Transferring data from a laptop to a computer via Wi-Fi: all the working methods

Transfer files between a laptop and a desktop computer via Wi-Fi — a convenient alternative to cables and flash drives, especially when devices are in different rooms or connected to the same network. Unlike physical media, wireless transfer saves time, eliminates the risk of data loss during copying, and allows for the exchange of files up to several gigabytes in size. However, not all users know that this doesn't require cloud services or instant messaging apps—it's enough to properly configure the local network or use built-in tools. Windows, macOS or Linux.

In this article we will look at 5 proven methods data transmission by Wi-Fi, including methods for different operating systems, and we'll also look at their pros and cons. You'll learn how to set up folder sharing, use FTP server, synchronize files via the cloud or specialized programs like LocalSend or FeemWe'll pay special attention to security—how to protect transmitted data from prying eyes on your home network.

If you need to transfer documents, photos or videos from your laptop to your PC one-time, a simple method will do cloud storageFor regular exchange of large files, it is better to set up local network or FTP. And if the devices run different operating systems (for example, Windows And macOS), cross-platform software will help. Choose the method based on your needs!

1. Transfer via local network (SMB/NetBIOS)

The most reliable way to share files between devices in one Wi-Fi networks — set up public access to the folder. This method works on Windows, macOS And Linux, does not require installation of additional software and provides high transfer speed (up to 100–300 Mbps depending on the router).

The basic protocol for such a transfer is SMB (Server Message Block), which is supported by all modern operating systems. Windows it turns on automatically, and in macOS And Linux Manual configuration may be required. Advantage of this method: files are transferred directly between devices, without being connected to the internet, which is important for privacy.

To open access to a folder on Windows 10/11:

1. Right-click on the folder → Properties → Access → Share.
2. Select a user (eg. All) and set permissions (Reading or Reading and writing).
3. IN Network discovery (Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center) turn on options Enable network discovery And Enable file and printer sharing.

On the second device, open Conductor, enter in the address bar \\[IP address of the first PC] (For example, \\192.168.1.100) and log in if necessary. Done—now you can copy files just like from a regular flash drive!

The workgroup name is the same on both PCs (default) WORKGROUP in Windows)

Firewall is disabled or an exception has been added for File and Printer

The devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (not via guest access)

The account password does not contain Cyrillic characters (this may cause authorization errors) -->

2. Using an FTP server (for large files)

If you need to transfer large files (for example, video in 4K or program archives), the local network may slow down due to restrictions SMBIn this case it will help FTP server — a protocol optimized for transferring large amounts of data. It's easy to set up even on a low-end laptop, and speeds are higher due to the lack of unnecessary encryption (unlike cloud services).

For Windows built-in will do IIS (Internet Information Services) or free programs like FileZilla ServerOn . macOS And Linux You can start FTP through the terminal with the command:

sudo -s
apt install vsftpd # for Debian/Ubuntu
systemctl start vsftpd

After setting up the server on the first device:

1. Get to know the local IP address (team ipconfig V Windows or ifconfig V macOS/Linux).
2. On the second device, connect via any FTP client (For example, FileZilla or WinSCP) at the address ftp://[IP address].
3. Enter login/password (the system account is often used by default).

Advantages of FTP:

• 🔹 Transfer speed up to 500 Mbps on modern routers (2-3 times faster) SMB).
• 🔹 Ability to resume interrupted downloads.
• 🔹 Works even if on one of the devices Linux or outdated OS.

⚠️ Note: FTP does not encrypt default traffic. If you have other devices on your network (for example, in an office), use SFTP (port 22) or configure FTPS with an SSL certificate.

3. Cloud services (for fast transfer)

If the devices are not connected to the same Wi-Fi networks or you need to transfer files remotely (for example, from a laptop to a home PC from another country), the easiest way is to use cloud storageThis method does not require network configuration, but depends on your internet speed and may incur a fee for large data volumes.

Popular file transfer services:

How to transfer files via Google Drive:

1. Upload files to Google Drive from a laptop (drag and drop into the browser or through the app).
2. Generate share link (right click → Share).
3. Open the link on the second device and download the files.

Disadvantages of the method:

• 🔸 Volume limitation (for example, in Dropbox only 2 GB free).
• 🔸 Depends on internet speed (on a slow connection, downloading 10 GB can take hours).
• 🔸 Risk of data leakage (especially in little-known clouds).

Google Drive|Yandex Drive|Dropbox|Mega|Other|I don't use it-->

4. Special programs for Wi-Fi transmission

If standard methods seem complicated, you can use specialized programs, which automate network setup and file transfer. They are especially convenient for users without technical skills or when you need to transfer data between Windows And macOS/Android.

Top 3 programs for wireless transmission:

• 📱 LocalSend - cross-platform open source software (runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android). Transfers files over a local network without the Internet, supports QRC codes for quick connection.
• 🖥️ Feem - simple interface, transmission speed up to 50 MB/s, there is a chat for exchanging messages.
• 🌐 Snapdrop — a web service (no installation required), works through a browser on the principle Airdrop from Apple.

Example of working with LocalSend:

1. Install the program on both devices with official website.
2. Connect to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. On your laptop, select files → click Send → select the second PC from the list.
4. On your PC, confirm receipt of files.

How to speed up transfers in LocalSend?

If the speed is below 10 MB/s, try:

1. Disable the firewall on both devices.

2. Switch from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz Wi-Fi (less interference).

3. Use an Ethernet cable for one of the devices (if the router supports it) Gigabit LAN).

4. Close background programs that consume the network (torrents, online games).

⚠️ Attention: Some programs (for example, Feem) create own network instead of using your current Wi-Fi. This may interfere with your main internet connection. If you lose internet access after transferring, reboot your router.

5. Transfer via SSH (for advanced users)

If you work with Linux or macOS, the most secure way to transfer files is the protocol SSH (Secure Shell). It encrypts all data, which is important for confidential information. Windows To do this you will need to install OpenSSH Server (available in Additional components).

How to transfer files via SSH:

1. On the receiving device (Linux/macOS) enable SSH server:

   sudo systemctl enable ssh
   sudo systemctl start ssh

   IN Windows activate OpenSSH Server V Settings → Applications → Additional components.

2. Find out the IP address of the device (command hostname -I V Linux or ipconfig V Windows).
3. From another device, connect via SSH and copy the files using the command:

   scp /path/to/file user@[IP address]:/path/destination

   For example: scp ~/Documents/report.pdf user@192.168.1.100:/home/user/Downloads.

Advantages SSH:

• 🔐 Full traffic encryption (protection against interception).
• 🚀 The speed is close to FTP, but without the risk of leakage.
• 🛠️ Flexibility: you can transfer not only files, but also execute commands remotely.

SSH is the only method on this list that reliably protects data from eavesdropping even on public networks (for example, in a hotel or cafe). However, it requires knowledge of the command line and is not suitable for beginners.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To determine the optimal method, evaluate your tasks according to three criteria:

1. File size: for small documents (<1 GB) a cloud or will do LocalSend; for large ones - FTP or SMB.
2. Security: If the data is confidential, use SSH or SFTP.
3. Convenience: for a one-time transfer, the cloud is easier; for regular exchange, set up SMB or a program like Feem.

Common problems and their solutions

Errors can occur when transferring files over Wi-Fi. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

1. Devices do not see each other on the local network

• 🔌 Check if they are connected to one router (not to different networks or via a repeater).
• 🔄 Reboot your router (sometimes the DHCP server "forgets" to assign IP addresses).
• 🛡️ Disable your firewall or antivirus (e.g. Avast blocks SMB).

2. Slow transmission speed

• 📶 Switch from 2.4 GHz on 5 GHz in Wi-Fi settings (less interference).
• 🔌 Connect one of the devices to the router cable (Gigabit Ethernet is faster than Wi-Fi).
• 🖥️ Close programs that consume traffic (torrents, online games, OS updates).

3. Access error when connecting to a shared folder

• 🔑 Make sure the folder has the correct permissions (Reading and writing for the user).
• 👤 Check that the username and password are entered correctly in English (Cyrillic may cause problems).
• 🔄 Restart both devices (sometimes the service SMB hangs).

⚠️ Warning: If you use guest access to Wi-Fi (for example, in a cafe or airport), most methods (except SSH and clouds) will not work due to network limitations. In such cases, it is easier to use USB cable or mobile Internet.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to transfer files between Windows and macOS?

Yes, all the methods described are cross-platform. For SMB on macOS need in System Preferences → Sharing turn on File sharing and select the folder. In Windows When connecting to a Mac, use the IP address in the format \\[IP]\username.

How to transfer files if there is no router (only Wi-Fi adapters)?

Create access point on one of the devices:

1. On Windows: Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Hotspot.
2. On macOS: System Preferences → Sharing → Internet Sharing: Wi-Fi.

Connect the second device to the created network and use any method from the article (for example, LocalSend or FTP).

What is the maximum transfer speed for Wi-Fi?

The speed depends on the Wi-Fi standard:

• 802.11n (2.4 GHz): up to 150 Mbps (actually ~50 Mbit/s).
• 802.11ac (5 GHz): up to 867 Mbps (actually ~200–300 Mbit/s).
• 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6): up to 2.4 Gbps (actually ~500–700 Mbit/s).

For maximum speed use 5 GHz, router with Wi-Fi 6 and method FTP or SSH.

Is it possible to transfer files between devices on different networks?

Yes, but only through cloud or VPNThe alternative is to set up port forwarding on the router for FTP/SSH, but it's not secure (it opens access from the internet). For home use, it's easier to use Google Drive or Dropbox.

How to protect transferred files from prying eyes?

Methods of protection:

• 🔒 Use SSH or SFTP instead of FTP.
• 🛡️ Set up router password (standard WPA3).
• 👥 Restrict access to a shared folder to specific users only (don't use All).
• 🔄 Update your router firmware regularly (fixes vulnerabilities).