How to Use Nearby Sharing in Windows 10

Edited 3 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Nearby Sharing in Windows 10 is a convenient feature that lets you easily share files, photos, links, and more with nearby devices using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. This feature is quite useful when you need to quickly transfer content between computers without using USB drives, email, or other online methods. In this guide, we will learn how to use Nearby Sharing, explore its settings, and understand what types of content you can share. Let's dive into the process of using this feature effectively and efficiently.

Understanding Nearby Sharing

Nearby Sharing in Windows 10 is based on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct technology, which allows transferring files between nearby devices. It is similar to Apple's AirDrop feature that enables file sharing on iOS devices. Before you start using Nearby Sharing, make sure that both the sending and receiving devices are updated to a recent version of Windows 10 that includes this feature.

Device requirements

• Both devices must be running Windows 10 with Nearby Sharing feature available. Make sure Windows 10 version is updated to version 1803 or later.
• Both devices must be Bluetooth enabled and support Bluetooth version 4.0 or higher with Low Energy (LE) support.
• Nearby sharing must be enabled on both devices.

What types of content you can share

With Nearby Sharing, you can seamlessly share a variety of content, including:

• Files such as documents, PDFs, and media files.
• Photos and images stored on your device.
• Microsoft Edge links and pages.
• Content from supported apps that integrate with sharing functionality.

How to enable Nearby Sharing

To use the Nearby Sharing feature, you need to enable it on your Windows 10 device. Here are the steps:

Step-by-step guide to enabling Nearby Sharing

1. Open the Settings app on your Windows 10 device. You can do this by clicking the Start menu and selecting the gear icon for Settings.
2. In the Settings menu, click System, then choose Shared Experiences from the list on the left.
3. Under the "Shared Experiences" section, find the Nearby Sharing toggle switch.
4. Turn on the toggle switch to enable Nearby Sharing.
5. Choose who you want to share and receive items with. You have two options here:
   • Everyone Nearby: This setting allows you to share and receive content with any nearby devices.
   • Only my devices: This setting limits sharing to devices that use the same Microsoft account.
6. You can also choose the location where you want to save the received files by clicking Change and selecting the preferred folder.

With Nearby Sharing now enabled, you're ready to start sharing content with nearby devices.

How to use Nearby Sharing to send content

Once you enable Nearby Sharing, you can easily send files and other content to nearby devices. Here's how to do it:

Sending files and photos

1. Open File Explorer and locate the file or photo you want to share.
2. Right-click on the selected file or photo, hover over the Share option in the menu.
3. In the Share window, you will see a list of nearby devices using Bluetooth. Select the device you want to send the file or photo to.
4. You will receive a notification when the file is successfully sent.

Sharing links from Microsoft Edge

1. Open Microsoft Edge and go to the page you want to share.
2. Click the three-dot menu button in the upper-right corner of the browser window and select Share from the dropdown menu.
3. Now you will see a list of nearby available devices. Select the device with which you want to share the link.
4. The link will be sent and a notification will inform you that the sharing is complete.

Receive shared content

Receiving files through Nearby Sharing is easy. When someone nearby sends you content using this feature, you'll receive a notification on your Windows 10 device. Here's how you can accept shared content:

Accepting content from others

1. When someone shares a file with you, a notification will pop up on your screen, indicating that a nearby device is trying to share content.
2. Click on the notification to view more details about the sharing request.
3. Choose Save & Open to open the file immediately after accepting and saving it. You can also choose to just save it without opening it.
4. The file will be saved to the default location you've set in the Nearby Sharing settings.
5. If you decide not to accept the shared file, select Decline.

Nearby Sharing troubleshooting

Although Nearby Sharing is generally reliable, you may sometimes encounter some problems. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

Nearby device not detected

If your device can't detect nearby devices, make sure the following:

• Both devices have Bluetooth turned on and are within close range.
• The Nearby Sharing feature is enabled in the settings of both devices.
• Make sure you've selected the correct settings for sharing, such as "Everyone Nearby" if you're sharing with another person's device.

Sharing takes too long or fails

If sharing is slow or fails altogether, try these steps:

• Make sure both devices have a stable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connection.
• Restart Bluetooth on both devices to refresh the connection.
• Check for any major interference sources between the devices, such as other wireless networks or large objects obstructing the Bluetooth signal.

Specific files or content can't be shared

If you can't share certain files or types of content, consider the following:

• Make sure the file type is supported for sharing. Some app-specific files may not be compatible.
• Try sharing a simple file, such as a text document, to see if the problem persists.
• Check if the receiving device has enough storage space to accommodate the file size.

Benefits of Using Nearby Sharing

With its efficient setup and easy-to-use design, Nearby Sharing offers many benefits, including:

• Ease of use: Nearby Sharing eliminates the hassle of cables and USB drives. The sharing process is as simple as just a few clicks.
• Quick Sharing: Compared to emailing files or using third-party apps, the file transfer process using Bluetooth is relatively faster to nearby devices.
• Security: You can choose who to share files with, and both devices must agree before sharing can take place, adding a layer of security.
• Versatility: You can share a variety of content, from files and photos to website links, making this feature highly versatile.

Conclusion

Nearby Sharing in Windows 10 is a practical feature that enables quick and easy sharing of files and content between nearby devices. With its simple set-up and user-friendly process, both casual and advanced users can take advantage of the Nearby Sharing feature. Whether it's a document, a photo, or a webpage link, transferring content using this feature is straightforward and efficient. By following the steps mentioned above, you're ready to take advantage of this handy functionality to streamline sharing and collaboration tasks with minimal effort.

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