How to Share File to Nearby Devices in Windows 11

Setting Up Nearby Sharing

Getting your devices ready

Before sending files wirelessly, ensure Nearby sharing is enabled on both devices. Think of it like tuning into a specific radio station.

How to Share a File or Link Using Nearby Sharing

Nearby sharing in Windows 11 lets you send files or web links to another nearby computer without needing email or USB drives. Turning on the nearby sharing feature for both your device and the target device allows the transfer to begin.

1. Select the Item You Want to Share
   Go to the file you want to send using File Explorer 📁. If it’s a webpage, make sure that page is open and active in your browser.
2. Start the Share Action
   Here are a few ways to do this:

   💡Tip

   If you're sharing a link from a browser, you might see other options like sharing via email. Nearby sharing will be one of them.

   • From File Explorer:
     • Option 1 (Ribbon): Select the file. Look at the top of the File Explorer window for the ribbon menu. Click the Share button.
     • Option 2 (Right-Click): Right-click on the file. In the menu that pops up, choose Share.
   • From a Web Browser (like Microsoft Edge): Look for a "Share" icon. It might look like a box with an arrow pointing up, or it could be in the browser's menu (often three dots or lines). Click it.
3. Choose 'Nearby sharing'
   A "Share" window will open. Look for the Nearby sharing icon or option. It usually shows a symbol for closeness or connection.
4. Select the Target Device
   Your PC will look for other Windows devices with Nearby sharing turned on and nearby. The devices will show up in the Share window. Click the name of the device you want to send the file to.

   ⚠️Warning

   Make sure you pick the right device! It's easy to send a file to the wrong person or device if many are available. Check the device name carefully.
5. Confirm on the Receiving Device
   On the device getting the file, a message will pop up asking if you want to accept it. You'll usually see the file name or link and the sender's PC name. Click Save and open or Save to accept the transfer.

   Sharing files to a nearby device in Windows 11 requires both devices to be signed in with a Microsoft account. If a sender chooses "My device only" and the recipient's device is not signed in, the recipient will be prompted to sign in. This sign-in requirement acts as a security measure.

6. Check Your Received Files Folder
   Once accepted, the file will transfer. It will be saved in the folder you chose earlier on the receiving device. You can then go to that folder to open your new file.

These steps turn Nearby sharing into a reliable habit for moving files between nearby machines.

Reference:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/share-files-in-windows-dcf7d3dc-40f7-111a-0c9e-a8981c4bbc32

Summary

Nearby sharing is a handy Windows feature for sending files, photos, or links to other Windows computers nearby using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.