Transferring files from PC to laptop via Wi-Fi: all the working methods

Transfer files between computers via Wi-Fi — a convenient alternative to USB cables and external drives, especially when dealing with large amounts of data or regularly exchanging documents. However, not everyone knows how to properly configure such a connection to avoid access, speed, or security issues.

In this article we will look at 5 proven methods Transfer files from PC to laptop wirelessly - using standard tools Windows to specialized programs. You will learn how to create local network, use FTP server, set up public access to folders and even automate the process using cloud services. Also, how to avoid common connection issues and speed up data transfer.

Important: All methods work on Windows 10/11, macOS and most distributions Linux (taking into account OS features). If you have older system versions or custom builds, some features may be missing—check for their availability in advance.

1. Method: Local network via HomeGroup (Windows)

The easiest method for users Windows - Creation home groupIt does not require installation of additional software, but it only works between computers with Windows 7/8.1/10 (V Windows 11 The function has been removed, but it can be restored through the registry).

To set up file sharing:

1. On both devices, open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → HomeGroup.
2. Click "Create a homegroup" on the main PC and select folders to share (Documents, Pictures, Music).
3. Write down the generated password - you will need it to connect your laptop.
4. On your laptop, in the same menu, select "Join" and enter the password.

After this, shared folders will appear in File Explorer under the "Network" section. Transfer speed depends on the standard. Wi-Fi: on 802.11n (2.4 GHz) - up to 150 Mbps, on 802.11ac (5 GHz) — up to 867 Mbps. However, actual speeds are typically 30–50% lower due to interference and network congestion.

⚠️ Note: If the computers do not see each other, check that both are connected to one Wi-Fi network (not to different 2.4/5 GHz bands of the same router). Also, disable firewalls or add an exception for file sharing in the settings. Windows Firewall.

Method 2: Folder Sharing (without HomeGroup)

If you have Windows 11 or you don't want to use homegroup, you can set it up public access to specific folders manually. This method is universal and works across different versions. Windows, and also with macOS And Linux (with correct Samba settings).

Instructions for Windows:

1. On your PC, create a folder (for example, C:\Exchange) and right-click on it → “Properties” → “Access” tab.
2. Click "Share" and select a user All (or create a new one). Set the permissions to "Read and Write".
3. Go to the Security tab → Edit → Add → enter All → check the boxes for “Full access”.
4. On your laptop, open File Explorer and enter in the address bar \\[PC IP address] (For example, \\192.168.1.100) and press Enter.

To find out IP address PC, enter in the command line (Win + R → cmd → Enter):

ipconfig

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

Make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network|Disable VPN on both devices|Make sure the SMB network protocol is enabled on the PC (it can be found in "Turn Windows features on or off")|Write down the IP address of the main PC-->

If your laptop asks for a login and password when connecting, use your PC account credentials. If you haven't set a password, leave the field blank (but this isn't secure!).

3. Method: FTP server for file transfer

For large files (videos, disk images, archives) it is more convenient to use FTP serverIt allows you to transfer data at speeds close to the maximum speed for your network and supports download resumption if the connection is interrupted.

Setting up FTP on Windows:

1. Install the program FileZilla Server (free) or use the built-in FTP server via IIS (for experienced users).
2. IN FileZilla Server create a user (eg user) and specify the folder to access.
3. On your laptop, connect via any FTP client (for example, FileZilla Client or WinSCP) at the address ftp://[PC IP address].

Advantages of FTP:

• 📥 Support for large files (up to hundreds of gigabytes).
• 🔄 Resume an interrupted download.
• 🔒 Possibility of traffic encryption (via FTPS or SFTP).

⚠️ Note: By default, FTP transfers data without encryptionIf you have other devices on your network (for example, in an office or public hotspot), use SFTP (port 22) or configure FTPS with an SSL certificate.

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

If the files are not too large (up to 10-15 GB), it is easiest to use cloud storageThis method does not require network configuration, but depends on internet speed and service limitations.

How to transfer files via Google Drive:

1. On your PC, download the files to Google Drive (drag and drop in browser or via app) Backup and Sync).
2. Right-click on the file → “Share” → copy the link.
3. On your laptop, open the link and download the files.

Comparison of popular services:

• 📁 Google Drive: 15 GB free, integration with Gmail.
• 📁 Yandex Disk: 10 GB free, high speed in Russia.
• 📁 Dropbox: 2 GB free, convenient PC client.
• 📁 Mail.ru Cloud: 8GB free, no file size limit.

Disadvantages of the method:

• ⏳ Dependent on internet speed (with a slow connection, downloading will take hours).
• 🔒 File size limits (e.g. in Google Drive maximum 5 TB, but for a free account - up to 750 GB/day).
• 🛡️ Risk of data leakage when using public links (always set access to "View only").

5. Method: Special programs (LocalSend, Snapdrop, Resilio Sync)

For quick transfers without unnecessary settings, specialized utilities are suitable. They work on the principle P2P (peer-to-peer), that is, files are transferred directly between devices without intermediate servers.

Top 3 Wi-Fi File Sharing Apps:

• 📲 LocalSend: open source, cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android), traffic encryption.
• 🌐 Snapdrop: web service (does not require installation), works through a browser, supports the transfer of text and links.
• 🔄 Resilio Sync: real-time folder synchronization, high speed, but more difficult to set up.

How to use LocalSend:

1. Download the program from official website and install on both devices.
2. Launch LocalSend on a PC and a laptop - they will automatically detect each other on the local network.
3. On your PC, select the files, specify the recipient (laptop), and confirm sending.

LocalSend uses the WebRTC protocol for direct data transfer, which guarantees privacy—files do not pass through external servers.

What should I do if LocalSend doesn't find devices?

Make sure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (not mobile data). Check that "Local Network Discovery" is enabled in the app settings. If you're using a VPN or proxy, disable them. In rare cases, restarting the app or router may help.

6. Method: PowerShell or Command Prompt (for advanced users)

If you prefer to work through console, you can transfer files using PowerShell or standard utilities WindowsThis method requires knowledge of commands, but gives complete control over the process.

An example command for copying a file from a PC to a laptop (pre-set up shared access to the folder, as in method 2):

copy "C:\Path\to\file.txt" "\\192.168.1.101\Shared_folder\"

To transfer an entire folder, use robocopy:

robocopy "C:\Source_Folder" "\\192.168.1.101\Target_Folder" /E /Z /R:3 /W:5

Parameters:

• /E — copy subfolders (including empty ones).
• /Z - restart mode (useful for large files).
• /R:3 - repeat 3 times if you make a mistake.
• /W:5 - wait 5 seconds before repeating.

For Linux/macOS can be used scp (if an SSH server is running on the PC):

scp -r user@192.168.1.100:/path/to/folder/local/path

⚠️ Caution: When using robocopy or scp Make sure there is enough free space on the target device. These commands do not ask for confirmation before overwriting files!

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to transfer files between Windows and macOS?

Yes, but for this you need:

1. On Windows set up shared access to the folder (as in method 2).
2. On macOS open Finder → Go → Connect to server (or Cmd + K) and enter smb://[PC IP address].
3. Enter your account login and password Windows.

The alternative is to use LocalSend or FTP.

Why is my Wi-Fi speed slow?

Reasons and solutions:

• 📶 Weak Wi-Fi signal: Move closer to the router or switch to a different range 5 GHz.
• 🖥️ PC load: Close background programs, especially torrents or streaming.
• 🔌 Outdated router: if the standards are lower 802.11ac, update your equipment.
• 🔒 Traffic encryption: FTPS or SFTP work slower FTP.

How to transfer files if the laptop doesn't see the PC on the network?

Check:

1. Both devices are connected to one network (not to the guest or different router ranges).
2. It's enabled on the PC. SMB network protocol (Control Panel → Programs → Turn Windows features on or off → SMB 1.0/CIFS file sharing support).
3. The firewall does not block ports 137–139 (for SMB) or 21 (for FTP).
4. It's disabled on the router. AP Isolation (client isolation).

Is it possible to transfer files via Wi-Fi without a router?

Yes, if you create access point on one of the devices:

1. On your PC or laptop, turn on Mobile hotspot (Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Hotspot).
2. Connect the second device to the created network.
3. Use any of the methods described (for example, LocalSend or public access).

The speed will be lower than through a router, but for small files this is sufficient.

Is it safe to transfer files over Wi-Fi on public networks?

No, if:

• You are using unencrypted protocols (for example, standard FTP or SMBv1).
• There are other devices on the network with access to traffic (for example, in a cafe or airport).

Recommendations:

• Use SFTP or FTPS instead of FTP.
• Set up VPN on both devices before transferring.
• For critical data use password-protected archives (.zip with AES encryption).