Transferring Files Between Computers via Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide

Transfer files between computers via Wi-Fi — a convenient alternative to flash drives and cables, especially when devices are on the same network. But how do you organize this process properly so it's fast, secure, and without data loss? In this article, we'll cover all the current methods, from standard tools Windows to specialized programs that will simplify the exchange of even large files.

You will learn how to set up local network between two PCs, use FTP server to transfer data, use cloud services such as Google Drive or Dropbox, and you will also get acquainted with utilities like LocalSend or Feem, which don't require an internet connection. Each method is described in detail, taking into account potential errors and setup nuances.

We will pay special attention to security issues: how to protect transmitted data from interception, why you shouldn’t use open networks in cafes or airports, and what settings firewall You should check this before you start working. If you frequently work with large amounts of information—photos, videos, or projects—this guide will help you save time and avoid common problems.

1. Preparing computers for file transfer via Wi-Fi

Before transferring data, make sure both computers meet the minimum requirements. This will prevent errors like "network unavailable" or "no access rights."

First, make sure both devices are connected to one Wi-Fi networkThis is a requirement for most methods, except cloud services. If you're using a router, make sure it doesn't block local traffic between devices (sometimes this feature is disabled in the settings called AP Isolation or Client Isolation).

Secondly, update network drivers on both PCs. Outdated versions may cause problems when transferring large files. To do this:

🖥️ Open device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager).
🔧 Expand the branch Network adapters, find yours Wi-Fi adapter (For example, Intel Wi-Fi 6 or Qualcomm Atheros).
🔄 Right-click → Update driver → Automatic search.

It is also recommended to temporarily disable Windows Firewall or add exceptions for the programs used (more about this in the section about FTP). If a third-party antivirus is installed on the PC (for example, Kaspersky or ESET), check its network settings - sometimes it blocks local connections.

📊 Which file transfer method do you use most often?

By cable

Via a flash drive

Via Wi-Fi

Cloud services

2. Method 1: Windows Local Area Network (SMB)

The most reliable and fastest method is to use SMB protocol (Server Message Block), which is built into WindowsIt allows you to share folders on one computer and connect to them from another as a network drive. The transfer speed is limited only by the capabilities of your computer. Wi-Fi router (for example, on the standard 802.11ac you can get up to 866 Mbps).

Instructions for sender's computer (the one from which we will distribute files):

Create a folder you want to share (e.g. C:\Transfer).
Right-click on it → Properties → Access → Share.
From the drop-down menu, select All (or a specific user, if protection is needed) → Add → Share.
Go to the tab Security → Edit → Add → All → OK.
Check the boxes for Full access (or just Reading, if you need to limit rights).

Now set it up recipient computer:

Open Conductor and enter in the address bar IP address of the first PC (For example, \\192.168.1.100).
If you are prompted for login/password, use the account details from the first PC (or guest access, if allowed).
Copy the required files to the folder that opens.

To find out IP address first computer, run in Command line (Win + R → cmd):

ipconfig

Look for the line IPv4 address in the block Wireless network adapter.

Make sure both PCs are on the same network

Disable the firewall temporarily or add an exception for SMB (port 445)

Make sure that the Network Discovery feature is enabled on both PCs (Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center)

Use static IP if DHCP issues different addresses-->

3. Method 2: FTP server for file transfer

If you need to transfer files regularly or work with large amounts of data (for example, backups or videos), setting FTP servers will be the optimal solution. Unlike SMB, FTP is supported by all operating systems (including macOS And Linux) and allows flexible management of access rights.

For Windows The easiest way is to use the built-in one IIS FTP server:

Enable the component Internet Information Services (IIS):
- 🔧 Control Panel → Programs → Turn Windows features on or off.
- 📋 Tick the boxes Internet Information Services → FTP Server And Website management tools.

Set up an FTP site:

🖥️ Open IIS Manager (Win + R → inetmgr).
📂 Right click on Sites → Add FTP Site.
🔑 Specify the path to the folder, the name of the site (for example, MyFTP) and select Without anonymous authentication.

On the second computer, connect to FTP via Conductor (enter in the address bar ftp://server_ip-address) or use clients like FileZilla or WinSCPTo speed up the transfer, turn it off. passive mode in the FTP client settings if delays are observed.

4. Method 3: Cloud services (Google Drive, Dropbox, Yandex.Disk)

If the files are not too large (up to 10–15 GB), and the internet speed allows it, it is easiest to use cloud storageTheir advantage is that there's no need to configure a network or open ports. Simply upload files to the server and then download them to the second computer.

Let's compare popular services:

Service	Max file size	Free seat	Upload/download speed
Google Drive	to `750 GB` (with restrictions)	`15 GB`	Depends on the Internet tariff
Dropbox	to `50 GB` (via web)	`2 GB`	Limited for free accounts
Yandex.Disk	to `50 GB`	`10 GB`	High for users Yandex Plus

For transfer:

Upload files to the cloud via web interface or desktop application.
Generate download link (V Google Drive: right click → Share → Copy link).
Send the link to the second user (for example, via messenger).

Important: If you are sharing sensitive data, set a password on the link or use encrypted archiving (e.g. 7-Zip with an algorithm AES-256).

5. Method 4: Specialized programs (LocalSend, Feem, Snapdrop)

For those who are looking for the simplest way without network settings, programs for direct file transfer via Wi-FiThey create a local connection between devices without requiring internet access. Let's look at three popular solutions:

📱 LocalSend — open source, runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android And iOSTransfers files over a local network or creates a temporary access point. Speed is limited only by capabilities. Wi-Fi.
🔄 Feem — supports transfers between different operating systems and has a built-in chat. The free version limits the speed to 10 MB/s.
🌐 Snapdrop — a web service (works through a browser) that requires no installation. Ideal for one-time transfers of small files.

Instructions for LocalSend:

Download the program from official website and install on both computers.
Launch LocalSend and select Send on the first PC, Get - on the second.
Select files, specify the recipient device and confirm the transfer.

Why is LocalSend better than cloud services?

LocalSend doesn't upload files to third-party servers—data is transferred directly between devices over the local network. This eliminates the risk of leaks and speeds up the process, as it's not dependent on internet speed. Furthermore, there are no file size limits (other than those imposed by the file system).

6. Method 5: Transfer via SSH (for advanced users)

If you work with Linux or macOS, or you have Windows installed OpenSSH server, can be used SSH protocol for secure file transfer. This method is suitable for tech-savvy users, as it requires working with command line.

On recipient computer (server) run:

# Install OpenSSH (if not installed)
sudo apt install openssh-server # For Debian/Ubuntu
sudo systemctl enable --now ssh # Start the service

Enable password access (or set up keys)
sudo nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config
Make sure the PermitRootLogin line is set to "no" (for security)

On sender computer use the command scp (Secure Copy):

scp -r /path/to/folder user@server_IP_address:/destination/path Example:

scp -r C:\Users\Name\Documents user@192.168.1.100:/home/user/Downloads

For Windows can be used WinSCP - graphical client with support SCP/SFTPIt allows you to drag and drop files with your mouse, just like in Conductor.

7. Possible problems and their solutions

Even with proper setup, errors can still occur. Let's look at typical issues and how to resolve them:

🚫 "Network path not found" (when using SMB):
- Check if it is enabled Network discovery on both PCs (Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Change advanced sharing settings).
- Make sure that the router is disabled. AP Isolation (client isolation).
⚠️ "Folder access denied":
- Check access rights in Properties → Security.
- Turn it off User Account Control (UAC) temporarily.
🐢 Slow transfer speed:
- Switch to range 5 GHz in the router settings (if supported).
- Use a cable Ethernet for one of the PCs, if possible.

If nothing helps, try an alternative transfer method (for example, use FTP instead of SMB or LocalSend). Also check if the transmission is blocked antivirus - sometimes it perceives local traffic as suspicious.

ping IP address of the second PC

8. Security when transferring files over Wi-Fi

Transmitting data over a wireless network always carries risks. Here are some key precautions:

🔒 Use WPA3 for Wi-Fi encryption (in the router settings, select WPA3-Personal instead of WPA2).
🚪 Disable WPS - This protocol is vulnerable to brute force attacks.
👤 Don't use guest access on public networks (cafes, airports). To transfer files in such conditions, it is better to use LocalSend or SSH.

If you are transmitting sensitive data (documents, passwords), be sure to:

🔐 Archive files with a password (7-Zip or WinRAR).
📡 Use VPN (For example, ProtonVPN or Windscribe), if the transmission is via the Internet (cloud services).

⚠️ Attention: If you are setting up FTP or SMB For regular use, change the standard ports (21 for FTP, 445 for SMB) to non-standard ones (for example, 2121 or 4455). This will reduce the risk of automated attacks.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to transfer files between Windows and macOS?

Yes, the following will work for this:

🍎 SMB - V macOS open Finder → Go → Connect to Server and enter smb://IP-address_of_PC.
🖥️ LocalSend or Feem — cross-platform solutions.
☁️ Cloud services (Google Drive, Dropbox).

How to transfer files larger than 100 GB?

For large volumes of data:

📦 Use external hard drive or SSD (the most reliable way).
🔌 Connect computers via Ethernet cable (speed up to 1 Gbps).
📡 Set up FTP server or SMB with support jumbo-frames (if the network and equipment allow it).

Cloud services are not suitable due to file size limitations and slow download speeds.

Why is Wi-Fi transmission speed lower than cable?

This is due to the peculiarities of wireless networks:

📶 Interference from other devices (microwaves, neighboring routers).
📡 Limitations of the Wi-Fi standard:
- 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4) - up to 300 Mbps.
- 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) - up to 1.3 Gbps.
- 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) - up to 9.6 Gbps (theoretically).
🔋 Signal strength — the further the computers are from the router, the lower the speed.

Solution: Switch to a range 5 GHz (less loaded) or use Mesh system to enhance the signal.

How to transfer files if the computers are on different networks?

If your devices are connected to different routers (for example, at home and at work), use:

☁️ Cloud services (Google Drive, Mega).
🔗 P2P services like Resilio Sync (direct transmission without uploading to the server).
🌍 VPN server (For example, Hamachi or ZeroTier) to create a virtual local area network.

For Resilio Sync:

Install the program on both PCs.
Create a sync folder on the first computer.
Generate access key and enter it on the second PC.

Is it possible to transfer files between a computer and a phone via Wi-Fi?

Yes, the following will work for this:

📱 LocalSend — works on Android And iOS.
🔄 Portal by Pushbullet — transfer via browser (without registration).
📎 Snapdrop — a web service for transferring between any devices.

For Android can also be used FTP server through apps like FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer.

Transferring Files Between Computers via Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide

1. Preparing computers for file transfer via Wi-Fi

2. Method 1: Windows Local Area Network (SMB)

3. Method 2: FTP server for file transfer

4. Method 3: Cloud services (Google Drive, Dropbox, Yandex.Disk)

5. Method 4: Specialized programs (LocalSend, Feem, Snapdrop)

6. Method 5: Transfer via SSH (for advanced users)

Enable password access (or set up keys)

Make sure the PermitRootLogin line is set to "no" (for security)

Example:

7. Possible problems and their solutions

8. Security when transferring files over Wi-Fi

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

📖 Read also

`Make sure the PermitRootLogin line is set to "no" (for security)`