Transferring large amounts of data between devices on a local network is a task that every personal computer user faces from time to time. In an era when Wi-Fi routers While USB drives or external hard drives provide high connection speeds, using USB drives or external hard drives to transfer data often seems archaic and inconvenient. You no longer need to physically search for a flash drive, copy gigabytes of data to it, move the device to a different port, and wait for the transfer process to complete.
Modern operating systems such as Windows 10 And Windows 11, have built-in tools that allow you to organize data exchange instantly. File transfer speeds over Wi-Fi 802.11ac or ax can reach 400–800 Mbps, which is comparable to the speed of many USB 2.0 drives. The main advantage of this method is the lack of need for additional cables and the ability to transfer files to multiple devices on the network simultaneously.
However, despite the obvious advantages, many users still don't know how to set this process up correctly, encountering access errors or slow speeds. In this article, we'll explore proven methods that will allow you to forget about wires. We'll cover both standard operating system tools and specialized software that makes life easier.
Using the Shared Folders feature in Windows
The most reliable method, which doesn't require installing additional software, is to set up folder sharing using built-in Windows tools. This method is ideal for desktop computers in an office or at home where regular document sharing is required. First, you need to ensure that both computers are on the same local network, meaning they are connected to the same Wi-Fi router.
The first step is to configure network settings. Go to the Control Panel and find the section for sharing settings. Here, you need to enable network discovery and file sharing. Without this step, the computers simply won't "see" each other in the list of available devices, even if the Wi-Fi connection is established correctly.
After enabling network features, select the folder you want to share with other users. Right-click it, select Properties, and go to the "Sharing" tab. Click the "Share" button and add a user. Everyone or a specific network user, he is given the rights to read or modify files.
⚠️ Attention: When sharing, make sure your Wi-Fi network profile is set to "Private Network" and not "Public." Windows blocks incoming connections for security reasons when using a public profile, which will result in an error when attempting to access files.
To access shared files from another computer, open File Explorer and enter the IP address or network name of the first computer in the address bar. If prompted for credentials, enter the username and password of the user whose folder is being shared. This is a standard Windows security procedure.
Nearby Share technology in Windows
Microsoft has introduced an analogue of Apple AirDrop in Windows 10 and 11, called Nearby Share Nearby Sharing. This technology allows you to transfer files and links between nearby computers using a combination of Bluetooth for discovery and Wi-Fi for fast data transfer. It's one of the easiest ways to transfer documents or photos on a one-time basis.
To use this feature, you need to enable it in your system settings. Go to the "System" section, then find "Nearby Sharing." Make sure the toggle is turned on. You can also adjust your device's visibility here: you can make it visible to everyone or only to contacts in your Microsoft account.
The transfer process is as follows: select a file and click the "Share" button in the context menu or on the File Explorer toolbar. The system will scan the air and find available devices. After selecting the target computer, a notification about the transfer request will appear on the second computer, which must be confirmed.
It is important to note that for work Nearby Share Both devices must have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled. Transfer speed depends on signal quality and supported wireless standards. Unlike shared folders, this method doesn't require IP addresses or access rights, making it very convenient for inexperienced users.
Using Quick Assist and Remote Desktop
While remote desktop is often associated with screen control, it also allows you to transfer files between computers. This feature is built into Windows by default and doesn't require any third-party software. This can be useful if you need to not only transfer a file, but also help the user navigate it or copy data from restricted system folders.
To get started, launch the Remote Desktop Connection application on the client computer. Enter the IP address or hostname of the target computer. After a successful connection and authorization, you will see the remote machine's desktop. File transfers can be made using the clipboard or drag-and-drop, if enabled in the connection settings.
A more advanced option is to use RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) with local drive forwarding. In the connection settings, under the "Local Resources" tab, you can check the "Printers" box and click "Details" to select your computer's local drives. Once connected, these drives will appear as network resources in the remote computer's File Explorer.
This method is especially effective on high-bandwidth corporate networks. However, for a home network using Wi-Fi, it may be overkill if you simply need to transfer a movie or photo archive. Furthermore, RDP often requires a Pro version of Windows, as the remote desktop server functionality may be limited on home editions.
⚠️ Attention: Remote access settings interfaces and menu item names may vary slightly depending on your operating system version (Home, Pro, Enterprise) and the updates installed. We recommend checking the official Microsoft documentation for your specific build for the latest settings.
Third-party programs for fast data transfer
If Windows' built-in tools seem too complex or unstable, specialized utilities can help. Programs like Send Anywhere, Feem or SHAREit They create their own data exchange environment, often bypassing complex Windows settings. They operate on a P2P (peer-to-peer) principle, transferring data directly between devices over local Wi-Fi.
These programs typically work in the same way: you install the app (or open the web version) on both computers. One device generates a unique 6-digit key or QR code that must be entered or scanned on the second device. Once paired, file transfer begins at the maximum speed supported by your Wi-Fi router.
The main advantage of such solutions is their cross-platform nature. You can easily transfer files from Windows to macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS without any hassle. Many of these utilities use HTTPS encryption, which adds a layer of security when transferring sensitive data over open networks.
It's worth keeping in mind that free versions of such programs often contain ads or have file size limitations. This isn't a big deal for one-time operations, but for ongoing work with large amounts of data (such as 4K video), it's best to consider paid plans or revisit the SMB protocol settings.
Why might the speed in programs be lower than stated?
Speed may be limited by the application itself, which does not effectively use multithreading, or by the Wi-Fi adapter's power-saving settings, which put the card into sleep mode between data packets.
Comparison of transmission methods: characteristics table
To help you choose the right method, we've prepared a comparison chart. It will help you evaluate the pros and cons of each method based on your current needs and technical expertise.
| Method | Difficulty of setup | Transfer speed | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared folders (SMB) | High | Maximum | Same network, setting up permissions |
| Nearby Share | Low | High | Bluetooth + Wi-Fi, Windows 10/11 |
| Third-party software | Average | Medium/High | Installing software on both PCs |
| Cloud services | Low | Depends on the Internet | Internet access, account |
As you can see from the table, "Shared Folders" provides the best speed results, but requires time for initial configuration. Nearby Share is a happy medium for Windows users. Third-party software offers versatility, and cloud services (which we didn't cover in detail because they require internet access) are convenient for transferring files between different locations rather than within a single room.
The choice of method also depends on the file size. For documents weighing a few megabytes, the difference in transfer time will be negligible. However, if you're planning to transfer a game library or a movie archive of 50-100 GB, setting up a local network using the SMB protocol is the only reasonable solution, saving you time and effort.
Troubleshooting and Speed Optimization
Even with proper setup, you may experience slow transfer speeds or connection drops. Most often, the problem lies not with the software, but with the wireless network specifications. Make sure both computers are connected to the same range. 5 GHz, not 2.4 GHz. The 2.4 GHz band is heavily susceptible to interference and rarely delivers speeds above 20-30 Mbps.
Another factor is the distance to the router and the presence of obstacles. Walls, mirrors, and household appliances can significantly weaken the signal. For maximum transfer speeds for large files, it is recommended to move computers closer to the access point or use a Wi-Fi repeater to improve coverage in the working area.
It's also worth checking your network adapter's power settings. Windows may be trying to save power by reducing the Wi-Fi module's transmit power. Go to Device Manager, find your wireless adapter, open its properties, and in the "Power Management" tab, uncheck the box next to "Allow the device to turn off."
☑️ Checklist before transferring files
⚠️ Attention: If you use a guest Wi-Fi network (Guest Network) on your router, devices on it are often isolated from each other using the "AP Isolation" feature. In this mode, file transfers between computers are technically impossible until you switch to the main network.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to transfer files if one computer has Windows 7 and the other has Windows 11?
Yes, this is possible, but it will require additional effort. Windows 7 uses the legacy SMBv1 protocol by default, which is disabled in Windows 10/11 for security reasons. You will need to either enable SMBv1 support on the new PC (not recommended) or configure newer encryption protocols on the old computer via the registry or group policies.
Why does the transfer rate drop to 0 KB/s and then resume?
This could be due to an overheating Wi-Fi module, interference from neighboring routers, or background processes (such as a Windows update or antivirus scan). Also, try changing the Wi-Fi channel in your router settings to a less congested one.
Do you need internet to transfer files over a local network?
No, internet access is not required. For a local area network (LAN) to function, both devices must be connected to the same router, even if the router itself is not connected to the ISP. Data is transferred directly between devices within your home network.
Is it safe to share passwords and personal information through shared folders?
Transferring data within a password-protected home network is relatively secure. However, if you're in a public place, it's best to use programs with end-to-end encryption, as traffic on open Wi-Fi networks can be intercepted by hackers.