Sharing files via Bluetooth in Windows 11: A complete guide

If you're looking for a fast, wireless way to move photos, documents, or videos, bluetooth in Windows 11 remains a useful resource for small filesIt's not the fastest in the world, but it's more than enough when you can't use Wi-Fi Direct or a cable and want to get by without any hassle.

Below you will find a complete guide to Turn on Bluetooth, pair devices, send or receive files and open the Bluetooth File Transfer utility in up to ten different ways. You'll also see how to use Sharing in proximity, safety tips, what to do if the other device doesn't appear, and several alternatives for larger files.

What you can share via Bluetooth and when it's worth it

With Bluetooth you can move Photos, short videos, documents, PDFs, music and almost any type of file between a PC with Windows and another PC or a nearby mobile phone. The speed is modest, so It is ideal for small files and when networks are not available..

Remember that distance matters: according to the adapter class and the Bluetooth version, the typical range is around 1 to 10 meters in consumer equipmentIf you move too far away, the transfer will slow down or be cut off.

Prerequisites and preparation

First of all, make sure both devices have Bluetooth. On desktop, you may you need an adapter USB or a PCIe card with Bluetooth, while most of portable They already include it as standard.

In Windows 11 check for the presence of Bluetooth from Settings. Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices and confirm that you can turn on the Bluetooth switch. On your phone, go to your wireless connection settings, turn on Bluetooth and, if applicable, make it visible or discoverable during pairing.

Activate Bluetooth in Windows 11

You can enable it in several ways. The most direct is from the Settings app; you can also pull the control center or of Device administrator if they had disabled it.

• From Settings: Press Win + I, go to Bluetooth & Devices, and move the Bluetooth switch to On. This is the easiest way and ensures you can see the adapter's true status.
• From the quick controls With Win + A: Open the control panel, tap the Bluetooth icon, and leave it enabled. If you don't see it, expand it with the arrow and go to More Bluetooth settings to access the full section.
• From Device Manager: Find Device Manager, expand the Bluetooth category, right-click on your adapter and click Enable device if it was disabled. This is useful when a driver has become inactive.

Send files via Bluetooth in Windows 11 step by step

Windows 11 includes a specific assistant called Bluetooth file transfer. It works with any Bluetooth-enabled device that supports file sharing and simplifies the entire process.

1. First, verify that the other device is ready to receive. In Windows, open the wizard and leave the option selected. Receive files; on third-party mobile phones or gadgets, consult the manufacturer's documentation to activate reception.
2. On your PC, open the transfer utility. From Settings, go to Bluetooth and devices, scroll down to Related Settings and tap Send or receive files via BluetoothThe wizard window will open.
3. On the main screen, choose Send files, select the destination device and press Next to continue the transfer to the paired device.
4. On the selection page, tap Browse, choose the file to send and click Next again. The wizard will display the progress with the status Sending the file.
5. When finished, you will see the confirmation of File transferred successfully. Press Finish and verify on the other device that the file is in its saved location.

Receive files via Bluetooth in Windows 11 step by step

For reception to work the first time, it's key to first initiate standby mode on the receiving PC. This way, Windows listens and avoids rejecting the connection.

1. Open the transfer utility from Settings, in Bluetooth and devices, and go to Send or receive files via Bluetooth under Related Settings.
2. Choose Receive files. The wizard will display Waiting for a connection. Now start sending from the other device so that both understand each other.
3. As soon as the sender starts, the page will appear on the screen. Receiving the file with the progress bar. Don't close the window until it's finished.
4. When finished, Windows will ask you where to save. You can accept the default path or press Browse to choose another folder. Close with Finish and you're ready to open the file.

10 Ways to Open the Bluetooth File Transfer Utility

If you don't remember where the assistant is, you have many entrance doors. These are the most practical ones for launch the tool quickly on Windows 11.

1. Start Menu and Search: Press the Windows key, type Bluetooth & other devices, enter it, and scroll down to Related settings. Press Send or receive files via Bluetooth to open the wizard.
2. From Settings: Win + I, go to Bluetooth & devices, tap Devices if it appears as a section and look for Send or receive files via Bluetooth in the related block.
3. Windows Search: Win + S, search for Bluetooth and other devices, enter, and access the Send or receive files via Bluetooth link. This is the fastest way to avoid navigating through menus.
4. Run box: Win + R, type FSQUIRT and press Enter. The utility will open directly without going through Settings.
5. Quick controls with Win + A: Expand and, next to the Bluetooth icon, go to More Bluetooth settings. Then, use the Send or receive files via Bluetooth link to enter the wizard.
6. DCM: Open the Run box with Win + R, type cmd and press Enter. In the console, launch fsquirt.exe and the transfer window will start in seconds.
7. File Browser: Win + E, go to C drive and open the path C:\\Windows\\System32. Locate fsquirt.exe and run it. On 64-bit systems, you'll also see a copy in C:\\Windows\\SysWOW64.
8. PowerShell: Run PowerShell as administrator and launch Start-Process fsquirt.exeThe utility appears instantly and you can close the console with exit.
9. Script batch: Create a file on the Desktop with this content to open the one-touch tool:

   @echo off
   powershell.exe start-process fsquirt.exe

   Save it as bfs.bat and run it whenever you want to start the transfer without searching for the executable.

10. Desktop Shortcut: From C:\\Windows\\System32, right-click on fsquirt.exe and choose Send to > Desktop. This will give you the sharing tool in a double click.

Share between two Windows PCs or a mobile phone

For two Windows computers, the flow is almost symmetrical: Turn on Bluetooth, pair, and use the assistantDuring pairing, both devices will display a security code; confirm it on both devices to authorize the connection.

If you're sharing from your PC to your phone, remember to prepare your phone to accept the transfer. If you're sending from your phone to your PC, set the Windows assistant to Receive files first so as not to lose the incoming connection.

Nearby Sharing in Windows 11

In addition to Bluetooth, Windows 11 brings Sharing in proximity, which combines Bluetooth and Wi‑Fi to detect and transfer faster between nearby PCs.

1. Activate it on both computers from Settings > System > Nearby Sharing. Choose who you can receive from: Only my devices or All nearby users.
2. Optionally change the destination folder in Save the files I receive in, clicking Change and selecting the path.
3. To share, open Explorer, right click on the file, choose Share and select the Nearby PC that appears. On the receiver, accept with Save or Save & Open option.

Copy and paste between devices with Mobile Link

It's not Bluetooth as such, but if you use Mobile Link with a phone Android compatible you can copy on one computer and paste on the other Wireless. It's perfect for text and small pieces of content.

On your PC, open Mobile Link and go to Settings > Copy and paste between devices. Enable the option to allow the app to access and transfer the content you copy between your phone and computer.

If you notice that it stops working, close Mobile Link on the PC and the Link to Windows app on the mobile, Reopen both and check that you see messages, photos and notifications.. In extreme cases, restart your PC and try again. Be careful not to paste texts that are too long: there may be limits on the size of the clipboard shared.

Non-Bluetooth Devices: Adapters and Controllers

If your desktop doesn't have Bluetooth, add a USB adapter or a PCIe cardUSB sticks are inexpensive, compact, and work right out of the box in most cases, with native support for Windows 11.

For best performance, look for models with Bluetooth 5.x, which improve range and reduce power consumption. Windows usually installs drivers automatically; if something fails, visit the manufacturer's website and download the latest drivers to ensure compatibility.

Related article:

How to share files between devices on a local network in Windows 11

Isaac

Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.