The “Nearby sharing” feature in Windows 11 allows you to wirelessly share documents, pictures, and other files with other compatible devices nearby using a combination of Bluetooth and wireless technology.
It’s not a new feature. Despite its availability in Windows 10, setting up it for Windows 11 requires a slightly different process due to Windows 11’s new interface. Virtually any type of file can be sent across a room or to another user using this method without the need for network file sharing, cloud services, email attachments, or USB flash drives.
‘Nearby sharing’ is not the same as Google’s “Nearby Share.” They’re different features from different companies but function similarly. We’ll walk you through the steps of enabling and using Nearby sharing between compatible computers in this guide.
What is Nearby Sharing?
Files, links, and other items can be shared with nearby devices through nearby sharing in Windows 11. Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connections make it possible to share items wirelessly between two devices without requiring cables or external storage.
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Key feature of Nearby Sharing
Easy sharing: It doesn’t require cables or external storage to share items with nearby devices using Nearby Sharing.
Multiple device support: The Nearby Sharing feature supports sharing between multiple devices simultaneously, making it ideal for collaboration as well as family and friend sharing.
Secure connection: In order to ensure that items are shared securely, the feature uses a secure wireless connection.
How to use Nearby Sharing on Windows 11?
The Nearby Sharing feature seems even more convenient than Apple’s iTunes. It must now be of interest to you to know how to use it on multiple devices.
Turn on Nearby Sharing
The Settings app can be opened by pressing Windows key + I on your keyboard.
You can access System by selecting it from the list of options.
Choosing Nearby sharing from the right-hand list will bring up the list.
You can choose how you would like to use nearby sharing by clicking on the switch.
Share an item
Depending on your preferences, you may choose to share a file, a photo, a video, or a link.
By right-clicking the item and selecting Share, you can share it with others.
By selecting Nearby sharing, you will be able to
From the list of available devices, select the device with which you want to share the item.
Request a share on the other device and wait for it to be accepted.
Receive an item
Please ensure Nearby Sharing is enabled on the other device, and wait for the other device to initiate the share request in order to receive an item successfully. Please accept the share request when it arrives from other devices. As soon as the item is downloaded, it will appear on your device.
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Tips for Troubleshooting
Nearby sharing issues are likely related to your Bluetooth connection or to your Wi-Fi and network connections. Find and fix Bluetooth issues in Windows 11 can be found in the Start Menu. Additionally, if you have a network issue, your best option is to search for Find and fix network problems and launch the top-ranked app. Alternatively, you can store your files in a cloud or share them via email.
Summary
Windows 11’s Nearby Sharing feature allows nearby devices to share files, photos, videos, links, and more over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. On Windows 11 and Windows 10 devices, you can easily configure Nearby Sharing by following the steps outlined in this article.