How to transfer files between laptops via Wi-Fi: all working methods

Transfer files between laptops via Wi-Fi — a convenient alternative to flash drives and cloud services when you need to quickly exchange data without an internet connection. Unlike wired connections, wireless data transfer requires no cables and is often faster than Bluetooth. However, not everyone knows that there are different methods for this transfer, from built-in operating system functions to specialized software.

In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, their pros and cons, and also provide step-by-step instructions for Windows 10/11, macOS And LinuxWe'll focus on security: how to protect transmitted data from interception and why some methods are best avoided on public networks. Whether you need to transfer documents, photos, or even large videos, you'll find the optimal solution here.

1. Built-in Windows tools: Nearby Sharing

The easiest way for laptop owners Windows 10/11 - using the function Short-range transmission (Nearby Sharing). It works on the principle AirDrop in the Apple ecosystem, but with limitations: both devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network or use Wi-Fi Direct.

The function supports the transfer of files of any type, but there is a size limit of about 1 GB per sessionThe speed depends on the Wi-Fi standard: 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) it reaches 10-15 MB/s, and on 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) - up to 20-25 MB/s under ideal conditions. Important: Both laptops must have updated network adapter drivers.

• 📋 Requirements: Windows 10 (version 1803+) or 11, with Bluetooth enabled (for device discovery).
• 🔒 Safety: The transmission is encrypted, but it is better to use a password on public networks.
• ⚡ Speed: Up to 25 MB/s (theoretically), in reality – 8-15 MB/s.

How to enable and use:

1. Open Settings → System → Data Sharing.
2. Turn on the switch Short-range transmission.
3. Select visibility mode: "Everything is nearby" or "Only my devices".
4. On the second laptop, repeat steps 1-3.
5. IN Conductor right-click on the file → Share → Short-range transmission.
6. Select the target laptop from the list and confirm reception on it.

⚠️ Attention: If the feature doesn't work, check that the feature is enabled on both devices. SSDP Discovery Service And Device discovery function V Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Advanced Sharing Settings.

2. Local network via SMB protocol (Windows/macOS/Linux)

Transfer files via local network (LAN) is a universal method that works on all modern operating systems. It's suitable for large files (such as videos or backups) and allows you to configure access rights. It's based on the protocol SMB (Server Message Block), which provides speeds up to 50-100 MB/s depending on the router and network adapters.

The advantage of this method is the possibility simultaneous transfer of multiple files and work in the background. However, setting it up will require several steps on both devices. Below are the instructions for Windows; For macOS And Linux The logic is similar, but the paths in the settings are different.

Enable network discovery in the Network and Sharing Center | Create a folder and open it in Properties → Sharing → Sharing | Assign read/write permissions to the user "Everyone" | Remember the computer name (you can find this in System Properties) | Connect from another PC via \\COMPUTER_NAME in Explorer -->

To connect with macOS:

1. Open Finder → Go → Connect to Server (or click Cmd+K).
2. Enter smb://IP-address_Windows-PC (You can find out the IP through ipconfig in CMD).
3. Enter your Windows account login/password.

⚠️ Attention: If you are using a public Wi-Fi network, turn it on password requirement for a shared folder. Otherwise, anyone on the network can access your files.

3. Using an FTP server (for advanced users)

Protocol FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a classic file transfer method suitable for large data sets and automation. Unlike SMB, it requires setting up a server on one of the laptops, but it allows for flexible access control, speed limiting, and transfer logging.

To set up an FTP server on Windows you can use the built-in IIS or third-party programs like FileZilla ServerOn . macOS And Linux the easiest to install vsftpd or ProFTPDThe transmission speed is limited only by the capabilities of the Wi-Fi router and can reach 30-50 MB/s.

• 🛠️ Pros: Large file support, summarized downloads, encryption (FTPS).
• ⚠️ Cons: Complex setup for beginners, requires opening ports.
• 🔐 Safety: Always use FTPS (FTP over SSL) or SFTP (via SSH).

Example of setup FileZilla Server:

1. Download and install FileZilla Server from the official website.
2. In the administration panel, create a user and specify the folder for access.
3. Enable it in the server settings Passive Mode and specify the port range (for example, 50000-51000).
4. On the second laptop, connect via any FTP client (for example, FileZilla Client or WinSCP) at the address ftp://server_ip-address.

How to fix the "Too many connections from your IP" error

This error occurs if the FTP server limits the number of connections from a single IP address. Solution:

1. In FileZilla Server settings, find the "IP Filter" section.

2. Add your local IP to the exceptions or increase the connection limit in "Settings → IP bindings".

3. Restart the server.

4. Specialized programs for file transfer

If the built-in tools seem complicated, consider using third-party programs. They often offer a simpler interface, cross-platform compatibility, and additional features such as QR codes for connection or encryptionLet's look at the top 3 solutions:

Example of working with LocalSend:

1. Install the program from official website on both laptops.
2. Launch the application and select "Accept files".
3. On the sending device, select the file → select the target laptop from the list.
4. Confirm reception on the second device.

5. Transfer via SSH (for Linux and macOS)

Protocol SSH (Secure Shell) allows you to not only remotely control your computer but also securely transfer files. This method is ideal for Linux And macOS, where the SSH server can be launched with a single command. The speed is limited only by the network bandwidth and is usually 20-40 MB/s.

Advantages of SSH:

• 🔐 Full traffic encryption (unlike FTP).
• 📡 Works even over slow networks.
• 🛠️ Supports data compression (-C in the team scp).

Instructions for Linux/macOS:

1. On the receiving laptop, enable the SSH server:

   sudo systemctl enable --now ssh

   (For macOS: sudo systemsetup -setremotelogin on).

2. Find out the local IP address with the command ifconfig or ip a.
3. On the sending laptop, use the command:

   scp -r /path/to/file user@IP-address:/path/on/server

   For example: scp -r ~/Documents/user.txt pi@192.168.1.100:/home/pi/Downloads.

⚠️ Attention: By default, SSH uses port 22It may be blocked on public networks - in this case, reconfigure the server to a different port (for example, 2222) in the file /etc/ssh/sshd_config.

Built-in Windows/macOS tools|Local area network (SMB)|FTP or SSH|Specialized programs (LocalSend, Feem)|Another way-->

6. Wi-Fi Direct: Direct connection without a router

Wi-Fi Direct Allows you to connect devices directly, without the need for a router. This is useful if you're out of range or want maximum speed (up to 300 Mbps in standard 802.11ac). However, not all laptops support this feature out of the box; sometimes additional software is required.

How to check Wi-Fi Direct support:

• IN Windows: open Command line and enter:

  netsh wlan show drivers

  Look for the line "Hosted Network Support: Yes".

• IN Linux: do it iw list | grep "P2P" — if the output is not empty, the function is supported.

Instructions for Windows:

1. On the first laptop, open Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Hotspot.
2. Turn on Allow use of my internet connection (no internet required, this is just a trigger for Wi-Fi Direct).
3. On the second laptop, connect to the created network as if it were a regular Wi-Fi network.
4. Use any file transfer method (SMB, FTP or programs like LocalSend).

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

The choice of transfer method depends on your objectives:

• 📂 Small files (up to 1 GB): Short-range transmission (Windows) or LocalSend.
• 🎥 Large files (videos, backups): SMB or FTP.
• 🔒 Maximum security: SSH or FTPS.
• 🚀 Maximum speed: Wi-Fi Direct + SMB.
• 🌐 Cross-platform: Snapdrop or Feem.

For most users, the optimal solution will be local network via SMB — it doesn't require software installation, works reliably, and supports large files. If you're looking for simplicity, choose LocalSend or Snapdrop.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to transfer files between Windows and macOS?

Yes, the following will work for this:

• SMB (in macOS you need to enable support in System Preferences → Sharing → Files & Folders).
• LocalSend or Snapdrop (cross-platform solutions).
• SSH (if remote login is enabled on macOS).

The speed will be limited by the slowest link - usually the Wi-Fi router.

Why is the transfer speed lower than expected?

The reasons may be as follows:

• The frequency is used 2.4 GHz instead of 5 GHz (switch in the router settings).
• Weak Wi-Fi signal (check the level in Control Panel → Network).
• Background tasks (close torrents, updates, cloud syncs).
• Protocol limitations (eg. FTP slower SMB).

To test the speed, use the utility iperf3 between laptops.

How to transfer files if there is no router?

In this case, the following will do:

• Wi-Fi Direct (direct connection).
• Ad-hoc network (in Windows via netsh wlan set hostednetwork).
• Bluetooth (slowly, but without settings).
• Local area network via Ethernet cable (if there is an adapter).

For Wi-Fi Direct on Windows you can also use Connectify Hotspot (paid program).

Is it safe to transfer files on a public Wi-Fi network?

On social networks not recommended use:

• FTP without encryption (login/password are transmitted in clear text).
• SMB v1 (obsolete and vulnerable protocol).
• Windows short transfer without password.

Safe alternatives:

• SSH/SFTP (full encryption).
• LocalSend with encryption enabled.
• VPN (create a virtual network via Hamachi or ZeroTier).

Is it possible to transfer files between a laptop and a phone?

Yes, the following will work for this:

• LocalSend (there are versions for Android/iOS).
• Snapdrop (works via browser).
• Feem (supports mobile devices).
• Wi-Fi Direct (on your phone, turn on "Wi-Fi Direct" in settings).

For Android you can also use FTP server through apps like Solid Explorer.