Skip the USB: How Windows Nearby Sharing Streamlines File Transfers
Share files, links, and photos instantly between Windows devices with no cables, cloud uploads, or email attachments required.
By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor
July 16, 2025
If so, you're not alone.
Despite all our tech, file sharing between nearby devices still feels clunky.
USB drives, cloud uploads, email attachments, all work, but they’re slow, messy, and often overkill.
Here's a Cool Tip: Windows Nearby Sharing.
Windows Nearby Sharing is a built-in feature that quietly solves this problem with surprising elegance.
Think of it as Microsoft’s answer to Apple’s AirDrop, except it’s baked into Windows 10 and 11, and it works over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
No pairing. No passwords. Just click, share, and go.
What Is Nearby Sharing?
Nearby Sharing lets you wirelessly send files, photos, and links to other Windows devices within range.
It uses Bluetooth to discover devices and Wi-Fi for faster transfers, making it ideal for quick exchanges in offices, classrooms, or even at home.
You can share:
- Documents.
- Photos.
- Website links.
- Any file from File Explorer (except directly from OneDrive folders).
What You'll Gain
- Save time with instant file transfers.
- Reduce email clutter and cloud dependency.
- Boost team productivity during meetings or collaboration.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here's how to do it.
Windows 10/11 Desktop
- Go to Settings > System > Nearby sharing.
- Choose: My devices only or Everyone nearby.
- Right-click any file > Share > Share to More Apps (...) > Select a nearby device to share a file.
- To receive a File: Accept the notification > File. The file saves to your Downloads folder.
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fig. 1 - Turn On Nearby Sharing in Windows |
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fig. 2 - Share Files Using Nearby Sharing |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- No setup or pairing required.
- Fast transfers over Wi-Fi.
- Works across Windows 10 and 11.
- Great for spontaneous collaboration.
Cons
- Requires Bluetooth and same Wi-Fi network.
- Doesn’t work with OneDrive files directly.
- File size limits depend on your network speed.
Feature Access
This Windows feature is available to:
- All Windows 10 (version 1803+) and Windows 11 users.
- No Microsoft 365 subscription required.
- Works best on devices with Bluetooth 4.0+ and Wi-Fi.
Score
Criteria Score (0–10) Justification
Value: 9/10Eliminates friction in everyday file sharing—especially useful in collaborative environments.Usability: 8/10Simple to enable and use, though limited to Windows devices.Wow Factor: 7/10Not flashy, but quietly brilliant. Most users say “Cool!” once they try it.Total Score: 24/30👍 Good: A practical, time-saving feature worth enabling today.
Key Takeaways
Windows Nearby Sharing is a fast, wireless way to send files between nearby Windows devices.
It’s built-in, easy to use, and ideal for business, education, and personal productivity.
Try It Yourself
Turn it on today and skip the email shuffle.
Then share this tip with your team, subscribe to the newsletter, and explore more cool tricks at OneCoolTip.com.
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