How to Share Pictures Between Nearby PCs in Windows 11

What is Nearby Sharing?

Windows Nearby Sharing lets you easily send photos, links, and other files to another Windows computer that’s close by, using either Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

How it Works: Bluetooth vs. Wi-Fi

Windows Nearby Sharing uses the fastest connection available, usually Wi-Fi Direct if both computers support it, or Bluetooth if Wi-Fi isn’t an option.

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

Before you share anything, turn on Nearby sharing on both the computer you’re sending from and the one you’re sending to. This is a very important first step!

Step 1Open ⚙️ Windows Settings

You need to do this on both PCs. Click the ⊞ Start button. It’s usually in the bottom-left corner of your screen. Then, click ⚙️ the Settings gear icon.

Step 2Go to System Settings

In ⚙️ the Settings window, click on System. This is where you’ll find options for your computer’s 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

You can choose how private your Windows Nearby Sharing is by picking ‘My devices only’ or ‘Everyone nearby’ to control who can send files to your PC.

• 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

To get Windows Nearby Sharing going, you need to turn on 🔷 Bluetooth and make sure it’s discoverable on both computers, plus have 📶 Wi-Fi on for quicker file sending.

Warning: If you choose “Everyone nearby,” your PC’s 🔷 Bluetooth name will be shown to other devices. This information could be used to identify your PC. If privacy is very important, stick with “My devices only.”

Step 6Choose Where to Save Received Files

You can choose a specific folder for Windows Nearby Sharing to automatically save all incoming files, changing the default Downloads folder if you prefer.

Sharing a Picture: Step-by-Step

Now that both your computers are set up for Nearby sharing, sending a photo is a breeze. We will focus on using the Photos app. This is the most common way to view and manage pictures on Windows.

Step 1Open the Photo You Want to Share

On the computer that has the picture you want to send, open the Photos app. You can find this by typing “Photos” in the Windows search bar and selecting it.

Step 2Select the Picture

Look through your photo library in the Photos app. Click on the specific picture you want to share. This opens the photo larger.

Step 3Find the Share Button

Look for the Share icon. It usually looks like a box with an arrow pointing up or out. On Windows 11, this is typically in the toolbar at the top of the Photos app window. On Windows 10, it might also be in the top toolbar.

Step 4Choose the Target Device

After clicking the Share icon, a sharing panel or window will show up. This panel will list the devices that Nearby sharing can find. You should see the name of the other Windows PC you want to send the photo to. Click the name of that device.

Step 5Accept the Transfer on the Receiving PC

When a file comes through Windows Nearby Sharing, you’ll see a message asking if you want to ‘Save & open’ it or just ‘Save’ it to your computer.

• 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 option that works best for you. The photo will then be sent and saved to 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 is a powerful tool in Windows that many people overlook. By following these steps, you can easily share your photos and other files between your nearby PCs without any extra hassle. Give it a try the next time you need to move a picture! [Your PC Name]