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Download Google’s Nearby Share Beta to Share Files Between Your Android and Windows 

By AndroidGreek Team
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Last year, during CES 2022, Google announced Nearby Share for Windows, which allows the transfer of files between Android and Windows PCs. This is a fast, easy, and secure method, as files are encrypted during transfer. It even works with a weak internet connection and is a reliable way to share files such as photos, videos, documents, and more. The company has finally launched the Nearby Share Beta for Windows.

You can download the Nearby Share Exe files from Google’s website. By using the Nearby Share Beta, you can share files, links, and other data between your devices. Google’s Nearby Share is a response to third-party apps such as ShareMe, Xender, ShareIt, and others by offering it built-in to Android, so you don’t need to download or install it.

Requirements:

Note: This is not available for Windows Arm-Powered devices as it requires Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). However, Google might release Nearby Share for Windows Arm-Powered devices. Keep your device within a 16-foot (5-metre) range.

Google’s Nearby Share for Windows

Nearby Share was first introduced in Android 11 as a replacement for Android Beam, which required both devices to physically touch. The feature was recently discontinued and upgraded to Nearby Share, which only requires the devices to be nearby. It uses a variety of protocols, including Wi-Fi Direct and Bluetooth, to share files. Wi-Fi Direct is a peer-to-peer networking protocol that allows devices to connect directly without the need for a wireless router. Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology mostly used for connecting devices such as headphones and speakers.

You may have heard of Apple AirDrop, which is limited to Apple devices and allows sharing files only between Apple devices. With Google’s new Nearby Share for Windows, you can use Nearby Share to share files with any Android device or Windows PC, even if they are not connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Furthermore, Google has multiple layers of privacy features that give users options on how their device interacts with other devices. For instance, users can choose to whom they want to show their device as ‘Everyone,’ ‘Contacts,’ or ‘Only Device.’ To help protect users’ privacy and security, all transfers are end-to-end encrypted, which means only the sender and receiver can see the contents. Currently, this feature is available in the U.S. and selected regions globally, but it is expected to roll out to more regions with other Google Ecosystem devices in the future. Additionally, you can share files without having a proper internet connection or a data plan.

How to Use Google’s Nearby Share Beta on Windows

Once you have finished installing the app on your desktop, you can start using it to share files between your Android device and your Windows PC. After installing Nearby Share on your computer, you need to sign in to your Google account. However, there is also an option to “Use without an Account,” which allows you to use the app without signing in. However there are some restrictions without an account, such as having the limited ability to share files with contacts. Nonetheless, you can still share files with other devices using Nearby Share.

Ensure that you have installed Nearby Share on your computer and have enabled it on your Android device. Next, you need to set your preferences and start sharing. As it uses Wi-Fi Direct to share files wirelessly, make sure that your devices are connected to a wireless network and that Bluetooth is enabled. Users do not need to set up any configuration; all they need is the latest version of Google Play Services installed on their Android device and to be within range of Windows devices.

On Android

  • Head over to the file that you want to share.
  • Tap on the Share button, and then choose Nearby Share from the options.
  • Next, your Android device will start scanning for nearby Windows PCs.
  • Once you find the PC that you want to share files with, tap on the PC to send the file.

On Windows

  • Head over to the files that you want to share.
  • Right-click on the file and then select “Send with Nearby Share.”
  • Now, your PC will start scanning for nearby Android devices that are using Nearby Share.
  • Once you find the Android device that you want to share with, click on the PC’s name to send the file.

After finishing the set-up, you can send files via drag-and-drop, or you can also right-click on files and select “Send with Nearby Share.” If you have used Nearby Share before, you will find the controls quite similar to those on Android. To send files even faster, use your Google account to sign in, as it allows files to transfer automatically even if your screen is off. This helps make the Windows and Android ecosystems more seamless, as sharing files between the two devices becomes more convenient.