How to share files between Windows PCs with Nearby sharing

howtosimply.com/guides/how-to-share-files-between-windows-pcs-with-nearby-sharing/ · Checked October 2026 · Windows 11 Enterprise 25H2 (build 26200.9457), Microsoft Cloud PC

4 of 7 steps with real screenshots · 1 official source below

Device

Windows

Shown on

Windows 11 Enterprise 25H2 (build 26200.9457), Microsoft Cloud PC

App

Settings

Path

Settings › System

Real screenshots

4 of 7 steps

Checked

October 2026

Sources

1 official, linked below

Step by step

1. 

   Turn it on on both PCs

   Open Start, Settings, System, Nearby sharing. Choose My devices only to share between PCs signed in to your own Microsoft account, or Everyone nearby to share with any PC close to you. Off is the default on our Cloud PC.

   Done

2. Check Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

   Bluetooth must be on. Transfers are much faster when both PCs are also on the same Wi-Fi network and that network is set to Private.

   Done

3. 

   Choose where received files go

   Under Save files I receive to, Microsoft says you can choose another folder with Change. On our Cloud PC the Change button was greyed out.

   Done

4. 

   Check the name others see

   Your device is discoverable as shows the name other PCs see. Click Rename to give it a name people recognise. We blurred ours.

   Done

5. 

   Share a file

   In File Explorer, select the file and click Share in the toolbar, or right-click it and choose Share. In the Share window, pick Nearby Sharing and then the name of the other PC.

   Done

6. Accept on the other PC

   A notification appears there. Click Save & open or Save.

   Done

7. Share a web page or a photo

   In Microsoft Edge, open Settings and more, More tools, Share and pick the PC. In the Photos app, open the picture and click Share.

   Done

About this guide

Nearby sharing sends files, photos and links from one Windows PC to another close by, over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, without a cable, a USB stick or email. Both PCs need Windows 11 or Windows 10 from version 1803.

The screenshots are our own, taken on Windows 11 Enterprise 25H2 running as a Microsoft Cloud PC, a Windows PC that runs in the cloud.

Good to know

With Everyone nearby, the name of your PC is visible to other PCs around you. Switch back to My devices only or Off when you are done, especially in public places.

If the other PC does not appear, bring the two closer together and open the Nearby sharing settings on the receiving PC.

To and from an Android phone, use Quick Share: how to share files with Quick Share on Android. For phone notifications and photos on the PC: how to connect a phone to a Windows 11 PC with Phone Link.

In short: Settings, System, Nearby sharing on both PCs, Bluetooth on, right-click the file, Share, pick the PC, Save on the other side.