Seeking ways to transfer files from PC to PC over WiFi? The easiest way is to use Windows' built-in features like Nearby Sharing or File Sharing. Alternatively, cloud storage services such as Google Drive are also convenient. For more comprehensive transfers, use EaseUS Todo PCTrans to transfer all kinds of files from PC to PC. This article will show you five methods on how to transfer files from PC to PC over WiFi.

🛠️Method 💻Compatibility 🔢Steps

EaseUS Todo PCTrans

Windows 11/10/8/7/XP Install software, connect both PCs to the same Wi-Fi network, select the target PC, and then transfer files.

Nearby Sharing

Windows 11/10 Enable Nearby Sharing, right-click files in File Explorer, and share to a nearby device.

File Sharing

Windows 7/XP Enable file and printer sharing, create a share folder, and access the shared folder from the other PC.

Cloud Storage

Web browsers Upload files to the cloud (e.g., Google Drive), download on another PC with the same account.

FTP Transfer

PCs with FTP capabilities Set up an FTP server on one PC, connect with an FTP client on the other, and transfer files.
  • "What is the most efficient way to transfer a large file from one Windows computer to another wirelessly (wifi)?" - from r/techsupport.
  • "Best Way to Transfer Files PC-to-PC Over Same Wi-Fi? I'm talking documents, media, and maybe a few big folders." - from r/techforlife.
  • "How do I transfer files from PC to Laptop? The files are huge (30 GB+). If there was a way to do it over the Wi-Fi." - from r/pcmasterrace.

Users often discuss moving large files between computers via Wi-Fi. To free up storage space, you can share large files from PC to PC. This guide covers all the different types of file transfers you need. Keep going on to know more and share the guide with your friends.

How to Transfer Files from PC to PC over WiFi

Transferring files between PCs via WiFi is an excellent way to share files. Whether you're looking to transfer photos, music, documents, or other types of files, there are five ways to do it wirelessly.

Method 1. Use EaseUS Todo PCTrans

  • Apply to: Windows 11/10/8/7/XP
  • Best for: Transfer large files, apps, accounts, and settings

Transferring files from PC to PC over WiFi is a great way. It helps move large amounts of data quickly and easily. There are a few different ways to do this. We recommend using a third-party transfer software like EaseUS Todo PCTrans. This software makes it easy to transfer files from one PC to another over WiFi. It offers you a trial version.

🎯Key Features of EaseUS Todo PCTrans:

  • Fast and stable transfer of files, applications, user accounts, and settings.

  • Supports transfer via network, cable, and image restore.

  • Move installed programs to another drive or computer.

  • System cleanup, large file cleanup, application uninstall, and product key finder.

  Free Download

Support Windows 11/10/8/7

EaseUS Todo PCTrans offers fast, stable, and secure file transfer. It is the easiest way to transfer large files between PCs. How to transfer files from PC to PC over WiFi using EaseUS Todo PCTrans:

Step 1. Set Up the Old PC

  • First, install and launch EaseUS Todo PCTrans and select Data Transfer on the left panel of the main interface.

network transfer set on old pc

  • Select "Transfer Directly" and click "Next" to continue. 

select transfer directly

Step 2. Set Up the New PC

  • Download and launch EaseUS Todo PCTrans on the new computer; select "This is New PC" and click "Next".

network transfer on new pc

  • Select "Transfer directly" and click "Next" to continue. 
  • Select "Network" and click Next to continue. This will automatically scan the old PC. (Make sure the two PCs are connected to the same LAN.)

select network transfer

  • Select the target PC and click Connect. Then, it will take some time to scan and analyze the data in old PC.

connect two pcs

Step 3. Select the Files to Transfer

  • Finally, on the new PC, select the Files tab, select the files you need to transfer. Then, click "Transfer" to start.

select files

With just a few simple steps, you can easily transfer files from one PC to another over WiFi.

✅Pros:

  • Fast and stable transfer.
  • Supports multiple connection methods (WiFi, LAN, cable).
  • Transfer large files without any issues.
  • User-friendly interface and safe.

⚠️Cons:

  • Requires installation on both PCs.
  • Limited to Windows OS.

Method 2. Use Nearby Sharing

  • Apply to: Windows 11/10
  • Best for: Quick sharing of small files

Nearby Sharing is a great new feature in Windows 10/11. It allows users to share files between two PCs nearby over WiFi. The files are transferred over the network. So there is no need for a USB cable or other physical connection. This method only works with computers that are running Windows 10 or 11. If you're unsure whether your PC has this feature, you can check it in your settings options.

Step 1. On PC, go to Settings > System > Shared Experience.

Step 2. Turn on "Nearby sharing."

turn on nearby sharing

Step 3. Select the sharing pattern from the drop-down menu.

  • "Everyone nearby" - Your PC will share and receive content from all nearby devices.
  • "My devices only" - Your PC will share and receive content only with devices using the same Microsoft account.

select sharing pattern

Step 4. Choose the location to save the received files. Click "Change" to change the location.

change the save path of received file

Then, you can transfer files over WiFi via Nearby sharing.

Step 5. Go to the File Explorer. Right-click the file and click the "Share" option.

shar file in file explorer

Step 6. Select the destination device from the pop-up window.

choose a destination device of sharing files

Step 7. The destination device will receive a notification. Click "Save" or "Save & Open" to start the transfer.

the notification of receiving files in the destination pc

Official tutorial from Microsoft:

If the Nearby Sharing not working, check the tutorial to fix it:

related articles

Nearby Sharing Not Working Windows 11? Fix It Now!

Is the Nearby Sharing feature on your Windows 11 not working as it should? Find out how to fix Nearby Sharing not working in Windows 11 in this article.

fix nearby sharing windows 11

✅Pros:

  • Built-in Windows feature, no extra software needed.
  • Simple setup and sharing process.

⚠️Cons:

  • Limited to Windows 10/11.
  • Requires Bluetooth proximity.
  • Slower for large files compared to direct transfers.

Method 3. Use File Sharing

  • Apply to: Windows 7/XP
  • Best for: Basic file sharing on older Windows systems

Windows 7 and XP users can enjoy the features of a file-sharing program. It allows users to transfer files over WiFi on older Windows systems. This method requires no extra software. It is ideal for basic file sharing on old Windows systems. However, it is limited to local networks and may be less efficient for transferring large files.

Network Windows 7 and XP - Share files?
"I recently bought a new laptop with Windows 7. I am trying to connected to my old desktop with Windows XP. Does anyone know what else I need to do to get this to connect and share files between the two computers?" - posted by a user from Microsoft Ignite.

Here is how to transfer files from PC to PC over WiFi in Windows 7/XP.

Step 1. Click the Network icon and click "Open Networking and Sharing Center."

open networking and sharing center

Step 2. Click on "Change advanced sharing settings" from the left panel.

change advanced sharing settings

Step 3. Choose "Turn on file and printer sharing" under the "File and Printer Sharing" section. Click "Save Changes".

file and printer sharing section

Step 4. Find the file you want to share. Right-click or press it, and select "Give access to" > "Specific people".

give access to

Step 5. From the new pop-up window, select the recipient's system from the list or choose "Everyone" from the dropdown menu.

choose people to share with

Step 6. Click on "Share" to start sharing the contents of that folder with another system on the same network.

✅Pros:

  • No additional software required.
  • Simple setup for basic file sharing.

⚠️Cons:

  • Limited to the local network.
  • Basic functionality, less efficient for large files.

Method 4. Use Cloud Storage

  • Apply to: All web browsers
  • Best for: Remote transfers or small files across devices

You can also transfer files from PC to PC by using cloud storage. Cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive are popular for saving files. You can also use them to transfer files between devices. You need to first upload files from your PC to the cloud. Then, download the files on another PC. This comparison can help you choose the right cloud service for file transfer.

Cloud Service Free Storage Suitability
Google Drive 15GB Convenient sync, supports large files
iCloud 5GB Excellent in the Apple ecosystem, supports Windows
Dropbox 2GB Fast speed, very convenient for PC-to-PC transfer
OneDrive 5GB Best experience on Windows due to integration

Cloud Storage is a good way for remote file transfer. Here is how to transfer files from PC to PC WiFi via Google Drive.

Step 1. On the first PC, open Google Drive and sign in.

Step 2. Click on 'My Drive', then choose 'File upload' or 'Folder upload'. And select the files/folders you want to transfer.

google drive file upload

Step 3. Wait for the upload to complete. It may take some time depending on your file size and WiFi speed.

Step 4. On the second PC, open Google Drive with the same Google account.

Step 5. Find the uploaded files in My Drive, and 'Download' to save them locally.

✅Pros:

  • Work across different networks.
  • User-friendly apps and interfaces.
  • Secure with encryption.

⚠️Cons:

  • Slow for large files.
  • Limited by free storage (e.g., Google Drive: 15GB).

Method 5. Use FTP

  • Apply to: PCs with FTP server/client capabilities
  • Best for: Large file transfers on local networks

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) allows direct file transfers between PCs on the same WiFi network. You can also copy files from PC to PC uisng FTP. This process involves setting up one PC as an FTP server and the other as an FTP client to transfer files. This method is more complicated than others.

Important
Both PCs must be connected to the same WiFi network.
Firewall settings may need adjustment to allow FTP.
FTP is not encrypted by default.

Here is how to transfer files from PC to PC WiFi using FTP.

Step 1. Set up an FTP server on the old PC.

  • On Windows, go to Control Panel > Programs > Turn Windows features on or off. Enable "FTP Server" under IIS.
  • Or, install FileZilla for easier setup.
  • Set the server with a username, password, and port.

ftp-windows.png

Step 2. Set up a shared folder and transfer files.

  • Create a folder on the source PC for file sharing.
  • Set permissions to the FTP user for this folder.
  • Drag and drop files to the shared folder.

Step 3. Access the FTP server on the new PC.

  • Open File Explorer or an FTP client like FileZilla.
  • Enter the FTP address and log in with a password.

Step 4. Get Files on the new PC.

  • Check files on the new PC. Ensure they are complete and accessible.

✅Pros:

  • Fast for large files on local networks.
  • No internet or cloud storage limits.

⚠️Cons:

  • Require technical setup for FTP server.
  • Limited to local WiFi unless port forwarding is used.
  • Security risks if passwords or settings are weak.

Share these methods to help you transfer files from one PC to another using WiFi:

Bonus Tip: Optimize Wi-Fi File Transfer from PC to PC

When transferring files from one PC to another over WiFi, you may encounter issues such as slow transfer speeds or improper settings. Proper network settings and file compression can improve performance. You can do many things to increase file transfer speed over WiFi. Here are some tips for optimizing WiFi file transfer between PCs.

  • Connect both PCs to a fast and stable network.
  • Use ZIP or RAR compression to reduce file size before transferring.
  • Ensure firewalls allow file-sharing apps or FTP ports to prevent connection issues.
  • Connect to a safe WiFi. For FTP, use a secure password to protect data.
  • Select a reliable transfer method based on your device and file size.

Conclusion

If you need to transfer files from PC to PC using WiFi, there are five ways you can use. You can use the file-sharing feature in Windows directly. Besides, you can also use a file transfer program like EaseUS Todo PCTrans to transfer files from PC to PC over WiFi. The program is easy to use and transfers files quickly. It is a good option if you need to move large files between two PCs.

  Free Download

Support Windows 11/10/8/7

Method Compatibility Best For  Speed Ease of Use

EaseUS Todo PCTrans

Windows 11/10/8/7/XP Large files, apps, accounts, settings Fastest Very simple

Nearby Sharing

Windows 11/10 Quick sharing of small files Moderate; slower for large files Simple; built-in feature

File Sharing

Windows 7/XP Basic file sharing on older systems Moderate; less efficient for large files Relatively simple

Cloud Storage

Web browsers Remote transfers for small files Slow for large files User-friendly apps

FTP Transfer

PCs with FTP capabilities Large file transfers on local networks Fast for local transfers Complex; technical setup

👍Recommendation: For its speed, ease of use, and versatility, EaseUS Todo PCTrans is highly recommended.

FAQs about Transfer Files from PC to PC Wifi

1. Why is the Near sharing feature not working on my PC?

Check the Bluetooth and network connection on your PC. You can turn on the Bluetooth toggle switch in "Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices." You may have to install the latest Bluetooth driver on your device.

2. Is transferring files from PC to PC over WiFi the best way to transfer files?

There are a few things to consider when sending files from PC to PC. If you want to send 1-2 GB of files, you can use WIFI to send them. However, WIFI is not always the best option, especially when you need to send files of more than 10 GB. You may consider using a USB cable or other external storage devices.

3. How do you transfer files from PC to PC using a USB cable?

You need a USB-to-USB bridging cable or USB networking cable. The PC data transfer cable has a small electronic circuit in the middle. Once the computers are connected successfully, you can transfer files from one computer to another. Learn more details about how to transfer files from PC to PC using a USB cable.

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Updated by Sofia Albert

Sofia is an enthusiast of science and technology. With a passion for uncovering the latest tech innovations, she creates clear, engaging how-to guides that make technology accessible and enjoyable for all.

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Written by Tracy King

Tracy became a member of the EaseUS content team in 2013. Being a technical writer for over 10 years, she is enthusiastic about sharing tips to assist readers in resolving complex issues in disk management, file transfer, PC & Mac performance optimization, etc., like an expert.

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