In the age of cloud storage and messaging, physically transferring data between devices often seems like a thing of the past, but the need to quickly transfer gigabytes of video or a folder full of work projects remains. Using USB flash drives or external hard drives takes time, and internet bandwidth can be overloaded when uploading to the cloud. In these situations, a local wireless network becomes the ideal solution for sharing files between two or more computers.
Modern standards Wi-Fi Allows data transfer at speeds comparable to a wired connection, while providing complete freedom of movement. You don't need to hunt for twisted pair cables or risk damaging ports by constantly rewiring them. The key is that both devices are on the same network and properly configured to detect each other.
In this guide, we will look at proven methods of transferring information, starting from the built-in tools of the operating system Windows and ending with specialized software. You'll learn how to create shared folders, use FTP protocols, and utilize fast utilities for instantly transferring documents without loss of quality.
Preparing equipment and checking the network
Before setting up data exchange, you need to ensure that the physical connection is working properly. Both computers must be connected to the same router. It doesn't matter whether you're using a wireless or cable connection, as long as the devices are on the same network segment and have IP addresses from the same subnet.
Check the current connection status on each device. To do this, press the key combination Win + R, enter the command cmd and press Enter. In the command prompt window that opens, enter ipconfig and find the line "IPv4 address." If the addresses start the same (for example, 192.168.1.x), then the computers "see" each other at the hardware level.
⚠️ Note: If one of your computers is connected to a guest Wi-Fi network, file sharing may be impossible due to client isolation. Please use your main home network.
It's also worth paying attention to the network profile type. The operating system should consider the network "Private" or "Home," not "Public." In a public profile, the system automatically blocks device detection for your own security, making file transfer impossible without changing firewall settings.
Setting up sharing in Windows
The most classic and reliable way to transfer data is using the built-in Sharing (SMB) feature. This method doesn't require installing any additional software, but it does require careful configuration of access rights. The first step is to enable network discovery in the Control Panel.
Open Control Panel, go to Network and Sharing Center, and select Change advanced sharing settings. Here, enable network discovery and file and printer sharing for the current network profile. It's also recommended to disable password-protected access if you trust all devices on your local network.
After activating the services, select the folder you want to share with the second computer. Right-click it, select "Properties," go to the "Sharing" tab, and click "Advanced." Check the "Share this folder" box and set the desired permissions for the "Everyone" group (Read or Full Control).
To access a shared folder from another PC, open File Explorer and enter the IP address of the first computer in the address bar (for example, \\192.168.1.5) or its network name. If all settings are correct, you will see a list of available resources and will be able to copy files to your drive.
☑️ Checking sharing settings
Using Nearby Sharing
In newer versions of the operating system Windows 10 And Windows 11 A convenient Nearby Share feature has been added, which works similarly to AirDrop in the Apple ecosystem. This method is ideal for quickly transferring individual documents, photos, or links without the need to create shared folders.
To enable this feature, go to Settings (Start menu → Gear), select System, and find Nearby Sharing. Turn on the toggle and choose who can see your computer: "Only my devices" (requires signing in to a single Microsoft account) or "Everyone around me." Make sure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled on both devices, as the feature uses them for discovery.
The transfer process is extremely simple: simply right-click the file, select "Share" from the context menu, and wait for the second computer's name to appear in the list of available devices. The receiving computer will receive a notification that must be confirmed to begin the download.
⚠️ Note: This feature may not work correctly if one of the computers has outdated Wi-Fi adapter drivers installed or the Bluetooth service is disabled. Make sure the drivers are updated to the latest version.
Transfer speeds over this channel are typically slower than those using SMB, as the protocol focuses on convenience rather than volume. However, for documents and photos, this is the fastest method, requiring no prior network setup.
Transferring files via FTP server
For users who regularly transfer large amounts of data or organize a media library, deploying an FTP server is the optimal solution. This method ensures a stable connection and allows file management as if it were on a remote drive.
In Windows, you can quickly create an FTP server through Internet Information Services (IIS), but it is easier to use lightweight programs like FileZilla Server or using Total Commander's built-in capabilities. After installing the server, you'll need to specify the root folder, set the port (21 by default), and create a user account with access rights.
On the receiving computer, simply open any browser or file manager and enter in the address bar ftp://server-ip-address:portAfter authorization, you will have full access to the file system according to the specified permissions. This method is advantageous because it allows you to interrupt the transfer and resume it later without losing progress.
| Method | Speed | Difficulty of setup | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared Access (SMB) | High | Average | Constant work with documents |
| Exchange with the environment | Average | Low | One-time files, photos |
| FTP server | Very high | High | Media libraries, backups |
| Third-party software | High | Low | Fast transfer between different OS |
Why is FTP faster than SMB in some cases?
FTP has lower overhead for checking access rights and encryption on a local network, which can provide a speed boost on older routers or when transferring thousands of small files.
Third-party utilities for fast transfer
If you don't want to mess around with Windows settings, specialized programs that create their own secure network for data transfer will come to the rescue. The leader in this field is the utility Send Anywhere or an open source project LocalSend.
The principle is simple: you install the program on both computers (or use the web version on one of them), select files, and see a 6-digit key or QR code. Entering the key on the second device initiates a direct connection. Data is transferred directly over the local network, without loading your internet connection.
The advantage of such programs is that they are cross-platform. You can easily transfer a file from Windows on macOS, Linux or even a smartphone based on AndroidThe interface is usually minimalistic: drag and drop a file, get the code, enter the code—done.
Always look for the "LAN", "Local Network" or "Direct Connection" option to ensure the transfer goes directly between devices.
Solving visibility and access issues
Even with proper configuration, situations may arise where computers cannot see each other. Most often, the problem lies in Windows services. Check if the Function Discovery Resource Publication service is running. You can find it in the Run menu by typing services.msc.
If the service is stopped, start it and set the startup type to "Automatic." It's also worth checking your firewall: sometimes it blocks incoming connections even on private networks. Try temporarily disabling your antivirus or firewall for diagnostic purposes.
⚠️ Note: Settings interfaces and service names may vary depending on your Windows version and security updates. If you can't find a specific item, search for keywords in the system settings.
Another common issue is time desynchronization. If the system time on computers differs significantly, security protocols may block the connection. Ensure that the time and time zone on all devices are consistent.
Questions and Answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to transfer files if the computers are connected to different routers?
Via a local area network (LAN), no; the devices must be on the same subnet. However, if you use third-party cloud syncing apps (such as Telegram or Resilio Sync), the physical location of the routers doesn't matter; internet access is the key.
What is the maximum transfer speed for Wi-Fi?
Speed depends on the Wi-Fi router standard and adapters. For the 802.11n standard, actual speeds will be around 30-40 Mbps, for 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5), up to 400-500 Mbps under ideal conditions, and Wi-Fi 6 can deliver even higher speeds, comparable to gigabit cable.
Is it safe to share folders?
On a home network with a strong Wi-Fi password, yes. However, if you're in a public place, it's best to use methods with a temporary access key (like Send Anywhere) and not enable network discovery in the "Public Network" profiles.
Why is file transfer so slow?
Speed may drop due to interference, distance from the router, background downloads, or using an older Wi-Fi standard (2.4 GHz). To speed up the process, try moving closer to the router or switching to the 5 GHz band.