Transferring files via Wi-Fi between computers: all working methods in 2026

Transferring data between computers over a wireless network is a challenge faced by every second user. Według statistics NetMarketShareMore than 60% of home networks use Wi-Fi as their primary file sharing channel, bypassing wired connections. But how do you properly organize this process if you don't have a router handy and your internet connection is either nonexistent or limited? This article will cover all the relevant methods, from standard tools to Windows to cross-platform solutions running on macOS And Linux.

We will cover not only the basic scenarios (for example, through Shared folder or FTP server), but also advanced techniques like Wi-Fi Direct or use SSH-tunnels. We will pay special attention transmission speedsWhy, with a theoretical speed of 300 Mbps, actual speeds rarely exceed 50 Mbps, and how to avoid this. And for those who value security, we'll provide a checklist for protecting your data from interception.

1. Preparing computers for data transfer

Before you start sharing files, you need to make sure both devices are ready to connect. Let's start with the basic requirements:

• 🔹 Hardware compatibility: Both computers must support Wi-Fi standards not lower than 802.11n (better 802.11ac or Wi-Fi 6). Check the specifications of your adapters in Device Manager (devmgmt.msc).
• 🔹 Operating systems: methods for Windows 10/11 may not work on Windows 7 without additional drivers. For macOS And Linux you will need utilities like avahi-daemon or Bonjour.
• 🔹 Energy saving: Disable sleep mode for the Wi-Fi adapter in Control Panel → Power Options → Change Plan Settings → Advanced Settings, otherwise the connection may be broken.

If you plan to transfer large files (videos, disk images), free up space on the target device in advance. For example, a 20 GB file will require at least 25 GB of free space, including temporary data. You can use the utility to check the connection speed between PCs. iperf3:

iperf3 -s # on the receiving PC
iperf3 -c [IP address] -P 5 # on sending PC (test with 5 threads)

⚠️ Attention: If one of the computers has Kaspersky Internet Security or ESET NOD32, temporarily disable your firewall - it can block local connections even on a trusted network.

2. Method 1: Local network via a router (the most reliable)

If both computers are connected to the same router, file transfer is as easy as a few clicks. This method doesn't require an internet connection—it's enough for the devices to be on the same subnet. Here are step-by-step instructions for Windows:

1. On host PC create a shared folder:
   • Right-click on the folder → Properties → Access → Sharing.
   • Select a user Everyone and set permissions Reading and writing.
   • Go to the tab Security and add the same group with full rights.

For macOS the algorithm is similar, but instead \\IP use smb://IP V FinderOn . Linux mount the folder with the command:

sudo mount -t cifs //192.168.1.100/folder_name /mnt/shared -o username=user_name,password=password

⚠️ Attention: If the router uses 192.168.0.x, and your PC is configured to 192.168.1.x, the connection will not be established. Check the DHCP settings in the router's admin panel (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).

3. Method 2: Wi-Fi Direct (without a router)

Wi-Fi Direct Allows you to connect devices directly, without the need for a router. This is ideal for transferring files on the go or in areas without infrastructure. However, not all adapters support this standard—check your device's specifications.

Instructions for Windows 10/11:

1. Open Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Select Wi-Fi Direct (on some laptops the option is hidden in Additional options).
3. On the second PC, find the name of the first device in the same menu and connect to it. The password will be displayed on the first PC's screen.
4. After connecting, use \\[computer_name] V Conductor to access shared folders.

On macOS a similar functionality is called AirDrop, but it only works between devices AppleFor cross-platform sharing, use apps like Feem or Send Anywhere (more about them below).

Make sure the adapter supports Wi-Fi Direct (check in Device Manager)|

Update your Wi-Fi adapter drivers to the latest version|

Turn it off Modem mode in network settings|

Make sure it is enabled on both PCs. Network discovery

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Transfer speed by Wi-Fi Direct Typically lower than through a router (up to 50 Mbps), but there's no dependence on third-party equipment. To increase speed:

• 📶 Use range 5 GHz (if supported).
• 🔄 Disable all background programs that consume network bandwidth (torrents, cloud synchronization).
• 🔌 Connect laptops to a power source—Wi-Fi adapters often operate in low-power mode when on battery power.

4. Method 3: Specialized programs for file transfer

If standard methods seem complicated, third-party utilities can help. They automate network configuration and often offer additional features like encryption or data compression. Let's look at the top three solutions:

Example of working with Send Anywhere:

1. Install the program on both PCs from the official website (send-anywhere.com).
2. On the sending PC, select the files and click Send.
3. A 6-digit code will be generated – enter it on the receiving PC.
4. Confirm the transfer on both devices.

The advantage of such programs is their simplicity and the elimination of the need to manually configure the network. However, there are also disadvantages:

• 🔒 Security: even with encryption, data passes through the developer's servers (except LocalSend).
• 📉 Speed: Due to intermediate servers, the actual speed rarely exceeds 10 MB/s.
• 💰 Restrictions: Free versions often have file size limits (for example, 1 GB in Feem).

5. Method 4: FTP server on one of the computers

Protocol FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a classic file sharing method that is still relevant today due to its flexibility and high speed. To set up an FTP server on Windows you will need:

1. Install FTP server:
   • Open Control Panel → Programs → Turn Windows features on or off.
   • Activate Internet Information Services → FTP Server And World Wide Web Services.

sudo apt install vsftpd
sudo systemctl start vsftpd
sudo ufw allow 20/tcp # Allow FTP port
sudo ufw allow 21/tcp

sudo apt install hostapd dnsmasq
sudo systemctl stop hostapd dnsmasq
sudo hostapd -dd /etc/hostapd/hostapd.conf