Transferring files between laptops via Wi-Fi: all working methods

Transfer files between laptops via Wi-Fi — is a convenient way to exchange data without using flash drives, external drives, or cables. This is especially useful when you don't have any additional storage devices at hand, but you need to transfer files urgently. Modern operating systems (Windows 10/11, macOS, Linux) support several wireless transmission methods, but not all of them are equally effective.

In this article we will look at 5 proven methodsHow to transfer files from one laptop to another Wi-Fi — from standard tools to specialized programs. You'll learn which method is the fastest, which is suitable for large amounts of data, and which is best for transferring between different operating systems. We'll also look at common errors and provide tips for troubleshooting connection issues.

Whether you need to transfer a document weighing several megabytes or a folder of photos weighing tens of gigabytes, there's a solution for any task. The main advantage of Wi-Fi transfers: speeds can reach up to 1 Gbit/s (under ideal conditions on Wi-Fi 6), which is several times faster than USB 2.0.

1. Local network via HomeGroup (Windows)

The easiest way to share files between laptops on Windows - Creation local network With a shared folder. This method doesn't require any additional software and works using standard system tools. It's suitable for transferring files of any size, but speed depends on the quality of your Wi-Fi connection.

To set up sharing:

1. Make sure both laptops are connected to one Wi-Fi network (or create an access point on one of them).
2. On the first laptop, open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Advanced Sharing Settings.
3. Turn on network discovery and file sharing for the Private profile.
4. Create a folder you want to share, right-click on it → Properties → Access → Share.

On the second laptop, open File Explorer → Network — the name of the first laptop will appear there. Go to the shared folder and copy the necessary files. If the laptops don't see each other, check firewall settings or reboot your router.

Both laptops are connected to the same Wi-Fi network|

The SMB protocol is enabled on both devices (in Windows settings)|

VPN and proxy servers are disabled|

The Windows account password does not contain Cyrillic characters (this may cause errors)

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⚠️ Attention: If you use Windows 11, the HomeGroup feature has been removed, but folder sharing still works through Advanced Sharing in the folder properties. Windows 10 Versions 1803 and later also lack HomeGroup.

2. Transfer via FTP server (for large files)

If you need to transfer large volume of data (for example, video in 4K (or project archive), the local network may be slow. In this case, FTP server — a protocol optimized for transferring large files. It can be run even without installing third-party programs (via Windows PowerShell or macOS Terminal).

Instructions for Windows:

1. Open Control Panel → Programs → Turn Windows features on or off.
2. Check the box next to Internet Information Services → FTP Server and press OK.
3. Launch IIS Manager (find via search), add a new FTP site and specify the folder for sharing.
4. On the second laptop, connect to FTP via Conductor, by entering it into the address bar ftp://[IP address of the first laptop].

For macOS/Linux You can use the built-in FTP server via the command:

sudo -s launchctl load -w /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/ftp.plist

FTP transfer speeds can exceed 50 MB/s on stable Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), which is 2-3 times faster than SMB shared folders.

3. Using specialized programs

Standard OS tools are not always convenient - especially if you need to transfer files between Windows And macOS Or control the speed. There are free programs that simplify the process:

• 🔹 LocalSend — cross-platform open source software. Works over a local network, supports Windows, macOS, Linux, AndroidThe speed is limited only by Wi-Fi capabilities.
• 🔹 Feem - user-friendly interface, transfer via Wi-Fi or via a created access point. There is a version for iOS.
• 🔹 Snapdrop — a web service (no installation required). It works through a browser, but speed depends on server load.
• 🔹 Dukto R6 — supports folder transfer without archiving, there is a portable version.

Example of working with LocalSend:

1. Install the program on both laptops from the official website (localsend.org).
2. Launch the application and select Send on the first laptop, Get - on the second.
3. Drag the files into the program window and confirm the transfer on the second device.

The advantage of such programs is traffic encryption (as opposed to an open local network) and the ability to pause the transfer. Disadvantage: some solutions (for example, Feem) have limitations in the free version.

⚠️ Attention: Programs like SHAREit or Xender, popular on mobile devices, often install additional software or display ads. For laptops, it's better to use LocalSend or Dukto.

4. Cloud services (for small files)

If the files are not large (up to 5–10 GB), the easiest way is to upload them to the cloud and download them to the second laptop. This method is universal—it works on any operating system and even allows you to transfer files remotely (if the laptops aren't on the same network). The downside: speed depends on the internet connection, not the local Wi-Fi.

Popular services:

How to transfer files via Google Drive:

1. Upload files to drive.google.com from the first laptop.
2. Right-click on the file → Share → Copy link.
3. Open the link on the second laptop and download the files.

How to speed up cloud uploads?

Use a browser Google Chrome (it is optimized to work with Google Drive).

Disable other uploads/downloads that are taking up bandwidth.

If there are a lot of files, archive them in .zip or .rar - this will reduce the number of loading operations.

5. Direct connection via Wi-Fi Direct (without a router)

If you don't have a router at hand, you can create one direct connection between laptops by technology Wi-Fi DirectThis is an analogue. Bluetooth, but with Wi-Fi speed. The method is suitable for Windows 10/11 And macOS, but the setting is different.

For Windows:

1. On the first laptop, open Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Hotspot.
2. Enable Wi-Fi sharing by setting the network name and password.
3. On the second laptop, connect to the created network.
4. Use any transfer method from this article (such as a shared folder or FTP).

For macOS:

1. Open System Preferences → Sharing.
2. Turn on Public Internet through Wi-Fi (on the list Shared via select Ethernet or Thunderbolt Bridge).
3. On the second Mac connect to the created network and use AirDrop or File sharing.

The speed with this connection is lower than through a router (usually 20–50 MB/s), but no additional equipment is required.

6. Transfer via SSH (for advanced users)

If you work with Linux or macOS, can be used SSH protocol for secure file transfer. This method requires command line knowledge, but provides data encryption and high speed.

Instructions:

1. On the receiving laptop, install an SSH server:

   sudo apt install openssh-server # For Debian/Ubuntu
   sudo systemctl enable ssh # Enable autostart

2. Find out the IP address of the laptop on the local network using the command ifconfig or ip a.
3. On the sending laptop, use the command scp for copying:

   scp -r /path/to/folder user@[IP address]:/path/on/second/laptop

For Windows can be used PuTTY (for SSH) and WinSCP (for file transfer). Speed ​​depends on the protocol version: SSH-2 with encryption AES-256 can give up to 80–90 MB/s in the local network.

⚠️ Attention: By default, SSH uses port 22If you have a firewall enabled, add an exception for this port, otherwise the connection will be blocked.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

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

• 📌 File size: for small (up to 1 GB) the cloud or LocalSend; for large ones - FTP or SSH.
• 📌 Operating systems: If the laptops are on different operating systems, avoid built-in tools (eg. AirDrop works only between Mac).
• 📌 Presence of a router: without him remains Wi-Fi Direct or programs like Feem.

Comparison table:

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to transfer files between laptops if they are connected to different Wi-Fi networks?

Yes, but only through cloud services (Google Drive, Yandex Disk) or programs like LocalSend, which support internet transmission. Direct transmission via Wi-Fi is only possible within the same network or via Wi-Fi Direct.

Why is Wi-Fi transmission speed lower than cable?

Wi-Fi is subject to interference (walls, other devices, neighboring networks). The theoretical maximum for Wi-Fi 5 — 867 Mbps (~100 MB/s), but in practice the speed rarely exceeds 50–70 MB/s. Cable Gigabit Ethernet stably gives 110–120 MB/s.

How to transfer files from a laptop to a MacBook?

The most reliable methods:

1. AirDrop (if both devices are from Apple).
2. LocalSend or Dukto (cross-platform).
3. Shared folder via SMB (on macOS turn on System Preferences → Sharing → File Sharing).

Is it possible to transfer files over Wi-Fi if one laptop is running Linux?

Yes. Use:

• SSH (scp or rsync) is the most reliable method.
• Samba (SMB analog for Linux) - configure via smb.conf.
• LocalSend or KDE Connect (if there is a graphical interface).

What to do if laptops cannot see each other on the local network?

Check:

1. Both devices are on the same subnet (IP addresses should differ only in the last digit, for example, 192.168.1.10 And 192.168.1.11).
2. Disable your firewall or add a port exception 139, 445 (SMB) and 21, 20 (FTP).
3. Enable it in your router settings. Multicast (sometimes disabled by default).