Transferring Files Between Laptops via Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide with Comparison of Methods

Transfer files between two laptops via Wi-Fi network — a task that every second user faces. Some are trying to quickly upload vacation photos, others need to transfer work documents several gigabytes in size, and still others simply want to avoid unnecessary cables and flash drives. But how do you choose the best method among dozens of options? In this article, we'll explore all current methods — from standard functions Windows 10/11 From specialized programs, we'll compare them based on speed, security, and convenience, and provide checklists for each case.

The main myth: "Wi-Fi transmission is always slower than cable." In practice, modern protocols 802.11ac/ax (Wi-Fi 5/6) provide speeds up to 1–2 Gbps - this is enough to transfer the film to 4K in a couple of minutes. The key is a properly configured network and the choice of an appropriate method. For example, Direct connection of laptops in point-to-point mode (Ad-Hoc) can provide speeds 30–40% higher than transmission through a router, if both devices support Wi-Fi Direct.

In this article you will find:

  • 🔹 Comparison of 5 methods transmissions (including hidden Windows functions)
  • 🔹 Step-by-step instructions with screenshots and terminal commands
  • 🔹 Speed ​​table for different Wi-Fi protocols
  • 🔹 Safety tips (how to avoid data interception)
  • 🔹 Solving typical errors (from "no access" to connection breaks)
📊 Which file transfer method do you use most often?
Via cable (USB/Ethernet)
Via the cloud (Google Drive, Yandex.Disk)
Local area network (Wi-Fi/LAN)
Special programs (TeamViewer, Resilio)
I don't know how to do this

1. Share via HomeGroup (Windows 10) or Nearby Sharing (Windows 11)

The easiest way for users Windows - use the built-in tools of the operating system. Windows 10 This Home Group (an outdated but still working method), and in Windows 11 — function "Nearby Sharing" (Nearby Sharing). The latter allows you to transfer files without prior network configuration, but has a size limit (up to 1–2 GB at a time).

How to enable "Nearby Sharing":

  1. Open Settings → System → Sharing Experiences.
  2. Turn on the slider Nearby sharing.
  3. Select visibility mode: Everything is nearby or Only my devices.
  4. On the second laptop, repeat steps 1-3.

Now to transfer the file:

  • 📁 Right-click on the file → Share.
  • 🖥️ Select the target laptop from the list of devices.
  • ✅ On the second laptop, confirm the receipt in the notification.

Advantages of the method:

  • ✔️ Does not require installation of third-party software.
  • ✔️ Works without connecting to a router (direct connection).
  • ✔️ Traffic encryption by default.
⚠️ Attention: The Nearby Sharing feature uses Bluetooth to detect devices, but the transmission goes through Wi-Fi. If Bluetooth disabled, the laptops will not see each other, even if both are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

☑️ Preparing for transfer via "Nearby Sharing"

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2. Creating a local network via a router (SMB protocol)

If you need to transfer large files (videos, disk images, archives) or organize constant exchange (for example, to work with databases), it is optimal to configure local network via a router using the protocol SMB (Server Message Block). This method works on all versions of Windows, macOS, and Linux, and the speed is limited only by your Wi-Fi capabilities.

Instructions for Windows 10/11:

  1. Setting up sharing:
    • Create a folder you want to share (for example, D:\Exchange).
    • Right-click on it → Properties → Access → Share.
    • Select a user All and press Share.
  2. Security settings:
    • Go to Properties → Security → Edit.
    • Add a group All and set permissions Read/Write.
  • Connecting from another laptop:
    • Open File Explorer → Network.
    • Find the name of the first laptop (eg. \\DESKTOP-ABC123).
    • Enter your login/password (if requested).

    To speed up the transfer:

    • 🔌 Use Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) - it supports OFDMA And MU-MIMO, which increases speed on busy networks.
    • 📶 Connect to the frequency 5 GHz (less noisy than 2.4 GHz).
    • 🛡️ Turn it off antivirus during the transfer (it can scan files in real time).
    Wi-Fi protocol Max. speed (theory) Actual file transfer speed Latency (ping)
    802.11n (Wi-Fi 4) 600 Mbps 20–50 MB/s 10–30 ms
    802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) 1.3 Gbps 50–100 MB/s 5–15 ms
    802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) 9.6 Gbps 100–200 MB/s 1–10 ms
    ⚠️ Attention: If you receive an error when connecting to a shared folder 0x80070035 ("Network path not found"), please check:
    • Is it included? SMB 1.0 (V Control Panel → Programs → Turn on Windows features).
    • Are the rules allowed? Firewall For SMB (ports 445/TCP, 137–139/UDP).
    • Is it the same? working group on both PCs (by default) WORKGROUP).

    3. Direct connection of laptops (Ad-Hoc or Wi-Fi Direct)

    If there is no router nearby or you want maximum speed, you can create direct connection between laptops. There are two options for this:

    1. Ad-Hoc mode (outdated, but works on all devices).
    2. Wi-Fi Direct (modern standard, supported in Windows 10/11).

    Setting up Wi-Fi Direct (recommended method):

    1. On the first laptop, open Command prompt (administrator) and run: 
      netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=MyShare key=12345678

      Here MyShare — network name, 12345678 — password (minimum 8 characters).

    2. Start the network: 
      netsh wlan start hostednetwork
    3. On the second laptop, connect to the network MyShare as with regular Wi-Fi.
    4. Now you can use it SMB (as in section 2) or FTP server (described below).

    Advantages of direct connection:

    • ⚡ Speed ​​is 20–40% higher than via a router (no intermediate node).
    • 🔒 Data is not transmitted through a third device (router).
    • 📶 Works even without internet.

    Flaws:

    • ❌ On some laptops Wi-Fi Direct disabled in BIOS (must be enabled manually).
    • ❌ Not all adapters support the mode hostednetwork (check through netsh wlan show drivers).
    How to check hostednetwork support?

    Run the command netsh wlan show drivers and find the line Hosted network support. If there Yes - your adapter supports direct Wi-Fi.

    4. Using an FTP server to transfer files

    If you need to transfer files between different operating systems (Windows + macOS/Linux) or organize remote access to folders, easy to expand FTP serverUnlike SMB, FTP Works on all devices, including smartphones. Cons: default traffic not encrypted (if not used FTPS or SFTP).

    Instructions for Windows (built-in FTP server):

    1. Install the component FTP server:
      • Open Control Panel → Programs → Turn on Windows features.
      • Check the box Internet Information Services → FTP Server.
    2. Set up an FTP site:
      • Open IIS Manager (via search).
      • Add a new one FTP site, specify the folder for sharing and the port 21.
      • Turn on Anonymous authentication or create a user.
  • Connect from another laptop:
    • IN Conductor enter ftp://IP-address_of_the_first_laptop.
    • Enter login/password (if configured).

    To encrypt your traffic, use FTPS (FTP over SSL). To enable it:

    • IN IIS Manager go to FTP bindings.
    • Add a binding with type https and specify the SSL certificate (you can create a self-signed one).

    Popular FTP clients for connection:

    • 🖥️ FileZilla (cross-platform, free).
    • 🖥️ WinSCP (supports SFTP/SCP).
    • 📱 FX File Explorer (for Android).
    ⚠️ Attention: If the FTP server does not start, check:
    • Is the port open? 21/TCP V Firewall.
    • Is the port busy with another service (check via netstat -ano | findstr 21).
    • Is the service enabled? FTP Publishing Service (V services.msc).

    5. Specialized programs for file transfer

    If the built-in Windows tools seem complicated, you can use third-party programsThey offer a user-friendly interface, encryption, and additional features (such as QR code transfer or transaction history). Let's look at the top three solutions:

    Program Max. speed Encryption Cross-platform Peculiarities
    LocalSend Up to 100 MB/s E2E (AES-256) Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS Transfer via QR code, no registration required
    Snapdrop Up to 50 MB/s HTTPS (TLS) Any browser Works via a web interface, no installation required
    Resilio Sync Up to 200 MB/s AES-128 Windows, macOS, Linux, NAS Real-time folder synchronization

    How to use LocalSend (recommended for most tasks):

    1. Download the program from the official website (localsend.org) and install on both laptops.
    2. Launch LocalSend and select Send or Get.
    3. On the sending device, select the files and generate QR code.
    4. On the receiving device, scan the QR code (or select the device manually).
    5. Confirm the transfer on both laptops.

    Advantages LocalSend:

    • 🔒 Full end-to-end encryption (data is not stored on servers).
    • 🚀 Speed ​​is limited only by your Wi-Fi.
    • 📱 Works between PC, Android And iOS.

    When to use Snapdrop:

    • If you cannot install programs (for example, on a work PC).
    • To transfer files between Windows And macOS/Linux without settings.
    • If you need transmission via browser (convenient for public PCs).
    ⚠️ Attention: Programs like TeamViewer or AnyDesk also allow you to transfer files, but their main purpose is remote accessThey use their own servers to exchange data, which can be less safe, than direct transmission over a local network.

    6. Solving typical problems when transmitting via Wi-Fi

    Even with proper setup, errors can still occur. Let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them:

    Problem Possible cause Solution
    Laptops can't see each other on the network. Disabled Network discovery or different working groups Turn on Network discovery V Settings → Network → Sharing options
    Low transfer rate (<10 MB/s) The laptops are connected to 2.4 GHz or far from the router Switch to 5 GHz or use a direct connection (Wi-Fi Direct)
    Error 0x80070035 ("The network path was not found") Blocking SMB firewall or protocol disabled Turn on SMB 1.0 in Windows components or check your firewall rules
    FTP server is not responding Port 21 busy or not open in the firewall Check it out netstat -ano | findstr 21 and set up an exception in the firewall

    If laptops do not connect in Ad-Hoc mode:

    • Make sure that Wi-Fi adapter supports hostednetwork (examination: netsh wlan show drivers).
    • Update Wi-Fi driver to the latest version (download from the manufacturer's website, not through Windows Update).
    • Turn it off energy saving for Wi-Fi adapter in Device Manager.

    If the transfer speed drops sharply:

    • Check if another device on your network is downloading anything (for example, smart TV or smartphone).
    • Switch from 2.4 GHz on 5 GHz (or vice versa - sometimes 2.4 GHz more stable over longer distances).
    • Turn it off QoS in the router settings (may limit traffic).
    How to enable power saving for Wi-Fi?

    Open Device Manager → Network Adapters → [Your Wi-Fi] → Properties → Power Management and uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.

    Comparison of all methods: which one to choose?

    To make your choice easier, we will summarize all the methods in one table:

    Method Speed Difficulty of setup Security When to use
    Nearby sharing ⭐⭐ (up to 50 MB/s) ⭐ (1 minute) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (E2E) Quickly transfer small files between Windows 10/11
    Local Area Network (SMB) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (up to 200 MB/s) ⭐⭐⭐ (5–10 minutes) ⭐⭐⭐ (depending on settings) Regularly sharing large files within the same network
    Wi-Fi Direct (Ad-Hoc) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (up to 250 MB/s) ⭐⭐ (3–5 minutes) ⭐⭐⭐ (WPA2-PSK) Maximum speed without a router
    FTP server ⭐⭐⭐ (up to 100 MB/s) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (15–20 minutes) ⭐⭐ (without FTPS) Cross-platform sharing or remote access
    LocalSend/Snapdrop ⭐⭐⭐ (up to 100 MB/s) ⭐ (2–3 clicks) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (E2E) A universal method for any device

    Recommendations for selection:

    • 📱 For smartphones and tablets: LocalSend or Snapdrop.
    • 🖥️ For two laptops on Windows 10/11: "Nearby Sharing" or SMB.
    • ⚡ For maximum speed: Wi-Fi Direct (Ad-Hoc).
    • 🌍 For cross-platform sharing: FTP or Resilio Sync.

    FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

    Is it possible to transfer files between laptops without a router?

    Yes, the following will work for this:

    • Mode Wi-Fi Direct (configurable via netsh wlan).
    • Programs like LocalSend (create a direct network).
    • Nearby Sharing in Windows 11 (uses Bluetooth for detection, Wi-Fi for transmission).

    The speed in this mode is usually higher than through a router, since there is no intermediate node.

    How to transfer files larger than 4GB?

    The 4GB limitation is specific to the file system. FAT32To transfer large files:

    • Use NTFS or exFAT for external media.
    • For transmission over the network (via SMB or FTP) there are no restrictions.
    • Archive files by splitting them into volumes (for example, via 7-Zip with parameter -v4g).
    Why is Wi-Fi transmission speed lower than cable?

    This is normal because:

    • Wi-Fi is susceptible interference (other networks, microwave ovens, Bluetooth devices).
    • Protocols 802.11 have overheads for encryption and connection management.
    • The actual speed is usually 30–60% from the declared (for example, Wi-Fi 5 with a maximum of 1.3 Gbps will give ~500–800 Mbps).

    To get the speed closer to cable:

    • Use 5 GHz and standard 802.11ac/ax.
    • Place laptops at a distance of no more than 3–5 meters from each other.
    • Turn off other devices that consume traffic.
    Is it possible to transfer files between Windows and macOS?

    Yes, the following will work for this:

    • 📁 SMB protocol: On macOS, connect via Finder → Go → Connect to Server (enter smb://IP-address_PC).
    • 🌐 FTP: use FileZilla or the built-in macOS FTP client.
    • 🔄 LocalSend/Snapdrop: Cross-platform solutions without settings.

    On Windows, make sure that Control Panel → Programs → Turn on components

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