Transfer files between two PCs via network cable or Wi-Fi: A complete guide

Move data from one PC to another It doesn't have to be a headache: today we have wired methods, Wi-Fi methods, system-specific functions, simple servers, and third-party tools. Here I explain, step by step, how to choose the right path based on the size of your files, the security you need, and There that you have.

In addition to transferring, I'll tell you what to do next to protect your information (erase your old computer and back up your new one) and how to resolve common problems: PCs not showing up, permissions blocking access, unknown download paths, or rogue firewalls. All in Spanish from Spain and to the point.

Before you start: requirements and scenarios

To transfer between two computers, make sure that both have a network card (Ethernet and/or Wi-Fi). If you're going to use a cable, make sure they have an RJ-45 port; for wireless, make sure the Wi-Fi card is working. Bluetooth lets you transfer small files, although it's slower.

If you plan to connect more than two machines with cables, a hub or switch simplifies life and allows you to grow without redoing the network. For a direct link between two PCs via Ethernet, most cards today support auto-MDI/MDIX, but if your equipment is older, a crossed wire it can be necessary.

In wireless connections there are two options: use your home Wi-Fi network or create an ad-hoc network between two computers. For specific tasks and small files, services like WeTransfer/Smash or even attach by email (if you don't exceed your email limit) can get you out of trouble.

Consider the size of the data: for many gigabytes, a external disc USBNAS, SMB, or direct cable will be much faster than uploading to the cloud. For a few documents, the cloud or near-network sharing will work wonders.

Wi‑Fi transfer and built-in Windows features

Windows 10 and 11 include several wireless sharing options. The most straightforward for many is Sharing in proximity, which sends via Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth to nearby devices.

Activate it like this: open Start, enter Settings > System > Shared Experiences and set the Nearby Sharing switch to "On." In the drop-down menu, choose "Anyone close by" to see all compatible devices on your network.

Sending is very simple: in the Explorer, Right click on the file > Share, and select the PC that appears in the window. A notification will pop up on the receiving computer to accept; once accepted, the copy is sent. By default, Windows saves the received copy to Downloads (C:\Users\YourUser\Downloads), although you can change that path on the same Shared Experiences screen.

If the other PC doesn't show up, it's probably do not have the function active. Go to Settings > System > Shared Experiences > Nearby Sharing and turn it on. If it still doesn't come out, check the firewall and that both are on the same Wi‑Fi/network.

Copy and paste between Android and PC with Mobile Link

If you use Mobile Link (Phone Link) with a Android, Can copy on one device and paste on the other; a similar alternative is Share files between mobile and PC with Nearby Share. On your PC, open Mobile Link and go to Settings > Copy and paste between devices. Enable the option "Allow this app to access and transfer content that I copy and paste between my phone and PC."

If copying a huge chunk of text doesn't make it, you may have exceeded the size limit; try smaller blocks. If the feature is active but not working, close Mobile Link on your PC and Link to Windows (the pre-installed app) on your Android phone, reopen both and verify that you see recent messages/photos/notifications. As a last resort, restart the pc and try again.

Shared folders (SMB) and network drives

For computers that coexist on the same network, the classic resource is to share a folder by SMB (more about Share files and folders on a local network in Windows 11). It's very useful in offices, schools, and home networks because it allows other PCs with permission to drop off and take files without asking for permission each time.

Share like this: right click on the folder > Properties > Sharing tab > Advanced Sharing. Check "Share this folder" and define a share name. In Permissions, add specific users or “Everyone” (carefully) and decide whether to grant reading and/or writing.

After accepting, your folder will be visible from "Network" in Explorer on other PCs or by typing the path \\PCName\ResourceName in the address bar. If you give permission to "Everyone," any computer connected to your network could access it, so assess the risk If you often have guests. For more details, consult Share files between devices on a local network in Windows 11.

If you prefer to mount the folder as network drive To view it as just another drive, right-click "This PC" in Explorer and choose "Connect to a network drive." The wizard will ask for a letter and the path \\IP\Folder or \\PCName\Folder. Select "Reconnect at logon" if you want it to remain active.

SMB, FTP, and creating a network drive/location

From Windows you can also add a FTP site as a network location. In the "Map a network drive" box, click the "Connect to a website to use as a document and image repository» and fill in the address type "ftp://server" and credentials. This is useful when working with mixed Windows/Linux servers.

For SMB on a local network, \\Server_IP\Resource is enough. If it asks for a username/password, use a server account or a guest user that the server allows. To keep things running smoothly, make sure network discovery and file sharing are enabled.

Cloud Sharing: Options and Recommendations

The cloud is very convenient when you're not in a hurry or the connection is good. You can create a shared folder where multiple users add/view documents with change notifications. The most common services are:

Google Drive (integrated with Gmail), Microsoft OneDrive (very well integrated with Windows), Dropbox (reputed for his reliability and polished desktop app, although its paid plans are somewhat more expensive), Box (simple and powerful), Amazon Drive (for Prime users) and iCloud (ideal if one of the teams is Mac, with official client for Windows).

If you need something different, there are FileCloud, Tresorit, TeamDrive, OwnCloud or FilesAnywhereThe drawback of the cloud comes when you're moving tens or hundreds of GB: you'll probably need a paid plan, and the upload/download time can be considerable. If you need to sync between services, try Transfer files between storage services with Air Explorer.

Setting up a minimal HTTP server for sharing

If you are looking for something very easy and temporary, Miniweb HTTP Server creates a local web server without making a fuss. Download the ZIP, unzip it, and open the folder: you'll see the executable and the folder htdocs.

rename the file index.html If you want, copy all the files you want to share to htdocs and launch it. miniweb.exe. A console window will open showing your computer's IP and the 8000 portYou can minimize it and leave it in the background.

From another device on the same network (PC, mobile, tablet), open the browser and go to PC_IP:8000You'll see the contents of htdocs for instant download. A lightweight solution when SMB or sharing aren't a good fit.

Create an FTP server with FileZilla

FTP remains a classic for heterogeneous networks (Windows/Linux/macOS) and user control. With FileZilla Server You set up the server for free, create users and delimit folders; with FileZilla Client you access from any computer.

FTP looks like share, but the great advantage is in the management of permits per user and its interoperability between systems. Download both from the official website and in minutes you'll have a reliable exchange channel.

NAS: Your private cloud at home

Un NAS server It is a mini-device with disks that acts as a home cloud: it saves copies, shares folders and provides remote access from Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows or even your Smart TVBrands like Synology offer apps own cross-platform.

The initial cost may be higher than paying for a cloud plan, but if you were going to subscribe for years, the NAS it pays offA typical example: 3 years of 100 GB on Google (€1,99/month) is €72, while a NAS with several TB multiplies your space and is yours forever.

Network methods: LAN, temporary and mail

In addition to SMB/FTP/NAS, a local network allows transfer from Ethernet LAN or Wi‑Fi Using system tools. In Windows, share the folder, go to "Network" in Explorer on the other computer, and drag the contents there.

For one-time transfers, WeTransfer or Smash They are used to temporarily upload and share a link. Basic flow: you go to wetransfer.com, upload the file, indicate the recipient's email address or your own, and the other PC downloads with the link. Keep in mind the size limit and expiration.

Another express exit is the Email: If the file does not exceed the limit (usually around 10 MB, varies by service), you send it to yourself and open it from the other computer.

By cable: direct Ethernet and USB link

If you want speed and stability, the cable is your friend. With RJ45 Ethernet, connect both devices to a Switch or directly between each other (modern cards usually auto-cross). Set up the network, share, and burn miles.

There are also cables USB transfer (USB‑USB bridge) that include software to view two panes (source/destination) and drag. Some are plug & play and appear as a removable drive in Explorer. Recently revised information (updated at the end of February 2025); if you experience slowness, consult Slow USB transfer: causes and solutions.

Removable memory sticks and disks: simple and effective

A universal method: use a pendrive, SD, external disk or SSDConnect it to the first PC, copy, safely eject, and transfer it to the second. For large files, a USB 3.x SSD is a great option; it also works well for backups.

If you want to reuse internal disks, you can connect them via SATA‑USB adapter, place them in a case or use a multi-bay dock. It's handy for transferring data and reusing old drives like storage external.

Bluetooth and infrared

Bluetooth gets you out of trouble with small files and nearby equipment (some 10 meters). On Windows: Right-click the file > Send to > Bluetooth Device, select the destination, confirm, and accept on the other computer. It's convenient, but slow for large files. For detailed steps, see Share files via Bluetooth in Windows 11.

Connectivity by infrared It has fallen into disuse: it requires direct line of sight, is slow, and very limited. It's only worthwhile on older devices that still support it and for minimal transfers.

Network configuration in Windows (and a touch of macOS)

In Windows, go to Control Panel> Network and Internet> Network and Sharing Center. Make sure both PCs are on the same network and under "Change advanced sharing settings" turn on the network detection and the file and printer sharingIf you trust the network, you can disable password protection.

Also check that the addresses IPs are in the same range and that the subnet mask matches. If you're experiencing outages, check your firewall: sometimes it blocks SMB or host discovery.

To share in Windows from Explorer: right-click on a file or folder > «Grant access to > Specific users«, choose specific users or «Everyone». If you select several at once, it works the same, and if you share a folder, all its content is accessible according to permissions.

On macOS, go to System Preferences> Share, select "File Sharing," click "+" on "Shared Folders," and add the folder. Then adjust permissions under "Users & Groups." On the other Mac, open Finder > Network, enter the name of the first computer, and copy. Interoperability with Windows is possible with SMB enabled on macOS.