Windows 10 Nearby Sharing Not Working: Sending Files Between PCs Without Cables

Nearby Sharing lets one Windows PC send a file or web link to another nearby, much like AirDrop on Apple devices. When Windows 10 Nearby Sharing not working, the other PC never appears in the YYPAUS Resmi share window, or the transfer stalls.

The feature uses Bluetooth to find nearby PCs and then Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to send the file. Both computers need suitable hardware and matching settings.

Most problems come from visibility settings or Bluetooth being turned off on one of the machines.

The feature is built into the Share menu in File Explorer and in Microsoft Edge, so when it works, sending a file takes only a couple of clicks.

What Usually Triggers It

Nearby Sharing fails for these reasons:

• Nearby Sharing is switched off on one or both PCs.
• Sharing is limited to “My devices only,” so a different person’s PC is hidden.
• Bluetooth is off, unsupported, or using an outdated driver.
• The PCs are too far apart or separated by walls.

Both PCs need Windows 10 version 1803 or later and a Bluetooth adapter supporting Bluetooth Low Energy.

First Steps to Try

Turn the feature on and make the PC visible.

1. On both PCs, open Settings > System > Shared experiences.
2. Switch on Nearby sharing.
3. Under “I can share or receive content from,” choose “Everyone nearby.”
4. Make sure Bluetooth is on in the Action Center.
5. Place the PCs in the same room and try again by right-clicking a file and choosing Share.

Note where received files are saved, shown on the same settings page, usually the Downloads folder.

If the other PC belongs to someone else, they must also choose “Everyone nearby.” With “My devices only,” PCs signed in with different Microsoft accounts cannot see each other.

If the Problem Continues

Check compatibility and drivers.

1. Press Windows + R, type winver, and confirm both PCs are on a recent version.
2. Update the Bluetooth driver from each PC’s manufacturer.
3. Restart both PCs.
4. Keep both on the same Wi-Fi network, which can speed up large transfers.
5. Try sharing a small file first to test.

If one PC has no Bluetooth or an unsupported adapter, use OneDrive, a shared folder, or a USB drive instead.

Large files transfer faster over Wi-Fi. If both PCs are on the same network, Windows can switch from Bluetooth to Wi-Fi automatically once the transfer starts.

Protect Your Data First

Only accept files you are expecting from people you trust, since the incoming notification shows the sender’s PC name. After sharing in a public place, switch the setting back to “My devices only.”

The Bottom Line

Nearby Sharing depends on Bluetooth and visibility settings matching on both PCs. Turn it on, choose “Everyone nearby,” keep the computers close, and update Bluetooth drivers.