How to transfer files between Android and Windows using Nearby Share

After a long wait, Google has finally released Nearby Share for the Windows platform. It’s currently in beta, but it’s usable and available to anyone who wants to try it out. And since it’s a new feature on PC, we have prepared a guide for you. Here you will learn how to transfer files between Android and Windows using Nearby Share.

Nearby Share is a great Android feature for sharing files between multiple devices. It’s the Google take on Apple’s popular AirDrop feature that works seamlessly between Apple devices. But Nearby Share is far behind as it was only available for Android phones till now. So this update should change the usage of Nearby Share.

Google announced Nearby Share for Windows about a year ago, but it’s just been made available. From now on you will be able to transfer files between Android and Windows PC using Nearby Share which is Samsung’s equivalent of Quick Share. This is a big deal if you work on both your phone and laptop and want to share files between them without any hindrance.

Download Nearby Share for Windows

Nearby Share is currently available in Beta for all users. But soon its stable build will be released with the same working. To share files between your Android phone and Windows PC, the first step is to download Nearby Share.

How to transfer files between Windows and Android using Nearby Share

You can download Nearby Share for Windows from the official Android website. Or you can directly go to this link and click the Get Started button. This will download the executable file on your device.

How to Install Nearby Share on your Windows PC

After downloading the application for your PC, the next step will be to install it. Yes, it’s an app and you will need to install it like other applications. It would be great if this comes as part of Windows in the future.

Transfer the downloaded file to your Windows PC and double-click on it. This will initiate the installation. Follow the on-screen instructions and the app will be installed on your Windows PC.

How to Setup Nearby Share on Windows PC

There is still one step left before you can use the Nearby Share. You need to set it up according to your preference.

To start the setup, open the recently installed Nearby Share. This will present the main page of the app. You can select to sign in with your Google account or you can also use it without any account.

How to transfer files between Windows and Android using Nearby Share

Also, you can choose to make your device visible to everyone at all times, limited time, hidden, and more.

How to use Nearby Share on Windows

Next comes the Settings where you can set your device name, location where you want to receive files, device visibility, and more.

It’s quite easy to set up the Nearby Share on Windows. And once you have done that, it’s time to transfer files between Android and Windows.

How to use Nearby Share for Windows

You can transfer files in a few clicks from your Android phone to Windows PC or vice versa. We will be sharing the steps for both methods. So let’s start.

From Android Phones to Windows PC

  1. On your PC, make sure the device is visible to your account, contacts, or everyone.
  2. Now on your phone, open storage, gallery, or an app from where you want to share files.
  3. Select the file and tap the share icon.
  4. It will list various available sharing options including Nearby Share. Tap on it.
    How to use Nearby Share on Windows
  5. It will now look for Nearby devices, and your PC will show up if it is visible.
    How to use Nearby Share on Windows
  6. Once you see your Windows device, tap on it.
  7. And you get a prompt immediately on your PC, click Accept to start transferring the file.
    How to transfer files between Windows and Android using Nearby Share

From Windows PC to Android Phone

  1. Make sure your Android phone is visible through Nearby Share.
  2. On your Windows PC, open Nearby Share.
  3. Drag drop the file that you want to share, or tap select files/folders you want to share.
  4. Your phone will remind you that a Nearby Device is near and you can make it visible if you haven’t already.
  5. The app on Windows will look for visible devices and will show your phone.
    How to use Nearby Share on Windows
  6. Tap on your phone icon, and this will send prompt to your phone.
  7. On your phone, click Accept to start receiving the file.
    How to transfer files between Windows and Android using Nearby Share

So this is how to use Nearby share on Windows and transfer files between Android and Windows easily.

Tip: If you regularly use your specific phone and laptop and share files between them, you can sign in to Nearby Share with the same account as your Phone. And select Receive from your Device to keep your devices secure. This way you don’t have to keep it visible to everyone.

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AUTHOR.

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Ashutosh singh

Computer Science graduate and tech enthusiast. Love testing new tech gadgets ever since my first windows phone from Samsung. Working as a technical writer for more than five years, and I believe I have also developed good SEO skills. In my spare time, I like watching movies, and playing games.

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