By default, Windows 11 comes with a feature called Nearby Sharing. This function allows us to share files with other computers compatible with it. The feature, which was introduced with version 1803 of Windows 10 in 2018 and is still available in current versions of Windows 11. Nearby sharing makes it easy to share files between two neighboring computers running Windows operating systems.

Nearby sharing is a feature that lets you share files, photos, website links, and other content with nearby Windows devices over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The feature works between Windows computers that have Bluetooth version 4.0 or later with Low Energy (LE) support.

You can use the nearby sharing feature on Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs. Unfortunately, nearby sharing doesn’t allow you to share files with your smartphone or tablet at this time.

To exchange files using proximity sharing, you must first enable the feature on both Windows computers. Once activated, you can proceed to send and receive files or any element from one computer to another.

Tutorial showing how to turn on and use Nearby Sharing on your Windows 11 computer:

How to turn on Nearby Sharing with Windows 11

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Here you have to go to the tab: System

3. In the main part of the window, click to display the option menu: Nearby sharing

4. When the menu is displayed you can choose between 3 options:

• – Disabled.
• – Only my devices: You can share files only between computers that use the same Microsoft account.
• – Anyone nearby: It will allow you to share files with any Windows device that is close to yours.

5. Select the Only my devices or Anyone nearby option.

Important Note: By default, Windows saves all files you receive using this method, it will be saved in the Downloads folder. If you want to save your files to a different location, click the Change button next to Save the files I receive to: Change

How to use Nearby Sharing in Windows 11

1. Open Windows File Explorer on your computer and locate the file, document, or photo you want to share.

2. Right click on the file and in the context menu click on the button: Show more options Share

3. A window will be displayed where you have to look at the Nearby Sharing section.

4. Devices found around you will be displayed here.

5. Select the PC you want to send the file to.

6. On the computer that receives the file, you must select the option: Save and open or Save in the notification displayed.