Google has launched Nearby Share for Windows, allowing users to send files between their devices without cables or external devices. Instead, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi share files between your Android phone and Windows PC. This was initially launched earlier this year, and now it is available in almost every country worldwide. It allows users to send files and apps, has been well-received so far, and is known for being fast and reliable, even though it is still in beta (early testing phase).
Google officially launched this as a native solution for Windows users, allowing users to send files between their Android device and Windows. As for macOS, users can use NearDrop, a modified version of Google Nearby Share for macOS, to share files between Android and Mac. Google is currently testing this feature in beta (which means it still needs to be fully released) as a rival to Apple’s AirDrop.
Nearby Share for Windows
Users can transfer files wirelessly between their Android phones and PCs using the standard sharing menus on their phones. This was initially limited to specific regions, primarily focusing on the United States, including parts of Europe and other countries overseas. Unfortunately, the app is unavailable in countries like Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and Syria.
The app is still in beta and needs further testing and development, but no official date has been announced yet. This only works with Windows 10 or higher devices and requires an Android 6 or higher, but ARM-based devices do not still need to support this feature. Android already has Nearby Share integrated, which will build a robust ecosystem. To use Nearby Share, users need to grant permissions on their Android device and put their PC in discoverable mode. Before the Windows launch, Nearby Share was only available for connected phones and Chromebooks.
How to download and use Nearby Share on Windows to share files between Android and Windows devices
This makes sharing files between Android devices and Windows desktops and laptops easy, and it is free. After enabling Nearby Share, please ensure both devices are enabled and close to each other with Bluetooth and location turned on. To share files, you only need to turn on your Windows device, click on the notifications from Nearby Share, and accept the file transfer request. Files will be downloaded onto your Windows device and can be accessed from your downloads folder. You can also customize your Nearby Share settings to control who can share files with you and how files are received.
How to install and set up Nearby Share on a Windows PC
- Start by downloading Nearby Share on Windows and installing it on your Windows PC.
- Launch Nearby Share, double-click on it, and click Yes on the UAC prompt to run the installer.
- Please wait for it to install by downloading and installing the software on your PC, and hit close when it has been done.
- It is advised that users sign in with their Google account, but you can use Nearby Share from Google without your Google account.
- Give a name to your PC, and then choose how your PC will be visible to others on the network.
- Choose the contacts under receiving if you are using Nearby Share with a Google account to make yourself visible only to those in your Google contacts.
- If you have not signed in, set the device visibility setting to Receive from everyone to make your PC visible to everyone on the network.
You might encounter some issues while using Nearby Share on Windows.
How to Use Nearby Share to Transfer Files Between Android and Windows
Ensure you have enabled Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on your Android and Windows devices, and keep the connected devices on a Wi-Fi network. To get the most out of Nearby Share on Windows, using the 5GHz channel for faster transfer speeds is preferable. Keep your PC’s visibility to “Everyone” or “Contacts.” Open the file or link you want to share on Android and tap the share button.
From the Share menu, select Nearby Share. After this, wait a few seconds until your Windows PC’s name appears on the Nearby Share card. Tap on it on your Windows PC, then accept the request by hitting the “Accept” button. The file will be transferred and downloaded automatically to the download folder on your computer. To change the directory where files are saved, click on the “Settings” icon on the Nearby Share app, then tap on the “Change” button next to the “Save received files to” option, and select your preferred directory.
Enable Nearby Share on your Android phone by going to the Quick Settings panel and toggling the “Device Visibility” option. Select “Everyone” or “Contacts” based on your preferences. On your Windows PC, right-click on the file or folder you want to share and select Nearby Share. Alternatively, open the Nearby Share app and drag the item you want to share between your Android and Windows devices. On your Android phone, accept the incoming file transfer, and once the transfer is complete, you can find the file(s) in the Downloads folder on your phone.
This accessible, fast, reliable, and easy-to-use app allows file transfer between Android and Windows devices much easier than the Android-Windows file-sharing platform. After years of development, Nearby Share has reached a stage comparable to Apple’s AirDrop. If you encounter any errors, check your Android version and ensure that both devices have enabled Nearby Share. Enable Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Location on both devices, keep the devices close, and unlock the devices. After this, clear the Google Play Service cache, update Google Play Service, restart your device, and reset your Android smartphone if necessary.