How to Share Pictures Between Nearby PCs in Windows 11

What is Nearby Sharing?

Nearby sharing is a Windows feature. It lets you send documents, photos, links, and other files to other Windows devices that are close by. It uses either Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to connect the two PCs. This means you do not need to be on the same network for it to work. However, being on the same Wi-Fi network can sometimes make the transfer faster.

It is made to be a fast way to share things. You do not need extra storage or online services. As long as both devices have Nearby sharing turned on and are close enough, you can send files back and forth.

How it Works: Bluetooth vs. Wi-Fi

Nearby sharing smartly picks the best connection method. If both PCs can use Wi-Fi Direct (a way for devices to connect directly over Wi-Fi without a router) on the same network, it’ll likely use Wi-Fi for a faster transfer. If Wi-Fi isn’t an option, or if the PCs are only using Bluetooth, it’ll switch to Bluetooth. Remember, Bluetooth has a shorter range and is usually slower than Wi-Fi, but it’s still great for sending small files quickly.

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 can share anything, you need to turn on Nearby sharing on both the computer you are sending from and the computer you are 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 is 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 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

Here, you decide who can share with your PC and who your PC can share with. You will see an option like “Nearby sharing” or “I can share or receive content from.” You have two main choices:

• 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

Make sure 🔷 Bluetooth is turned on for both computers. You can usually find this setting under ‘Bluetooth & devices’ (Windows 11) or ‘Devices > Bluetooth & other devices’ (Windows 10). Also, make sure 📶 Wi-Fi is on, especially if you want a faster connection. Nearby sharing needs these connections to work.

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

Under the Nearby sharing settings, you will see an option like “Save files I receive to.” Click Change. Then, pick a folder on your PC where all files sent to you using Nearby sharing will be saved automatically. By default, they often go to your Downloads folder. But you can choose a better spot.

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 look at 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 will open 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

On the computer that is getting the photo, a notification should pop up. This notification will say that someone is trying to share a file with you. It might say something like “Share from [Sender’s PC Name].” You will usually have options like:

• 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. Try it the next time you need to move a picture! [Your PC Name]