How to transfer files from laptop to laptop via Wi-Fi: all the working methods

Transferring files between two laptops wirelessly is a challenge that every second user faces. Cables get lost, flash drives break, and cloud services limit free storage. Fortunately, Wi-Fi network It allows you to exchange data directly, without intermediaries. But how do you do it correctly to avoid losing speed and making mistakes?

In this article - 5 Proven Ways to Transfer Data via Wi-Fi Between Laptops on Windows, macOS, and Linux, including hidden operating system features and third-party utilities. We'll examine the pros and cons of each method, compare transfer speeds in a table, and provide specific recommendations for various scenarios: from sending a few photos to transferring tens of gigabytes of video.

Important: All instructions are valid for current OS versions (Windows 10/11, macOS Ventura/Sonoma, Linux with kernel 5.4+). If your laptop was manufactured before 2015, some features (e.g. Wi-Fi Direct) may be missing - check the model specifications.

1. Local network via a router: the classic method

The most reliable method is if both laptops are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. It's suitable for transferring files of any size, but requires setting up sharing beforehand.

Algorithm of actions for Windows:

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 profile "Private".
4. Create a folder, right-click on it → Properties → Access → Share.

For macOS:

• 📁 Go to System Preferences → Sharing.
• 🔄 Activate the option File Sharing.
• ➕ Add the folder to the allowed list and specify access rights.

After setup, the second laptop will see the shared folder in the section Net (Windows) or Local (macOS). The transfer speed depends on the Wi-Fi standard: 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) it reaches 300–867 Mbps, on 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) - up to 2.4 Gbps.

⚠️ Note: If the laptops do not see each other, check that both devices are on the same subnet (e.g. IP addresses 192.168.1.x). When manually configuring IP addresses, avoid conflicts by not assigning identical addresses.

2. Wi-Fi Direct: Direct transmission without a router

Wi-Fi Direct Allows you to connect devices directly, like Bluetooth, but at Wi-Fi speeds. This method is ideal for transferring data on the go or in places without a router.

How to turn on Windows 10/11:

1. Clamp Win + I, go to Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Select "Wi-Fi Direct" (on some laptops the option is hidden in Additional options).
3. Enable visibility for other devices.

On macOS And Linux Wi-Fi Direct partially supported: for Mac needed AirDrop (works only between Apple devices), and for Linux a utility will be required wpa_supplicant with manual setting:

sudo wpa_cli -i wlan0 p2p_find
sudo wpa_cli -i wlan0 p2p_connect [MAC address] pbc

Speed Wi-Fi Direct Comparable to regular Wi-Fi, but less stable—connection interruptions are possible when moving laptops. For transferring files larger than 10 GB, it's better to use a local network via a router.

Make sure both laptops support Wi-Fi Direct (check the specifications)

Disable VPN and firewalls

Charge laptops to at least 50% (direct connection drains battery faster)

Assign unique names to devices for easy searching-->

3. Using an FTP server: for advanced users

If you need to transfer hundreds of files or entire folders while maintaining the structure, FTP server — the optimal solution. It works over Wi-Fi and allows you to control the transfer via a browser or file manager.

Setting up on Windows:

• 🖥️ Install the program FileZilla Server or Xlight FTP.
• 🔧 Create a user with access to the desired folder (for example, C:\Transfer).
• 🌐 Connect from the second laptop at the address ftp://[IP address of the first laptop].

For macOS/Linux built-in will do vsftpd or proftpdAn example command to start the server on Ubuntu:

sudo apt install vsftpd
sudo systemctl start vsftpd
sudo ufw allow 20/tcp
sudo ufw allow 21/tcp

Advantages of FTP:

• 📂 Possibility to resume an interrupted transmission.
• 🔒 Traffic encryption (when using FTPS or SFTP).
• 📊 Logging of all operations (useful for tracking errors).

⚠️ Note: By default, FTP transfers data in cleartext. If there are unauthorized devices on the network, use SFTP (port 22) or configure FTPS with a certificate.

4. Specialized programs: easier than it seems

For those who don't want to fiddle with settings, there are ready-made solutions. They automate network creation and file transfer, often with additional features like chat or preview.

Top 3 Wi-Fi Transfer Programs:

Example of working with LocalSend:

1. Install the program on both laptops from the website localsend.org.
2. Connect to one Wi-Fi network or create a hotspot.
3. On the first laptop, select the files and specify the recipient (the second laptop).
4. Confirm reception on the second device.

5. The Cloud as a Middleman: When Wi-Fi is Unstable

If the direct transmission via Wi-Fi is interrupted, you can use cloud services as a buffer. This method is suitable for files up to 50 GB (limited by free plans).

Comparison of services:

• 📁 Google Drive: up to 15 GB free, Windows/macOS integration.
• ☁️ Mega: 20 GB free, client-side encryption.
• 💾 Dropbox: 2GB free, but high sync speed.

How to transfer files via Mega:

1. Upload files to mega.nz from the first laptop.
2. Generate download link (optional) Get link).
3. Open the link on the second laptop and download the files.

The downside of this method is its dependence on internet speed. Downloading 10 GB on a 100 Mbps connection will take approximately 15–20 minutes. By comparison, the same 10 GB will transfer in 2–5 minutes over a local Wi-Fi network.

How to speed up cloud uploads?

Use a wired (Ethernet) connection for your first laptop.

Disable background programs that consume traffic (torrents, updates).

Compress files into ZIP/RAR – this will reduce their size by 10–30%.

6. Alternative Methods: When Wi-Fi Doesn't Work

If Wi-Fi refuses to cooperate, there are backup options:

Bluetooth:

• ⚡ Suitable for files up to 1 GB.
• 🐢 Speed: 1–3 MB/s (Bluetooth 4.0–5.0).
• 🔄 Setup: Enable visibility on both laptops and send files via the context menu.

Mobile hotspot:

• 📶 Create a hotspot on your smartphone.
• 🔗 Connect both laptops to it and use any method from this article.
• ⚠️ Limitation: Operators may block P2P traffic.

USB-C to Thunderbolt cable:

• ⚡ Speed ​​up to 40 Gbps (Thunderbolt 3/4).
• 🔌 An adapter or cable is required "host-to-host".
• 💻 On Windows use winverto check support USB Networking.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions and Problems

🔍 Why can't laptops see each other on the local network?

Check:

• Both devices are connected to one Wi-Fi networks (not to the guest).
• The protocol is enabled in the network settings. SMB 1.0 (for older versions of Windows).
• The firewall does not block ports 137–139 (for SMB) or 21 (for FTP).

If you use public network (for example, in a cafe), some routers block local traffic - try another method.

⚡ How to speed up file transfers over Wi-Fi?

Optimization:

• Switch the router to a channel 5 GHz (less interference).
• Disable background tasks (torrents, updates) on laptops.
• Use archiving (7-Zip with the method LZMA2) to reduce volume.
• For large files (>1 GB), split them into 500 MB chunks.

🛡️ Is it safe to transfer files over Wi-Fi?

Risks and protection:

• IN open networks (without password) data can be intercepted - use FTP with TLS or SFTP.
• For sensitive files, encrypt them before transferring them (VeraCrypt, AxCrypt).
• After transferring, disable folder sharing.

If you are transmitting data in a public place, it is better to use USB drive with hardware encryption.

🖥️ Is it possible to transfer files between Windows and macOS?

Yes, but there are some nuances:

• For local network on macOS turn on SMB V System Preferences → Sharing → Options.
• On Windows turn it off SMB1 (vulnerable protocol) and use SMB2/3.
• For Wi-Fi Direct on Mac needed AirDrop, but it only works with other Apple devices.

The best cross-platform option is LocalSend or FTP server.

📡 How do I transfer files if my Wi-Fi is unstable?

Alternatives:

• Use mobile hotspot from a smartphone (more stable than public Wi-Fi).
• Transfer files via Bluetooth (slowly but surely).
• Create ad-hoc network (in Windows via netsh wlan set hostednetwork).
• For large volumes (>50 GB) use external SSD with USB 3.0 (speed up to 500 MB/s).