How to quickly transfer a folder from laptop to laptop via Wi-Fi: all the working methods

Transfer files between laptops via Wi-Fi — a convenient alternative to flash drives and external drives, especially when you need to quickly share large folders. But how do you do this correctly to avoid losing data and running into connection errors? Depending on the operating system and technical capabilities of your devices, you can use a local network, cloud services, or specialized software.

Many users mistakenly believe that a router is required to transfer files over Wi-Fi. In fact, it is enough to create access point on one of the laptops or use direct connection (Wi-Fi Direct). The transfer speed can reach 50-100 Mbps — faster than most USB drives. The key is to choose the method that suits your needs: the cloud is suitable for a one-time transfer, while a local network is better for regular sharing.

In this article we will look at 5 proven methods, including setup via cmd, usage FTP servers and programs like LocalSendYou'll also learn how to avoid common mistakes when transferring large files and why speed sometimes drops to zero.

1. Preparing laptops for file transfer

Before you begin setup, make sure both laptops meet the minimum requirements. First, make sure the Windows 10 operating system is enabled on both devices. Wi-Fi adapterThis can be done through the control panel (Win + R → ncpa.cpl) or via the network icon in the tray. If the adapter is disabled, enable it by right-clicking and selecting Turn on.

Secondly, both laptops must be on the same network. This could be:

• 📶 Shared router - both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
• 🔄 Access point - one laptop distributes the Internet, the second one connects to it.
• 🤝 Wi-Fi Direct — direct connection without a router (not supported by all models).

If you use Windows 10/11, update your network adapter drivers. Outdated drivers can cause file transfer errors or limit speed. You can check if they are up to date in Device Manager → Network Adapters. For macOS And Linux Usually the standard drivers are sufficient, but if you experience problems, it is worth checking for system updates.

Also pay attention to antivirus and firewallThey can block network connections, especially if you're using non-standard ports. Temporarily disabling protection can help identify the problem, but remember to re-enable it after the transfer.

2. Transfer via local network (SMB)

The most reliable way to exchange files regularly is to create local network with a shared folder. This method works on Windows, macOS And Linux, but the setup is slightly different. Let's look at the process with an example. Windows 10/11.

First you need to turn it on file and printer sharingTo do this:

1. Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center.
2. Select Change advanced sharing options.
3. Turn on network discovery and file sharing for the current profile (private network).
4. Disable password-protected access (if both laptops are trusted).

Now create a shared folder:

1. Right-click on the folder → Properties → Access.
2. Select Share and add a user All with read/write rights.
3. Go to the tab Security and make sure the group has All have full rights.

To connect from another laptop:

1. Open Conductor and enter in the address bar \\[IP address of the first laptop] (For example, \\192.168.1.100).
2. If prompted for login/password, use the account details of the first laptop.

Make sure both laptops are on the same network

Turn on sharing in Windows settings

Check folder permissions

Write down the IP address of the first laptop (via cmd → ipconfig)

-->

⚠️ Attention: If your laptop's IP address is dynamic (changes when you reconnect), use a static IP or computer name (\\PC-NAME). You can find out the name in System Properties → Device Name.

3. Using an FTP server to transfer

If a local network is not suitable (for example, due to corporate policy restrictions), you can deploy FTP server directly on the laptop. This method is universal and works even between different operating systems. For Windows The easiest way is to use the built-in one IIS or a program FileZilla Server.

Installation FileZilla Server:

• 📥 Download the program from official website and install.
• 🔧 When installing, select Install as service (installation as a service).
• 🔑 Set the port 21 (standard for FTP) and create a user with access to the desired folder.

Connection setup:

1. Find out the local IP address of the server laptop (ipconfig V cmd).
2. On the second laptop, use any FTP client (FileZilla Client, WinSCP) or Conductor (enter ftp://[IP address] in the address bar).
3. Enter the login/password specified during server setup.

To speed up the transfer, disable the speed limit in the server settings and enable passive mode (Passive mode). This will help avoid problems with NAT if laptops are connected via a router.

⚠️ Attention: FTP transfers data in cleartext. If there are foreign devices on the network, use SFTP (port 22) or enable encryption in the settings FileZilla.

4. Fast transfer programs (LocalSend, Snapdrop)

If you don't want to mess with settings, you can use specialized programs. They operate on a point-to-point principle and don't require setting up a network. Some of the most popular are: LocalSend And Snapdrop.

LocalSend (cross-platform solution):

• 📱 Install the program on both laptops official website.
• 🔗 Make sure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
• 📎 In the interface, select a file/folder, specify the recipient and send.

Snapdrop (works via browser):

• 🌐 Open snapdrop.net on both laptops.
• 👤 The devices will automatically detect each other.
• 📤 Drag and drop files into the browser window to send.

The advantages of such programs:

• ⚡ No need to configure IP or access rights.
• 🔒 Data is transferred directly, without uploading to third-party servers.
• 📱 Not only laptops but also smartphones are supported.

LocalSend uses the WebRTC protocol, which provides transfer speeds of up to 150 Mbps - faster than most cloud services.

5. Cloud services as an alternative

If direct transfer is not possible for some reason (for example, laptops are on different networks), you can use cloud storageThis method is slower, but reliable and doesn't require technical skills. Popular services: Google Drive, Yandex Disk, Dropbox.

How to transfer a folder via Google Drive:

1. Upload the folder to Google Drive from the first laptop.
2. Right-click on the folder → Share.
3. Copy the link and send it to the second laptop (via email or messenger).
4. On the second laptop, open the link and download the folder.

Comparison of cloud file transfer services:

The main disadvantage of cloud services is speed limitIf your internet service provider (ISP) limits or restricts traffic, downloading a large folder may take hours. Additionally, some services (e.g., Google Drive) may block the download of files larger than 10 GB via the web interface.

What to do if the cloud does not upload large files?

If the file is larger than 10-50 GB, use the service's official application (for example, Google Backup and Sync or Yandex Disk for PC). They support downloading large files in the background and resume transferring if the connection is lost.

6. Transfer via Wi-Fi Direct (without a router)

If you don't have a router but your laptops support it Wi-Fi Direct, you can establish a direct connection. This standard allows devices to connect without intermediaries, like Bluetooth, but at Wi-Fi speeds.

How to enable Wi-Fi Direct on Windows 10/11:

1. Open Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Select Manage known networks → Add new network.
3. In the list of available networks, find the name of the second laptop (usually starts with DIRECT-xx).
4. Connect by entering the PIN code (displayed on the screen of the second laptop).

To transfer files after connection:

• Use Conductor and the way \\[COMPUTER-NAME] (as in a local network).
• Or run FTP server on one of the laptops and connect from the second.

Not all laptops support Wi-Fi Direct. You can check this:

• 🔍 In Device Manager Find your network adapter and check its properties.
• 📋 In the laptop documentation (especially relevant for older models).

⚠️ Attention: When using Wi-Fi Direct, the transfer speed may be lower than through a router due to protocol limitations. Some antivirus programs also block this connection as "suspicious."

7. Solving typical problems

Even with proper setup, errors can still occur. Let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem 1: The laptops don't see each other on the network.

• 🔌 Check that both devices are connected to the same network (even if the Wi-Fi icon is lit, sometimes the connection freezes).
• 🔄 Restart your router or access point.
• 🛠️ Turn on network discovery in sharing options (Control Panel → Network and Internet).

Problem 2: Low transfer speed.

• 📡 Check if anyone else is using your network (torrents, streaming).
• 🔌 Connect your laptops to the router via cable (if possible) - this will speed up the transfer.
• 🔧 Change the Wi-Fi channel in the router settings (for example, from car on 6 or 11).

Problem 3: Access error while connecting to shared folder.

• 🔐 Make sure the folder has the correct permissions (Properties → Security).
• 👤 Try connecting using an administrator account.
• 🔄 Disable Windows Firewall during the transfer.

If all else fails, try an alternative transfer method (for example, use FTP or the cloud instead of SMB).

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to transfer files between Windows and macOS?

Yes, but it's better to use it for this FTP or cloud servicesThe local network (SMB) between these operating systems is unstable due to protocol differences. An alternative is a program LocalSend, which is cross-platform.

How to transfer a folder larger than 100 GB?

For large amounts of data, it is better to use:

• 📂 Local area network (SMB) — the fastest way.
• 📦 External hard drive - if the Wi-Fi speed is insufficient.
• ☁️ Cloud with official app (For example, Yandex Disk via desktop client).

Avoid browser downloads, as they often stop on large files.

Why is Wi-Fi transmission speed lower than cable?

Wi-Fi is subject to interference, and actual speeds are usually 2-3 times lower than theoretical. For example, when connecting to 300 Mbps The actual file transfer speed will be ~100-150 Mbps (12-18 MB/s). To improve speed:

• 📶 Switch to range 5 GHz (if the router supports it).
• 🔌 Connect laptops closer to the router.
• 🔧 Change the channel width in the router settings to 40 MHz.

Is it safe to transfer files via FTP?

Standard FTP transfers data, including logins and passwords, in cleartext. This is unsafe if you have unauthorized devices on your network. Recommendations:

• 🔒 Use SFTP (port 22) or FTPS (FTP + SSL).
• 🛡️ Configure your firewall to restrict access to the FTP server to your local network only.
• 🔑 Use complex passwords (at least 12 characters).

For a home network, the risks are minimal, but FTP should not be used in an office or public network.

Is it possible to transfer files between laptops without internet?

Yes, the following will work for this:

• 📶 Wi-Fi Direct - if laptops support it.
• 🔄 Access point - one laptop distributes the network, the second one connects.
• 📡 Local network via router — even without the Internet, the router can create a local network.

Cloud services are not suitable in this case, as they require an internet connection.