How to Transfer Files from PC to PC [Full Guide with Pictures]

Introduction

Our digital asset, data, plays a vital role in our whole life. People choose to transfer files from PC to PC on Windows 10/11 when replacing a new computer or syncing files with a workmate/schoolmate. Whatever the reason, transferring files from an old computer to a new one on Windows 10/11 is relatively simple.

What Is the Fastest Way to Transfer Files from PC to PC?
I. How to Transfer Files from PC to PC Using WiFi Windows 10/11?
II. How to Transfer Files from PC to PC Using Ethernet Cable?
III. Transfer Files from PC to PC Over PC to PC File Transfer Software?
IV. How to Transfer File from Old PC to New PC windows 10/11 with USB Cable?
V. Use External Storage to Transfer File from One Computer to Another Windows 10/11?
VI. Use Cloud Storage to Transfer Files from One Computer to Another?
Bonus Tips: Transfer Files From PC to iPhone/Android (Vice Versa)

What Is the Fastest Way to Transfer Files from PC to PC?

What do people care about most when transferring files? Transfer speed and data security are two of the most critical factors for many people. Regarding these concerns, we pick six ways to transfer files from one computer to another.

See which method is more convenient and secure:

Third-party PC to PC file transfer > Cloud Storage > WiFi > USB cable > External Storage > Ethernet cable

Compared with the latter three methods, the former three methods do not need to buy hardware. Try the fastest way to transfer files from PC to PC by your preferences.

 Notice:: HomeGroup is no longer available on Windows. So if you search "homegroup Windows 11" or "homegroup Windows 10", I bet HomeGroup won't showing up anymore. Use alternatives.

I. How to Transfer Files from PC to PC Using WiFi Windows 10/11?

If you've ever wished you could share a photo or document with someone nearby without resorting to emailing or texting it, then you're in luck. Windows 10/11 now has a "Nearby Sharing" feature that lets you do just that. Nearby Sharing uses Bluetooth to connect two nearby devices so that you can quickly and easily share files between them. It's great for sharing photos and documents with co-workers or friends, and best of all, it's easy to set up and use. Also, laptop to laptop data transfer can be achieved in this way. Here's a quick overview about how to use nearby sharing on Windows 11/10.

Step 1. Locate "Nearby Sharing" on the PC.

For Windows 10: Right-click the Windows icon and click on the Settings > Go to the "Shared Experience" and check the "Nearby Sharing" tab.

For Windows 11: Move to Settings. On the default "System" window, scroll down and click the Nearby Sharing" tab.

Step 2. Turn on the Nearby Sharing toggle switch on Windows 10.

Note: Windows 11 PC doesn't have such a toggle. You can directly go to the next step.

Step 3. Select the sharing pattern from the drop-down menu.

"My devices only" - Your computer can share and receive data from devices with the same Microsoft account.

"Everyone nearby" - Your computer can share and receive files with all nearby devices.

Windows 10:

transfer files via nearby sharing Windows 10

Step 4. Check location to store shared files. Click the "Change" button to modify the path.

Step 5. Open File Explorer and share files.

Windows 10: Right-click the files you want to send and click the "Share" button from the drop-down menu.

Windows 11: Click the files and select the "Share" button from the top toolbar.

Step 6. Under the "Nearby sharing" section, select the device to transfer your file.

Step 7. On the destination computer, you will receive a notification. Click the "Save & Open" or "Save" button.

receive notification of Nearby Sharing

That's all there is to it! Nearby Sharing is a handy feature that makes it quick and easy to share files with nearby devices without hassle. If your Nearby Share not working, click the links to fix error.

LEARN MORE

Are you running an old Windows version? Get more details to transfer files from PC to PC over WiFi on Windows 7.

II. How to Transfer Files from PC to PC Using Ethernet Cable?

Ethernet cables are one of the most popular ways to transfer files and folders between computers. It is swift and inexpensive, and they are widely available to quickly transfer large amounts of data. Ethernet cables are also very durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear.

 Notice:: Ethernet cable can only share one folder each time.

Phrase 1. Prepare a Cat5 LAN cable (you can buy it from Amazon.) and connect both PC to a LAN cable.

cat4 LAN cable

Phrase 2. Change Sharing settings on both PCs.

Step 1. Search and open Control Panel and set sharing settings. Click "Save changes" to keep it.

Follow to click: Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change advanced sharing setting from the left panel.

Change advanced sharing settings

To change settings under the "Guest or Public" part:

Turn on network discovery.
Turn on file and printer sharing.

To modify settings under the "All Networks":

Turn on sharing so anyone with network access can read and write files in the Public folders.
Turn off password protected sharing. (Note: Turning off password protection will put your PC at risk. Once you've finished file sharing, please turn it off again.

Step 2. On the old computer, right-click the folder you want to transfer. Select "Share with", then choose "Specific people...".

Step 3. Go to the "File Sharing" window, click the drop-down icon, and select "Everyone". Click "Add" and then click "Share".

Step 4. Click "Done" if you see "Your folder is shared".

Phrase 3. Access the transferring folder on another computer.

Step 1. Open File Explorer from the bottom toolbar or press the "Windows + E" shortcut key.

Step 2. Click the "Network" tab on the left panel.

Step 3. Double-click the sharing PC on the Computer tab and enter the source computer's password.

How to Transfer Data Using LAN Cable from One Laptop to Another

Here we walk you through all the steps to establish a LAN cable connection between two Windows 10 PCs to transfer files with an Ethernet cable.

transfer files from pc to pc using ethernet cable

III. Transfer Files from PC to PC Over PC to PC File Transfer Software?

Speaking of file transfer, a free and fast PC to PC file transfer software, Qiling Disk Master, is ready to start transferring at any time. Qiling Disk Master is a free application that allows you to transfer files between computers on the same network. It can be used to move data between PCs and laptops.

Free to transfer 2GB files and five apps.
Move programs to another drive or PC without data loss.

IV. How to Transfer File from Old PC to New PC windows 10/11 with USB Cable?

One bright and fast way to transfer files from one computer to another is to use a USB cable - it can be used to transfer data between devices and computers. It runs faster than WiFi.

Step 1. Prepare a USB-to-USB bridge cable. Generally, your USB cable will come will a disc to install data transfer software on both computers. (If not, please go to the official website and download "Drivers." Download it on both PCs.)

Step 2. Press Win + E to open File Explorer. Go to CD/DVD ROM drive on the left side. Click to run the setup file.

Step 3. Connect both PCs with the USB-to-USB bridge cable. Wait a second till PCs recognize it.

Step 4. Run the transfer software on both PCs you installed in step 1.

Step 5. You can see two windows showing local and remote files. Drag and drop desired files to destination PC. Once transferring is done, disconnect the USB cable from the two devices.

V. Use External Storage to Transfer File from One Computer to Another Windows 10/11?

Another easy way of file transfer is using external storage. Most of us have tried that before. Pushing by stay-at-home mode, this method will help you a lot.

 Tip: If you are trying to do a large file transfer, you can zip it first to save storage space and transfer time.

Step 1. Connect an external device (external hard drive or USB drive) to your source computer.

Step 2. Your PC will recognize it. Open the removable device on the Desktop or go to File Explorer and find it under "Devices and drives".

Do unrecognized/Undetected errors happen? Check quick fixes or start the transfer by fix 3 without hardware error.

USB Device Not Recognized Seagate External Hard Drive Not Working

Step 3. Copy and paste files from local to external storage. Then securely disconnect it and re-connect to a new computer.

VI. Use Cloud Storage to Transfer Files from One Computer to Another?

The last fix refers to the top-ranked cloud storage. It is good to upload and download files with the same cloud account. However, the file transfer may be hindered by insufficient cloud storage space.

Google Drive	OneDrive	Dropbox
Free - 15GB	Free - 1TB	Free - 2GB

Increasingly, more and more cloud providers, like Send Anywhere and WeTransfer, also give stunning service. But this part only focuses on Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox. Read on to use one of the best online file transfer apps:

Upload file via google drive

For Google Drive:

On the old PC, log in to your Google Drive account. > Click "New" to upload a file or folder. > Go to the new PC, log in to the account and download the data file.

find dropbox and onedrive on the File Explorer

For OneDrive and Dropbox:

On the targeted PC: Install OneDrive or Dropbox app and log in to the same account > Access to transferred data and change its stored location.

Bonus Tips: Transfer Files From PC to iPhone/Android (Vice Versa)

One iPhone transfer software named Qiling MobiMover and iCloud can transfer data between PC and iOS device if you want to transfer files from PC to iPhone/Android or vice versa.

Go to apply solutions:

Transfer Files from iPhone to PC How to Transfer Files from PC to iPhone

iOS users enjoy the transfer with a third-party program and cloud utility backup. What about Android users? How to transfer files from Android to PC or PC to Android? As Google suggested, you can use the Google Account and USB cable to move photos and other data between a PC and an Android phone.

Final Verdict

How to transfer files from one computer to another on Windows 10/11? Things turn easy after reading this guide.

If you're looking to transfer files from one PC to another, there are a few different ways to go about it. Whatever method you choose, transferring files from one PC to another is relatively straightforward - so get started today!