How to Send Files Between Two Windows PCs Without a USB Drive

If you have two Windows PCs near each other, you may be able to transfer a file without emailing it to yourself, uploading it to cloud storage, or finding a USB drive.

Windows calls the feature Nearby sharing.

Turn Nearby sharing on

Do this on both computers.

1. Open Start > Settings. 2. Select System. 3. Select Nearby sharing. 4. Choose who can share with the computer.

If you are transferring files between your own supported devices, My devices only can be preferable to making the computer visible more broadly.

Microsoft also provides an Everyone nearby choice. Be aware that this makes identifying information about the PC available to nearby devices for sharing purposes.

Send the file

On the computer that has the file:

1. Open File Explorer. 2. Find the file. 3. Select the file and choose Share. 4. Look for the receiving computer in the nearby-sharing section. 5. Select it.

On the receiving PC, respond to the notification and save the file.

Nearby Sharing can use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. With compatible Windows PCs on the same private Wi-Fi network, Wi-Fi can provide the faster route.

If the other computer doesn't appear

Make sure Nearby sharing is enabled on both PCs. Make sure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled where required. Keep the computers reasonably close together. If you are relying on Wi-Fi sharing, make sure the computers are connected appropriately to the same network.

If Bluetooth itself is failing on one PC, see Bluetooth Not Working in Windows 11? Try These Checks in Order.

If the PCs appear connected to Wi-Fi but the network itself is not working, see Wi-Fi Connected but No Internet? Try These Checks in Order.

Is Nearby sharing a backup?

No. It transfers a copy of a file. It does not create an ongoing backup system.

Important documents should still have a proper backup. See What Does Windows Backup Actually Back Up?.

The bottom line

For an occasional transfer between nearby Windows computers, Nearby sharing can be much simpler than setting up traditional network file sharing. Turn it on for both PCs, select the file, choose Share, select the receiving PC, and accept the transfer.

Sources and Further Reading

Microsoft Support — Share things with nearby devices in Windows