How to Share Files Between Computers via Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide (2026)

Transfer files between computers via Wi-Fi — a convenient alternative to USB drives and network cables, especially when devices are on the same network. This method saves time, eliminates the need for physical media, and allows for the exchange of data ranging from a few megabytes to tens of gigabytes. However, not everyone knows that transfer speed, security, and connection stability depend on the chosen method.

In this article we will look at 5 proven methods Wi-Fi file sharing - from built-in tools Windows, macOS And Linux to specialized programs like LocalSend or FeemYou will learn how to set up shared folder, use FTP server or SSH, and also what Router settings can speed up data transfer by 2-3 timesWe'll focus on security: why open networks are dangerous and how to encrypt traffic.

1. Shared folder in Windows: a simple way without programs

The most accessible method for users Windows - Creation network folder with shared access. It doesn't require installing additional software, but it only works within a single local network (e.g., home Wi-Fi). The transfer speed depends on the router standard: 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) it reaches 300–500 Mbps, and on 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) - up to 1 Gbps.

To set up a shared folder:

• 📁 Create a folder on one of the PCs (for example, D:\Exchange) and right-click on it → Properties → Access.
• 🔓 Click Share, select a user Everyone and set the resolution Reading and writing.
• 🌐 In the section Security add the same user (Everyone) and give full rights.
• 🖥️ On the second PC, open File Explorer → Network, find the name of the first computer and go to the shared folder.

Disable Windows Firewall during the transfer|Make sure both PCs are connected to the same Wi-Fi network|Make sure DHCP (automatic IP assignment) is enabled on your router|Use static IP addresses for permanent access-->

If the second computer does not see the folder, check:

• 🔄 Settings network discovery (Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Change advanced settings...). Must be included. Network discovery And File and Printer Sharing.
• 🛡️ Antivirus or firewall software may be blocking access. Add an exception for the folder or temporarily disable protection.
• 📡 Router settings: some models (for example, TP-Link Archer C6) isolate devices on the network by default (AP Isolation). Disable this option in the router's web interface.

⚠️ Warning: Publicly accessible shared folders are vulnerable to data interception. If you have unauthorized devices on your network (for example, in an office or cafe), use password for the folder or encryption SMB 3.0 (included in Control Panel → Programs → Turn Windows features on or off).

2. FTP server: for large files and remote access

If you need to transfer files of a volume more than 4 GB or organize access from another network (for example, from work to a home PC), FTP server will be the optimal solution. Unlike a shared folder, it supports resume downloading and works even over slow connections. The downside is that it requires configuration on one of the computers.

For Windows, the easiest way is to use the built-in IIS FTP server or a program FileZilla ServerInstructions for FileZilla:

1. Download and install FileZilla Server from the official website.
2. Specify the port on first launch 21 (standard for FTP) and create a user with a password.
3. In the user settings, specify the folder for sharing (for example, C:\FTP_Share) and set read/write permissions.
4. On the second PC, connect via any FTP client (for example, FileZilla Client or WinSCP), entering the IP address of the first computer, login and password.

To access from another network (for example, from work to a home PC), you will need:

• 🌍 Forward a port 21 on the router in the settings Port Forwarding (specify the local IP of the computer with the FTP server).
• 🔒 Use FTPS (FTP + SSL/TLS) or SFTP (via SSH) to encrypt traffic.
• 📡 Find out the external IP address of the router (you can do this through the service 2ip.ru) or customize DDNS (dynamic DNS) for a permanent domain name.

3. LocalSend and Feem: programs for quick exchange

If setting up FTP or network folders seems complicated, use specialized programs for sharing files over Wi-Fi. They work on the principle P2P (peer-to-peer), do not require a router and are often supported cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS). The two most popular solutions are LocalSend (open source) and Feem (proprietary).

LocalSend (for free, localsend.org):

• 📱 Install the program on both computers (versions are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android And iOS).
• 🔗 Connect to the same Wi-Fi network or create an access point on one of the devices.
• 📤 On the first PC, select the file, specify the recipient (the second computer will appear in the list), and send.
• 📥 On the second PC, confirm receipt of the file.

Feem (shareware, feem.io):

• 💻 Likewise LocalSend, but with additional features: broadcast history, group chat, support AirDrop-like technology For macOS/iOS.
• 🔒 The free version has a file size limit of 50 MB (V LocalSend there are no restrictions).
• 📡 Can work without a router, creating a direct Wi-Fi network between devices (mode Wi-Fi Direct).

Shared folder (SMB)|FTP/SFTP|Programs like LocalSend or Feem|Cloud services (Google Drive, Yandex Disk)|USB drive-->

The advantages of such programs:

• ⚡ High speed — to 50–70 MB/s in a local network (depending on the Wi-Fi standard).
• 🔐 Encryption - V LocalSend traffic is protected TLS, V Feem - proprietary protocol.
• 📱 Cross-platform — you can transfer files not only between PCs, but also from your smartphone.

⚠️ Caution: On public networks (such as in a cafe or airport), avoid transmitting sensitive data via LocalSend/Feem without additional encryption. Attackers can intercept traffic by connecting to the same network. For sensitive information, use SFTP or VPN.

4. SSH/SFTP: Secure Transfer for Linux and macOS

If at least one of the computers is running Linux or macOS, the most reliable way to exchange files is the protocol SSH (Secure Shell). It provides full encryption traffic and supports key-based authentication, eliminating the risk of data interception. For Windows, you will need to install OpenSSH client (included in Windows 10/11) or program PuTTY.

Instructions for Linux/macOS (server setup):

1. Open terminal and install OpenSSH server:

   sudo apt install openssh-server # For Debian/Ubuntu
   sudo systemctl enable --now ssh # Start the server

2. Find out the IP address of a computer on a local network:

   ip a  # Linux
   ifconfig  # macOS

3. On the second PC, connect via SFTP (for example, through FileZilla or terminal):

   sftp username@192.168.1.100 # Replace with your real IP

For Windows (connecting to SSH server):

• 🖥️ Install OpenSSH client through Settings → Applications → Additional components.
• 📂 Connect to the server via WinSCP or command line:

  scp C:\path\to\file.txt username@192.168.1.100:/home/username/

Advantages SSH/SFTP:

• 🔒 100% encryption — data is transmitted in encrypted form and cannot be intercepted.
• 🌐 Works over the Internet if you forward a port 22 on the router, you can connect from anywhere in the world.
• 🐧 Native support in Linux/macOS — does not require additional software.

Ciphers chacha20-poly1305@openssh.com,aes256-gcm@openssh.com

5. Wi-Fi Direct: Direct transmission without a router

If you don't have a router or need to transfer files in conditions where there is no Wi-Fi network (for example, while traveling), use the technology Wi-Fi DirectIt allows devices to connect directly, like a cable, but without wires. The speed depends on the Wi-Fi adapter standard: 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4) - up to 150 Mbps, on 802.11ac — to 867 Mbps.

How to enable Wi-Fi Direct in Windows:

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Hotspot.
2. In the section Wi-Fi Direct turn on the option (on some laptops it is called Wi-Fi Sense or Wi-Fi Direct Connection).
3. On the second PC, find the network with the name of the first computer (for example, DESKTOP-ABC123_Direct) and connect by entering the password.

For Linux use the utility wpa_supplicant:

sudo wpa_cli p2p_find
sudo wpa_cli p2p_connect [Device MAC address] pbc go_intent=15

Restrictions Wi-Fi Direct:

• 🔌 Not all adapters support this mode (check the specifications of your Wi-Fi module).
• 📡 The speed is lower than when connecting through a router due to the lack of channel optimization.
• 🔒 No built-in encryption - for security, use VPN or SSH tunnel.

⚠️ Attention: In Windows 11, the function Wi-Fi Direct may conflict with drivers of some Wi-Fi adapters (for example, Intel AX200 or Realtek RTL8852AE). If the connection is interrupted, update the driver via device Manager or the manufacturer's website.

6. Cloud services as an alternative: when Wi-Fi is not suitable

If direct Wi-Fi transmission is not possible (for example, the devices are on different networks or a firewall is blocking local traffic), use cloud servicesThey don't require network configuration, but they are dependent on internet speed and have volume limitations.

Comparison of popular services:

How to transfer files via Google Drive:

1. Upload the file to Google Drive from the first PC.
2. Right-click on the file → Share → Enter the second user's email or copy the link.
3. On the second PC, open the link and download the file.

Advantages of cloud services:

• 🌍 Access from anywhere in the world - no need to configure a network.
• 🔄 Automatic backup - files are saved on the server.
• 📱 Cross-platform – works on PCs, smartphones, and tablets.

Flaws:

• 🐢 Speed ​​limit - depends on your internet plan and service.
• 💰 Paid for large volumes - free plans are usually limited to 5-15 GB.
• 🔒 Risk of data leakage - files are stored on third-party servers.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about sharing files over Wi-Fi

ping [IP address of the second PC]