How to Enable Nearby Sharing in Windows 11?

Share files, photos, and links with nearby Windows devices

Nearby Sharing in Windows 11 is a feature that allows users to easily share files, links, and other content between nearby devices over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. This feature simplifies the process of transferring data without the need for email, USB drives, or cloud services, making it convenient for quick and direct file sharing. This article will explore how it works and how to turn on nearby sharing in Windows 11, using simple yet detailed steps. Check out: How to Enable Airplane Mode in Windows 11?

Key Steps:

  • Go to Windows Settings.
  • Click on System.
  • Locate Nearby Sharing and Enable it in Windows 11.

How does Nearby Sharing in Windows 11 work?

Transfer files between Windows PC
Transfer files between Windows PC

Let’s say you want to share a file with a friend who’s sitting next to you. You’d start by right-clicking on the file you want to share and selecting the “Share” option from the context menu. Windows will then search for nearby devices using Bluetooth, and you’ll see a list of available devices pop up on your screen.

When you select your friend’s device from the list, Windows will establish a connection using Bluetooth, and then it will use Wi-Fi to transfer the file. This combination of Bluetooth for discovery and Wi-Fi for transferring makes the process both fast and efficient.

IMPORTANT
To use this feature, make sure that the WiFi and the Bluetooth are ON. Devices need to be set to discoverable mode for Nearby Sharing to work and need to be close enough to establish a Bluetooth connection, usually within 30 feet.

Turn on Nearby Sharing in Windows 11 – Simple Steps:

Enabling this feature is a pretty straightforward process. The following are the steps.

System
System
Locate nearby Sharing in System Settings
Locate nearby Sharing in System Settings
Choose nearby sharing options
Choose nearby sharing options

My Devices only:

This option limits sharing to devices that you’ve signed in with the same Microsoft account. It’s ideal for sharing files between your own devices, such as between your laptop and desktop or tablet powered by the Windows operating system, ensuring that only devices you own and have logged into with the same account can interact with each other. This option is more secure.

Everyone Nearby:

The purpose of this option is to use in public or shared spaces where you might want to share files with others nearby but keep in mind that it makes your device discoverable to any other Nearby Sharing-enabled devices within range.

Facts on Go!
Nearby Sharing Feature was introduced in Windows 10 version 1803 (April 2018 Update). Devices running this version or later can use the feature.

How to transfer files between two Windows 11 PC using Nearby Sharing?

winsides.com
winsides.com

Now that we established What is Nearby Sharing, how it works, and how to enable it in Windows 11, let’s jump into the section on how to use this feature in Windows 11 and transfer files between two Windows PCs.

Right-click on the file & Share
Right-click on the file & Share
Share files using Windows 11 Nearby share
Share files using Windows 11 Nearby Share

Configure Nearby Sharing in Windows 11:

A couple of options like where the files have to be stored and the device’s discoverable name can be configured in the Nearby Sharing settings.

Save files I receive to
Save files I receive to
Rename your Device Name
Rename your Device Name
Rename your device
Rename your device

Take away:

Nearby Sharing in Windows 11 is a handy feature that makes file sharing between devices quick and efficient. It provides a seamless way to transfer files without the need for physical media or internet-based solutions. For more interesting articles, stay tuned to winsides.com. Safe Sharing! Peace out!

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