How to Use the “Nearby Sharing” Feature in Windows

The “Nearby Sharing” feature in Windows allows users to easily share files and links with nearby devices. This is especially handy when you need to transfer documents, images, or links between multiple devices without using cloud services or external drives. Here’s a detailed guide on how to set up and use this feature.

Step 1: Enable Nearby Sharing

  1. Open Settings in Windows by pressing Win + I.
  2. Go to System and select Nearby Sharing.
  3. Toggle the switch to On to activate the feature.

In the settings, you can choose who can see your device for sharing purposes. There are two options:

  • Everyone nearby — allows any device within range to see your device.
  • My devices only — limits sharing to devices signed into the same Microsoft account.

Step 2: Send Files and Links

Once Nearby Sharing is activated, sharing files and links is simple. Here’s how:

  1. Select the file you want to share and right-click on it.
  2. From the context menu, choose Nearby Sharing.
  3. Windows will show a list of available nearby devices. Choose the device you want to share with.
  4. The recipient will receive a notification prompting them to accept the file. Once accepted, the file will be saved to their device.

Tips for Using Nearby Sharing

  • Ensure both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled on both devices, as Nearby Sharing uses these to detect and connect devices.
  • For optimal performance, devices should be within about 10 meters of each other.
  • Files can be shared between devices running Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Advantages of Using Nearby Sharing

The main advantage of this feature is the ability to quickly and conveniently share files without needing USB drives or internet-based data transfers. It’s especially useful when transferring large files or in situations with limited internet access.