How to Share Pictures Between Nearby PCs in Windows 11

How it Works: Bluetooth vs. Wi-Fi

Nearby Sharing uses the fastest available connection. It prefers Wi-Fi 📶 Direct (a technology that connects devices directly without a router) and falls back to Bluetooth 🔷 if Wi-Fi is unavailable.

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

Turn on the feature on both the sending and receiving computers before attempting a transfer.

Step 1Open Windows Settings

Open the Start menu ⊞ and click Settings ⚙️.

Step 2Go to System Settings

Click System in the Settings ⚙️ window.

Step 3Find Nearby Sharing

Click Nearby sharing in the left menu.

Step 4Set Your Sharing Choices

Sharing choices for windows nearby sharing let you control who can send files to your computer. You can choose between 'My devices only' to restrict transfers to your own signed-in Microsoft accounts, or 'Everyone nearby' to permit any close computer to send files.

• 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

Turning on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for windows nearby sharing requires enabling Bluetooth on both computers and setting it to discoverable. Keeping Wi-Fi turned on also helps send files much more quickly, though selecting 'Everyone nearby' makes your PC's Bluetooth name visible to others.

Choosing "Everyone nearby" exposes the PC's Bluetooth name to other devices. This information could identify the computer. Prioritizing privacy means sticking with "My devices only."

Step 6Choose Where to Save Received Files

Designate a specific folder for incoming files if you prefer not to use the default Downloads directory.

Sharing a Picture: Step-by-Step

Sharing a photo between nearby Windows 11 computers becomes a streamlined process after both machines have the capability set up. Use the Photos app to send pictures.

Step 1Open the Photo You Want to Share

Open the Photos app by typing "Photos" in the Windows search bar and selecting the result.

Step 2Select the Picture

Click the specific picture in your library to expand it.

Step 3Find the Share Button

Click the Share icon, which looks like a box with an upward-pointing arrow.

Step 4Choose the Target Device

Click the name of the destination Windows PC in the list of available devices.

Step 5Accept the Transfer on the Receiving PC

Accepting a transfer in windows nearby sharing is done through an incoming notification that gives you the choice to 'Save & open' or simply 'Save'. Selecting 'Save & open' places the file in your downloads folder and launches it immediately through the Photos app.

• 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 your preferred option to complete the transfer and store the photo on 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 provides a mechanism that many people overlook. Following these steps allows for moving photos and other files between computers without extra friction. Try it out the next time transferring a picture becomes necessary. [Your PC Name]