settings Bluetooth & devices Send or receive files via Bluetooth . Select “Send files,” choose your paired device, browse for your file, and click “Next.
How to Send a File to Another Device Using Bluetooth in 🪟 Windows 11
Windows has built-in tools to handle this whole process. Each step takes only moments.
Step 1Open Bluetooth & Devices Settings
Open Bluetooth & devices settings in Windows 11 to start sharing files with another device. Press the Win and the I key together on your keyboard to open the Settings app, then click Bluetooth & devices in the left menu to view your connected hardware and tools.
Click Bluetooth & devices in the left menu.
Quick Tip: Press the Windows key + I keys on your keyboard to open the Settings app immediately. Then, click Bluetooth & devices.
Step 2Find the Bluetooth File Transfer Tool
Find the Send or receive files via Bluetooth option in Windows 11 by scrolling down the Bluetooth & devices settings page to the Related settings section. Click this link to open the file transfer wizard so you can send items to another nearby device.
If you don't see this option, your PC might lack a Bluetooth adapter or the necessary drivers (software that helps Windows communicate with hardware).
Step 3Choose to Send Files
A new window will appear, called Bluetooth File Transfer. At the top, you'll see two main choices: Send files and Receive files. Since you want to send something, click Send files.
Step 4Pick the Device You Are Sending To
Select your receiving device from the list of paired hardware in Windows 11 during a bluetooth file transfer. Click the name of the device you want to share with, make sure it is powered on and close by, and then click Next to continue.
After you select the correct device, click the Next button.
Make sure the target device is powered on, within roughly 10 meters (30 feet) of your PC, and has Bluetooth turned on. Also, verify the target device is already paired with your PC. If pairing isn't complete, start that process through the main Bluetooth & devices settings. Pairing creates a secure connection for communication and file sharing.
The 'Use authentication' option adds an extra security layer when sending files. If devices are already paired, this option is often greyed out. When available, sending files requires confirmation on the receiving device for added security.
Step 5Find and Select the File to Send
Browse your computer folders in Windows 11 to pick the specific file you want to share using the bluetooth file transfer feature. Click the Browse button, choose your document, photo, or music file, click Open, and then click Next to start the transfer.
Go through your folders, find the file you want to send (it could be a picture, a music file, a document, or anything else!), select it, and then click the Open button.
With your file chosen, click the Next button in the Bluetooth File Transfer window.
Step 6Watch the File Transfer
Monitor your bluetooth file transfer progress in Windows 11 through the pop-up window that shows how much data has moved and how much time remains. Watch this screen until the process finishes, and check that both devices stay close together if the transfer slows down.
The most common reason is that the receiving device isn't ready or has stopped accepting files. Try again, making sure the receiving device is waiting for the file. If it's another Windows device, you might need to check the Receive files part of the Bluetooth File Transfer tool on that computer. For devices that aren't Windows, check their specific instructions.
Step 7Finish the Transfer
Complete your bluetooth file transfer in Windows 11 by clicking Finish once the screen shows a file successfully transferred confirmation message. This closes the transfer wizard and confirms your wireless file sharing finished successfully.
That's all there is to it! Sending files wirelessly like this is quite handy.
Reference:
Summary
Sending files with Windows 11 Bluetooth involves opening Settings, finding 'Send or receive files via Bluetooth,' choosing your device, selecting the file, and confirming the transfer.
Was this guide helpful?
About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
No comments yet — be the first to share your thoughts!