How to transfer files from Android to Windows 11 with Nearby Share from Google
If you have an Android phone, you can now share files easily with your Windows 11 computer, and here’s how.
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If you use an Android phone, you can use Google’s Nearby Share feature to share files (photos, documents, and videos) between different devices. However, until recently, you could only use the feature with other Android phones, tablets, or Chromebooks, but now, Google has made the feature available forWindows 11(and 10) users.
The support can be added to any device running Windows 11 (or 10) using the Nearby Share from Google app. (You shouldn’t confuse the “Nearby Share from Google” with"Nearby Sharing"on Windows 11.) Once you install the application, you can wirelessly share files (and even folders) from your computer to your phone. Sharing content with family and friends available in your contacts is also possible.
Thishow-to guidewill walk you through the steps to set up and use Nearby Share from Google on Windows 11.
How to share files from Android to Windows 11 with Google Nearby Share
To share files from Android to Windows 11 through Nearby Share from Google, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, Nearby Share will transfer the files from your phone to your computer, more specifically in the"Downloads"folder.
Alternatively, you can also share files from within File Explorer by selecting, right-clicking, and choosing the"Send with Nearby Share"option from the context menu.
How to share files from Windows 11 to Android with Google Nearby Share
To share files from Windows 11 to Android through the Nearby Share from Google, use these steps:
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After you complete the steps, the files will transfer from your computer to your phone.
If you can’t find your device to share the files, on your Android phone, openSettings > Connected devices > Connection preferences > Nearby Shareand turn on the"Device visibility"toggle switch.
Also, while the feature works without Bluetooth to share files from your phone to your computer, to transfer from your device to your phone, you will have to make sure that onSettings > Bluetooth & devices, the"Bluetooth"feature is turned on. (Bluetooth on your mobile device has to be enabled as well.)
Nearby Share from Google isn’t the only option to share files between your phone and computer.Other companieslike HP and Intel have different solutions to make it easier to share content between devices.
More resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:
Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.
