Modern users rarely work with just one device. Often, they need to quickly transfer photos from a laptop to a desktop PC or move a large video project to a folder on another computer on the same network. Using external storage devices, such as flash drives or external hard drives, may seem like a simple solution, but it's not always effective due to slow USB ports or simply not having the right device on hand.
Fortunately, wireless technologies allow for instant data exchange without the hassle of wires. Local area network (LAN) offers a wide range of data synchronization options that are often overlooked by regular users. In this article, we'll explore proven methods, from built-in Windows tools to specialized software, that will ensure stable data transfer.
The speed of copying files on a local network directly depends on the power of your router and the Wi-Fi standard. If your router supports the range 5 GHz, the transfer speed can reach tens of megabytes per second, comparable to fast flash drives. It's important to understand that setting up access rights and network profiles is a key step; without it, computers simply won't "see" each other.
Preparing computers and setting up the network
Before you begin transferring data, you need to make sure both computers are on the same local network. This means they must be connected to the same router, either via cable or via Wi-Fi connectionIf you use public networks or guest profiles, direct connections between devices may be blocked by your router's security settings.
The first step is to check your network profile type. Windows may set the default profile for new connections to "Public Network," which hides your computer from detection by other devices. You need to change this setting to "Private Network." To do this, go to Settings → Network & Internet → Status and click on the properties of your connection.
In the menu that opens, select "Private" as the network type. This will make your computer visible to other devices within range and open the necessary ports for file sharing. Without this procedure, any further sharing settings will be useless, as the system will block incoming requests.
⚠️ Attention: When switching to a private network, make sure you're in a trusted home or office environment. In public places (cafes, airports), it's safer to stay in "Public Network" mode to hide your files from prying eyes.
It's also worth checking that network discovery is enabled on both devices. This feature determines whether your PC will appear in the list of available devices in File Explorer. Windows typically asks for permission to allow discovery when you first connect to a new network—be sure to allow it.
ℹ️ The network settings interface may vary slightly depending on your Windows version (10 or 11) and the security updates installed. If you don't see this option, search for "Manage network connections" in the Start menu.
Using the Shared Folder feature in Windows
The most classic method, which doesn't require installing any additional software, is creating a shared folder. It works simply: you select a directory on one computer, grant access to it, and then from another device, navigate to the network path and copy files. This method is ideal for regular document management in the office or at home.
To configure this, go to the properties of any folder you want to make accessible. Tab Access contains the "Advanced Settings" button. Here, you need to check the "Share this folder" box and click the "Permissions" button. In the window that opens, add a user. All (or a specific user) and give him full read and write permissions.
After setting up the folder on the first computer, go to the second one. Open File Explorer and enter the IP address of the first computer in the address bar in the format \\192.168.1.X (where X is your device's address). If everything is done correctly, you will see the shared folder and be able to work with it as if it were a local folder.
For convenience, you can map a network folder to a drive letter. Right-click "This PC" and select "Map network drive." Specify the drive letter and path to the resource. The folder will now appear in "My Computer" as a separate hard drive partition, making navigation much easier.
It's important to remember access rights. If you use accounts with passwords, the system may prompt you for the username and password of the user on the first computer when attempting to access the files. Make sure you enter the credentials of the account that is currently logged into the computer with the files.
Setting up a HomeGroup and media sharing
Although the classic HomeGroup feature was deprecated in recent versions of Windows, the media streaming mechanisms remain and work very effectively. This method is especially useful if your goal isn't simply to copy a file, but to play a video or music directly from another computer without first copying it.
To activate streaming, go to Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing CenterIn the left menu, select "Media Streaming Settings." Click the "Turn on Media Streaming" button and give your computer a descriptive name.
Find the second computer in the list of available devices and allow it access. After this, video, audio, and image files in the default libraries will be available for playback on the second PC using the standard Windows Media Player or compatible applications.
This method uses the protocol DLNA, which allows devices on a network to communicate with each other. It's convenient because it doesn't require creating network drives and works on the fly. You can sit at your laptop and watch a movie that's physically stored on the hard drive of a desktop PC in another room.
Why did the HomeGroup disappear?
Microsoft abandoned HomeGroup due to its security and support difficulties. In Windows 10 and 11, it was replaced by the more flexible Folder Sharing system and OneDrive cloud services, but the basic principles of SMB sharing remain the same.
It's worth noting that DLNA is only suitable for multimedia content. Transferring executable files this way .exe, documents .docx or archives won't work - the system simply won't display them in the list of available resources.
Transfer via FTP server (FileZilla and similar)
If you require a more professional approach with permissions management, logging of actions and high speed, the best solution would be to deploy an FTP server. Protocol FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is designed specifically for file sharing and is more stable than the standard Windows SMB protocol, especially when transferring large numbers of small files.
To set up a server you will need third-party software, such as a free program FileZilla ServerAfter installation, you need to create a new user, set a password, and specify the root folder to which access will be granted. In the server settings, you also need to specify a port range for passive mode if external access is planned, but the default settings are suitable for a local network.
You don't need to install the server component on the receiving computer—any FTP client or even the built-in Windows Explorer is sufficient. In the Explorer address bar, enter ftp://server-ip-addressThe system will ask for the login and password you specified when setting up FileZilla.
☑️ Setting up an FTP server
The advantage of FTP is its independence from Windows versions and minimal system load. The protocol is less "chatty" in terms of service packets, which translates into speed gains on busy networks. Furthermore, the transfer process can be paused and resumed at any time, which is critical when working with gigabyte-sized files.
⚠️ Attention: By default, the FTP protocol transfers data (including passwords) in cleartext. This is safe on a local home network, but never open FTP ports (the default is 21) for internet access without additional security, such as SFTP or a VPN.
Using specialized programs (SHAREit, Resilio)
When built-in Windows tools seem too complex or unstable, specialized utilities come to the rescue. Programs like SHAREit, Resilio Sync or Send Anywhere create their own network over Wi-Fi and use their own compression and transmission acceleration algorithms.
They usually work in the same way: you install the app on both computers, scan a QR code or enter a pairing code, and the devices connect. These programs can often transfer files not only over a local network but also over the internet, acting as an intermediary if a direct connection is impossible.
Deserves special attention Resilio Sync (formerly BitTorrent Sync). This program uses peer-to-peer technology to synchronize folders in real time. You select a folder on one PC, and it automatically appears on the other as soon as both devices are online. This is ideal for creating distributed storage without cloud services.
The main drawback of such solutions is the need to install software on each device. If you need to transfer a file to someone else's computer where you can't install anything, this method won't work. Furthermore, some programs can put a strain on the processor due to background synchronization.
Comparison table of transmission methods
To help you choose the right method, we've systematized the key characteristics of each. Speed and convenience are subjective factors depending on your configuration, but the general trends are clear.
| Method | Difficulty of setup | Speed | Security | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shared folder (SMB) | Average | High | Average | Permanent work in the office/home |
| FTP server | High | Very high | Low (no encryption) | Transferring large amounts of data |
| Special programs | Low | High | Depends on the software | Quick one-time transfer |
| Streaming | Low | Average | High | Watching videos and music |
As can be seen from the table, for one-time operations it is often easier to use assistant programs, while for organizing a permanent workspace it is better to set up a shared folder or FTP once. depends on the frequency of use and the level of your technical training.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why can't computers see each other on the network?
Most often, the problem lies with the network profile. Make sure the network type is set to "Private" on both computers. Also, check that "Network discovery" is enabled in the advanced sharing settings. Sometimes antivirus software or a firewall can block the connection—try temporarily disabling them to check.
What is the maximum transfer speed for Wi-Fi?
Speed depends on the router and client standards. At 2.4 GHz, actual speeds rarely exceed 3-5 MB/s. In the 5 GHz band (AC/AX standards), speeds can reach 40-80 MB/s and higher, comparable to a wired Fast Ethernet connection.
Is it possible to transfer files if there is no internet?
Yes, you don't need an internet connection for this. A local area network (LAN) works autonomously. The main thing is that both computers are connected to the same router, even if the router doesn't have a connection to the ISP. You can also create a direct computer-to-computer connection via Wi-Fi Direct, if your equipment supports it.
Is it safe to share a drive?
Open access to the entire disk C: or D: This is highly discouraged. Always create a separate folder and share only that one. This minimizes the risk of a network hack or a permissions error.