Network and Internet Share Files with Nearby Devices in Windows 11


Share_banner.png

This tutorial will show you how to share files with nearby devices using Nearby Sharing in Windows 11.

Windows Share in Windows 11 allows you to share file(s) using Nearby Sharing.

Nearby sharing in Windows lets you share documents, photos, links to websites, and more with nearby devices by using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

To use nearby sharing, both PCs—the one you’re sharing from and the one you're sharing to—must have Nearby sharing turned on, Bluetooth turned on, and must be running Windows 11 or Windows 10 (version 1803 or later).

Starting with Windows 11 build 22631.3810, Microsoft is rolling out the ability to copy files from the Windows share window. Just click the new copy button.

Starting with Windows 11 build 22631.4112, you can now share content to your Android device from the Windows Share window. To do this, you must pair your Android device to your Windows PC. Use the Link to Windows app on your Android device and Phone Link on your PC.

Starting with Windows 11 build 22635.4510 (Beta) and build 22631.4969 (RP 23H2), Microsoft is rolling out the ability to share files directly from the jump lists on the taskbar, which appears when you right-click on an app with a jump list like Notepad the taskbar.

Many apps will have a Share option available that allows you to directly share the file opened in the app.


References:


Contents

  • Option One: Share File(s) with Nearby Devices from File Explorer Command Bar
  • Option Two: Share File(s) with Nearby Devices from Context Menu
  • Option Three: Share File with Nearby Devices from Windows Search




Option One

Share File(s) with Nearby Devices from File Explorer Command Bar


1 Open File Explorer (Win+E).

2 Select one or more files you want to share with a nearby device. (see screenshot below step 3)

3 Click/tap on the Share button on the command bar. (see screenshot below)

Share_File_Explorer_command_bar.webp

4 If you have more than one Accounts used by other apps available, you can click/tap on the account profile icon in the Share window, and click/tap on an account you want to share as. (see screenshot below)

Share_as_account.webp

5 Under Share using in the Share window, click/tap on Nearby sharing. (see screenshot below)

Nearby_sharing-1.webp

6 Click/tap on the nearby device (ex: "CopilotPC") you want to share with. (see screenshot below)

Nearby_sharing-2.webp

7 You will now see a "Waiting to accept" notification on the device you are sharing from. (see screenshot below)

Nearby_sharing-3.webp

8 On the nearby device you are sharing to, they will need to click/tap on Save & open or Save when the notification appears to accept. (see screenshots below)

The shared file(s) will be saved to their default save location for Nearby Sharing.

If they click/tap on Decline, the share will be cancelled.

If they click/tap on Share, they can then click/tap on Open or Open folder.


Nearby_sharing-4.webp
Nearby_sharing-5.webp

9 You will now see a "Successfully sent" notification on the device you are sharing from. (see screenshot below)

Nearby_sharing-6.webp




Option Two

Share File(s) with Nearby Devices from Context Menu


1 Select one or more files you want to share with a nearby device.

2 Perform one of the following actions: (see screenshots below)
  • Right click on the selected file(s), and click/tap on the Share button on the context menu toolbar.
  • Right click on the selected file(s), and click/tap on Share.
  • Right click on the selected file(s), click/tap on Show more options (Shift+F10), and click/tap on Share.
Share_context_menu_toolbar.webp
Share_context_menu.webp
Share_Show_more_options_context_menu.webp

3 If you have more than one Accounts used by other apps available, you can click/tap on the account profile icon in the Share window, and click/tap on an account you want to share as. (see screenshot below)

Share_as_account.webp

4 Under Share using in the Share window, click/tap on Nearby sharing. (see screenshot below)

Nearby_sharing-1.webp

5 Click/tap on the nearby device (ex: "CopilotPC") you want to share with. (see screenshot below)

Nearby_sharing-2.webp

6 You will now see a "Waiting to accept" notification on the device you are sharing from. (see screenshot below)

Nearby_sharing-3.webp

7 On the nearby device you are sharing to, they will need to click/tap on Save & open or Save when the notification appears to accept. (see screenshots below)

The shared file(s) will be saved to their default save location for Nearby Sharing.

If they click/tap on Decline, the share will be cancelled.

If they click/tap on Share, they can then click/tap on Open or Open folder.


Nearby_sharing-4.webp
Nearby_sharing-5.webp

8 You will now see a "Successfully sent" notification on the device you are sharing from. (see screenshot below)

Nearby_sharing-6.webp




Option Three

Share File with Nearby Devices from Windows Search


1 Open Windows Search (Win+S).

2 Enter a file name you want to search for in the Search Box. (see screenshot below step 3)

3 Click/tap on Share in the search results for the file you want to share with a nearby device. (see screenshot below)

Share_from_Windows_Search.webp

4 If you have more than one Accounts used by other apps available, you can click/tap on the account profile icon in the Share window, and click/tap on an account you want to share as. (see screenshot below)

Share_as_account.webp

5 Under Share using in the Share window, click/tap on Nearby sharing. (see screenshot below)

Nearby_sharing-1.webp

6 Click/tap on the nearby device (ex: "CopilotPC") you want to share with. (see screenshot below)

Nearby_sharing-2.webp

7 You will now see a "Waiting to accept" notification on the device you are sharing from. (see screenshot below)

Nearby_sharing-3.webp

8 On the nearby device you are sharing to, they will need to click/tap on Save & open or Save when the notification appears to accept. (see screenshots below)

The shared file(s) will be saved to their default save location for Nearby Sharing.

If they click/tap on Decline, the share will be cancelled.

If they click/tap on Share, they can then click/tap on Open or Open folder.


Nearby_sharing-4.webp
Nearby_sharing-5.webp

9 You will now see a "Successfully sent" notification on the device you are sharing from. (see screenshot below)

Nearby_sharing-6.webp


That's it,
Shawn Brink


 
Last edited:
Tutorial updated. :alien:
 

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