How to use Nearby sharing on Windows 11

How-to
By Mauro Huculak
last updated

Use these steps to use Nearby sharing to send files and links quickly to other Windows 11 devices.

Windows 11 Nearby Sharing
Windows 11 Nearby Sharing (Image credit: Future)
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On Windows 11, "Nearby sharing" is a feature that allows you to transfer documents, pictures, and other files as well as links to other compatible devices that are near each other using a combination of Bluetooth and wireless communication.

The feature isn't new. It's been available since Windows 10, but since Windows 11 has a new interface, the steps to set it up are slightly different. However, it works the same way as before to send virtually any type of file to another device across the room or to another user without needing network file sharing, cloud services, email attachments, or a USB flash drive.

You shouldn't confuse "Nearby sharing" with the "Nearby Share from Google." These are two different features from different companies but offer virtually the same functionality.

In this how-to guide, you will learn the steps to enable and use Nearby sharing between compatible computers.

How to enable Nearby sharing on Windows 11

To enable Nearby sharing feature on Windows 11, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on System.
  3. Click the Nearby sharing page on the right side.

(Image credit: Future)
  1. Select the option to enable Nearby sharing:
  • Off — The feature remains disabled.
  • My devices only — Only allow file sharing between devices configured with the same Microsoft account.
  • Everyone nearby — Allows sharing files with any nearby devices.

(Image credit: Future)

Alternatively, you can also open Quick Settings (Windows key + A) and click the "Nearby sharing" button to enable the feature. Also, you can enable the feature from the "Nearby sharing" interface on File Explorer when selecting a file to share.

How to change Nearby sharing download folder on Windows 11

To customize the Nearby sharing download location, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on System.
  3. Click the Nearby sharing page on the right side.

(Image credit: Future)
  1. Click the Change button for the "Save files I receive to" setting.

(Image credit: Future)
  1. Select the folder to receive the files.
  2. Click the Select Folder button.

Once you complete the steps, the files you transfer to the destination device will download in the specified folder.

How to send files with Nearby sharing on Windows 11

The data transfer process is straightforward, and it works on Windows 11 and 10 devices.

Share files

To share a file with Nearby sharing on Windows 11, use these steps:

  1. Open File Explorer.
  2. Browse to the path where the file is located.
  • Quick note: You can't select files from the OneDrive folder to use Nearby sharing. If you do this, the OneDrive sharing will be available instead.
  1. Select the file and click the Share button from the command bar.

(Image credit: Future)
  1. Under the "Nearby sharing" section, select the device to transfer the file.

(Image credit: Future)
  1. On the destination computer, click the Save & open or Save button on the notification to complete the transfer.

If you haven't changed the default transfer location, the new file will download in the "Downloads" folder. If you don't see the notification, use the "Windows key + N" keyboard shortcut to open Notification Center to find the notification to complete the transfer.

Share links

To send a link to another device through Nearby sharing, use these steps:

  1. Open Microsoft Edge.
  2. Browse to the website to share with another device.
  3. Right-click the page and select the Share option.

(Image credit: Future)
  1. Click on Windows Share options.

(Image credit: Future)
  1. Under the "Nearby sharing" section, select the device to transfer the file.

(Image credit: Future)
  1. On the destination device, click the Open button on the notification to open the link in the web browser.

After you complete the steps, the link will open automatically with Microsoft Edge on the destination computer.

How to fix problems with Nearby sharing on Windows 11

Although Nearby sharing is easy to use, sometimes, you may not be able to transfer content between devices, and some troubleshooting may be required to resolve the problem.

Confirm Bluetooth driver

To check whether the Bluetooth driver is installed correctly, use these steps:

  1. Open Start.
  2. Search for Device Manager and click the top result to open the app.
  3. Expand the Bluetooth category.
  4. Confirm the Bluetooth driver is installed correctly.

(Image credit: Future)

If you see a yellow icon, the driver has a problem. If you see a down arrow, the device is disabled. If so, right-click the "Bluetooth" item and select the "Enable device" option. The computer may not include this support if Bluetooth is missing or the driver isn't installed.

Enable Bluetooth adapter

To enable Bluetooth on Windows 11, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Bluetooth & devices.
  3. Turn on the Bluetooth toggle switch.

(Image credit: Future)

Once you complete the steps, the radio adapter should work with Nearby sharing. If the feature is not working, you may need to update the adapter's driver.

Check Bluetooth compatibility

On Windows 11, Nearby sharing requires Bluetooth version 4.0 (or later) with Low Energy (LE) support. As such, you need to make sure the device meets this requirement:

  1. Open Start.
  2. Search for Device Manager and click the top result to open the app.
  3. Expand the Bluetooth category.
  4. Right-click the radio adapter and select the Properties option.

(Image credit: Future)
  1. Click the Details tab.
  2. Use the "Property" drop-down menu and select the "Bluetooth radio supports Low Energy Central Role" option.

(Image credit: Future)
  1. Confirm the value is True.

If the devices can't communicate, bring them closer, as they may not be within the Bluetooth connectivity range.

Check network connection

On Windows 11 (and 10), Nearby sharing works over Bluetooth and the local Wi-Fi network. If you want to transfer the data quickly, both devices must be connected to the same network and use the same network profile type.

Check connectivity

To confirm that both devices can connect, use these steps:

  1. Open Start (destination device).
  2. Search for Command Prompt and click the top result to open the app.
  3. Type the following command to determine the TCP/IP configuration and press Enter: ipconfig
  4. In the "IPv4 Address" field, confirm the device network address.

(Image credit: Future)
  1. Open Command Prompt (source device).
  2. Type the following command to confirm the network connectivity between both devices and press Enter: ping 10.1.4.120

In the command, change the IP address for the address corresponding to the destination device.

(Image credit: Future)

After you complete these steps, repeat the same instructions on the other computer, and if both computers show a successful reply, they can connect.

On Windows 11, Nearby sharing should work as expected alongside the firewall. However, if you have a third-party security solution, turning off the firewall temporarily to transfer data between devices is recommended.

Check network profile

Both devices must be set with the "Private" network profile if you want to use Nearby sharing. If this is not the case, the transfer may happen very slowly.

To change the network profile type on Windows 11, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Network & Internet.
  3. Click on Wi-Fi.

(Image credit: Future)
  1. Click the network connection properties option.

(Image credit: Future)
  1. Under the "Network profile type" section, select the Private option.

(Image credit: Future)

Once you complete the steps, you may need to repeat the instructions on the other computer.

More resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:

Mauro Huculak
Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is technical writer for WindowsCentral.com. His primary focus is to write comprehensive how-tos to help users get the most out of Windows 10 and its many related technologies. He has an IT background with professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA, and he's a recognized member of the Microsoft MVP community.