How to transfer files from laptop to laptop via Wi-Fi in Windows 10: all the working methods

Transferring files between two laptops wirelessly is a task that almost every user faces. Windows 10Whether you want to share vacation photos, transfer a large video archive, or simply send documents to a colleague, a Wi-Fi connection is often more convenient than a flash drive or cable. But how do you do it correctly, quickly, and securely?

In this article we will look at 5 proven methods Wi-Fi data transfer—from built-in system tools to specialized programs. You'll learn how to get by without a router, what security settings are essential, and why cloud services are sometimes easier. We'll also compare the transfer speeds of each method and provide recommendations for various scenarios: from a one-time file transfer to regular data exchange between devices.

Important: All instructions are valid for Windows 10 (versions 1809 and newer), but most methods work on Windows 11 with minor interface changes. If you have an older OS version, some features (such as HomeGroup) may be missing.

1. Transferring files via HomeGroup is the classic method

HomeGroup is a built-in tool Windows, which allowed for easy file and printer sharing on a local network. Although Microsoft officially removed this feature in updates after Windows 10 1803, on many devices it still works or can be activated through the registry.

To use this method, both laptops must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network (via a router or access point). If there is no router, you can create virtual network (more on this in the next section).

• 🔧 Step 1. Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → HomeGroupIf the option is missing, try searching for it. homegroup.
• 📂 Step 2. Click Create a Homegroup and select the folders you want to share (for example, Documents or Pictures).
• 🔑 Step 3. Write down the generated password - you will need it to connect the second laptop.
• 🖥️ Step 4. On the second device, join the same group by entering the password.

⚠️ Attention: If HomeGroup isn't showing up, check your service HomeGroup Provider V services.mscIt should be running and in "Automatic" mode. Also, make sure that "Automatic" is enabled on both laptops. network discovery (Settings → Network & Internet → Sharing options).

Advantages of this method: no additional software is required, files are transferred directly over the local network without uploading to the internet. Disadvantages: limited functionality in newer versions. Windows, the speed depends on the quality of the Wi-Fi connection.

2. Creating a virtual Wi-Fi network (Ad-Hoc) without a router

If you don't have a router, you can set up direct data transfer between laptops by turning one of them into a access pointThis method is called Ad-Hoc (from Latin "for this") and allows you to create a temporary network only between two devices.

To set up, follow these steps on main laptop (which will distribute Wi-Fi):

1. Open Command prompt as administrator (click Win + X and select the appropriate item).
2. Enter the command to create the network:

   netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid="MyWiFiNetwork" key="12345678" keyUsage=persistent

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

3. Start the network with the command:

   netsh wlan start hostednetwork

4. Enable Internet Sharing (if needed): Go to Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings, find your primary connection (eg. Ethernet), open the properties, go to the "Access" tab and check "Allow other network users to connect through your Internet connection".

On the second laptop, connect to the created network MyWiFiNetwork just like regular Wi-Fi. Now you can transfer files via shared folders (as in the first method) or use FTP server (more on this later).

⚠️ Attention: Virtual network Ad-Hoc It only works until you reboot your laptop. To resume Wi-Fi sharing after shutting down, run the command again. netsh wlan start hostednetworkFor a permanent access point, it is better to use specialized programs like Connectify or mHotspot.

Create a network using the netsh command | Set a password of at least 8 characters | Enable folder sharing | Connect a second laptop to the network | Check the visibility of devices in the "Network"

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3. Using an FTP server to transfer large files

If you need to transfer large volume of data (for example, 4K video or project archives), conventional methods can be slow. In such cases, it's best to deploy FTP server on one of the laptops. This will allow you to achieve maximum Wi-Fi transfer speed (up to 100–300 Mbps depending on the network standard).

To create an FTP server without installing additional software:

• 🖥️ On the server laptop, open Control Panel → Programs → Turn Windows features on or off.
• 🔧 Check the boxes Internet Information Services → FTP Server And Website management tools, click "OK".
• 📁 Create a sharing folder (e.g. C:\FTP_Share) and set up access to it through Internet Information Services Manager (find it in the start menu).
• 🔒 Specify the port in the FTP site settings 21, allow anonymous access or create a user with a password.

On the second laptop, connect to the FTP server via conductor (enter in the address bar ftp://[server_IP address]) or use programs like FileZilla or WinSCPThe server's IP address can be found using the command ipconfig V Command line (look for the line IPv4 address).

A critical detail: if you're setting up an FTP server to transfer sensitive data, be sure to disable anonymous access and use a strong password. By default, FTP transfers logins and passwords in cleartext. For security, enable encryption (FTPS) in your IIS settings.

4. Cloud services: a simple, but not always fast way

If the transfer speed is not critical and the file size does not exceed 10–15 GB, the easiest way is to use cloud storage: Google Drive, Yandex.Disk, OneDrive or DropboxThis method does not require network configuration and works even if the laptops are in different rooms.

Algorithm of actions:

1. Upload files to the cloud from the first laptop (for example, drag them into a folder Google Drive on the desktop).
2. Generate public access link (V Google Drive — right-click on the file → “Open access” → “Copy link”).
3. Send the link to the second user (via email, messenger or even via QR code).
4. On the second laptop, download the files from the link.

Pros: no need to configure a network, files are accessible from any device, version history available. Cons: limited storage (usually free). 5–15 GB), the speed depends on your Internet channel, not Wi-Fi.

5. Specialized programs for transferring files via Wi-Fi

If built-in tools Windows If they seem complicated, you can use third-party programs. They often offer a more user-friendly interface, data encryption, and additional features (for example, transferring QR code or chat between devices).

Top 3 Wi-Fi File Sharing Apps:

• 🚀 Feem — cross-platform solution with support Windows, macOS, Android And iOS. Transfers files at speeds up to 50 MB/s, there is a built-in chat.
• 🔗 Send Anywhere - generates a 6-digit code or QR code for fast transfer. No registration required, supports files up to 10 GB.
• 📡 LocalSend — open-source software with a focus on privacy. It works offline and encrypts traffic.

Example of working with Feem:

1. Install the program on both laptops (download from official website).
2. Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network (or create one Ad-Hoc, as in section 2).
3. In the interface Feem Select the files to send and click "Send." Confirm receipt on the second laptop.

⚠️ Attention: When using third-party programs, check their reputation on sites like VirusTotal or SoftpediaSome "free" utilities may contain adware or limit the transfer speed in the free version.

How to speed up file transfers over Wi-Fi?

Use the standard Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or Wi-Fi 6 - they maintain speed up to 1 Gbps.

Disconnect other devices from the network during transmission to reduce the load on the channel.

If you are transferring small files (such as documents), archive them in ZIP or RAR - this will reduce transmission time by 20-30%.

For maximum speed, use the channel 5 GHz instead of 2.4 GHz (if your laptops support it).

Comparison of methods: which one to choose for your task?

The choice of transmission method depends on three key factors: file volume, presence of a router And safety requirementsHere are some quick tips:

• 📁 Small files (up to 1 GB), there is a router: Homegroup or cloud.
• 🖥️ Large files (10+ GB), no router: Ad-Hoc + FTP server.
• 🔒 Confidential data: LocalSend or FTP with encryption.
• ⚡ Maximum speed: FTP or programs like Feem.
• 🌍 Remote transfer (laptops on different networks): cloud services only.

If you frequently transfer files between the same devices, it makes sense to set it up once. FTP server or "HomeGroup." For one-time tasks, the cloud or specialized programs are more convenient.

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

Is it possible to transfer files via Wi-Fi between laptops running different versions of Windows (e.g. 10 and 11)?

Yes, but there may be some nuances with the “Home Group” (it is not in Windows 11). In this case, use FTP, Ad-Hoc or cloud. The main thing is that both systems support the chosen protocol (for example, SMB for shared folders).

Why is Wi-Fi transmission speed lower than cable?

Wi-Fi is susceptible to interference from other devices, walls, and even microwave ovens. Furthermore, actual speeds are typically 2-3 times lower than the standard's theoretical maximum (e.g., 802.11n promises 300 Mbps, but in practice it gives 100–150 Mbps). For critical tasks, use LAN cable.

How do I transfer files if one laptop is running Windows and the other is running macOS or Linux?

In this case, universal solutions are - FTP server, Send Anywhere or cloud. For macOS The built-in "Sharing" feature (included in System Preferences → Sharing), and for Linux — SSH or Samba.

Is it possible to transfer files between laptops via Wi-Fi Direct?

Wi-Fi Direct V Windows 10 It has limited support and is more often used to connect peripheral devices (printers, projectors). For file sharing between laptops, it's easier to create Ad-Hoc-network or use programs like Feem, which emulate Wi-Fi Direct.

How to protect transferred files from interception?

Use encryption:

• For FTP set up FTPS (FTP over SSL) or SFTP.
• IN Ad-Hoc-set a password for the network WPA2-PSK (Not WEP!).
• For cloud services, enable two-factor authentication.
• Pre-archive sensitive files with a password (for example, in 7-Zip with encryption AES-256).