How to Share a Link to a Website using Nearby Sharing in Windows 11

Getting Ready: Turn On Nearby Sharing

Before you can send links, you need to turn on Nearby Sharing on *both* computers. Think of it like making sure both walkie-talkies are on and ready.

Here’s how to set it up on each computer:

1. Open Windows Settings ⚙️
   Click the Start button ⊞ (the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner). Then, click the Settings ⚙️ gear icon. You can also press the Windows key + I keys on your keyboard to open Settings ⚙️ fast.
2. Go to System Settings
   In the Settings ⚙️ window, click on System. This is usually one of the first options.
3. Find Nearby Sharing
   Scroll down the left menu in System settings. Click on Nearby sharing.
   Note for older Windows versions: On some older Windows versions, you might find this under “Shared experiences” instead of “Nearby sharing.”
4. Choose Who You Share With
   Under “Nearby sharing,” you’ll see an option like “Choose who you can share or receive content from.” You have two choices:

   • My devices only: This is the most secure. You can only share with computers logged into the same Microsoft account. This is great for sharing between your own computers.
   • Everyone nearby: This lets any Windows computer nearby with Nearby Sharing turned on send you things or receive things from you. This is useful for sharing with others, but it’s less private.
     Pick the option that works best for you. You need to do this on both computers. For sharing between your own machines, setting both to “My devices only” and using the same Microsoft account is the easiest.
     Tip: If you choose “Everyone nearby,” your computer’s name will be broadcast so others can find it. This is how devices connect.
5. Choose Where to Save Received Files (Optional but Recommended)
   Further down on the Nearby sharing screen, you’ll see “Save files I receive to.” By default, Windows might save received items to your Downloads folder. To change this, click Change, pick a new folder, and then click Select folder.
   Warning: Make sure the folder you choose has enough space and that you remember where it is! It’s a good idea to make a special folder just for items received through Nearby Sharing.

Sharing a Website Link: Step-by-Step

Now that both computers are ready, let’s send that link!

1. Open Your Web Browser
   On the computer you want to share from, open your web browser. We'll use Microsoft Edge as an example because it works well with Nearby Sharing.
2. Go to the Webpage
   Visit the website, article, or video you want to share. Make sure the page has finished loading.
3. Find the Share Option
   In Microsoft Edge, look for the three dots (...) in the top-right corner. Click it.
   From the menu that appears, go to More tools, and then click Share.
   Tip: Some websites have their own "Share" buttons. Using the browser's share function is usually more reliable for Nearby Sharing.
4. Select the Other Computer
   A "Share" window will pop up. You should see a list of computers that have Nearby Sharing turned on. Click the name of the computer you want to send the link to.
   Need help? If you don't see the other computer, check that Nearby Sharing is turned on for both devices. Make sure they are close to each other and that Bluetooth or Wi-Fi is enabled on both. Sometimes, restarting the browser or the computers can help them find each other.
5. Get the Link on the Other Computer
   On the computer you sent the link to, a notification should pop up, usually in the bottom-right corner (near the clock). It will say a link has been shared with you.
   Click the notification. You'll probably see an option like "Open" or "Open link." Click it, and the link will open in the default web browser on that second computer.
   Warning: Make sure to open the notification quickly. If you close it, you might miss the link. If you set a specific folder earlier, the link might also be saved as a small file (like an .url file) in that folder. You can double-click it to open.
6. to be a simple way to send small pieces of information between your Windows devices when they are close.

Summary

Sharing a website link between Windows PCs with Nearby Sharing is a handy feature. Just remember these main steps:

• Turn on Nearby Sharing on both the sending and receiving computers in Settings > System > Nearby sharing.
• Choose if you want to share with "My devices only" or "Everyone nearby."
• On the sending PC, open the webpage in Microsoft Edge (or a similar browser) and use the Share option (... > More tools > Share).
• Pick the other computer from the list.
• Accept the notification on the receiving PC to open the link.

With a little setup, this can become a useful tool for moving information around your digital world. Try it out next time you find something online you want to share!