Moving files between two PCs over WiFi in Windows 11 might sound dead simple, but sometimes it’s a bit more of a mission than you’d expect. If you’ve ever tried to just share a folder and it doesn’t show up on the other machine, you’re not the only one. Windows can be a bit finicky, especially if network discovery or sharing isn’t set up properly.
How to Transfer Files from PC to PC Using WiFi in Windows 11
Basically, you need both computers on the same WiFi network and sharing turned on. Then, accessing shared folders is just a matter of navigating to Network in File Explorer. Not too tricky, but a few things need to be sorted first. Here’s what generally does the trick:
Step 1: Connect Both PCs to the Same WiFi Network
This might be obvious, but it’s worth double-checking. Click on the WiFi icon in the taskbar, then make sure both are on the same SSID (network name). Sometimes Windows throws in multiple networks, so it’s easy to get mixed up. If they’re on different networks, sharing won’t work.
Note: On some setups, you might need to switch to a Private network profile in Settings > Network & Internet for sharing to run smoothly.
Step 2: Enable Network Sharing on the Source PC
Go to Settings > Network & Internet. Then, click on Advanced network settings. Look for Advanced sharing settings. Turn on Network discovery and File and printer sharing. That’s what allows your PC to see others and be seen. If you’re a bit security-minded, just make sure only the right folks have access to the shared folder.
On some machines, this isn’t turned on by default, especially if Windows is fresh out of the box. Also, check your firewall isn’t blocking file sharing—sometimes Windows Defender Firewall needs a quick tweak to allow it.
Step 3: Share the Folder Containing the Files
Right-click the folder you want to share, select Properties, then go to Sharing. Hit Share. You can pick specific users or just allow Everyone on the network—whichever you prefer. For more control, click Advanced Sharing. Tick Share this folder and set permissions like read/write as needed. If you’re using SMB v1 or v2, make sure those are enabled under Optional Features—Windows might disable them by default, which can block sharing.
Tip: For quick access, you can map the shared folder as a network drive via Map network drive in File Explorer.
Step 4: Access the Shared Folder on the Second PC
Open File Explorer, go to Network. If the first PC isn’t showing up, double-check that network discovery and sharing are on—sometimes a quick reboot helps. You might also need to type in the network path directly, like \ or \FirstPCName\SharedFolder. Sometimes Windows updates can cause network browsing issues, so don’t worry if it’s not appearing immediately. You can also access it by typing the path into the Run dialog (Win + R).
Step 5: Copy the Files to the Second PC
Once you see the shared folder, right-click on the files you want, select Copy, then navigate to your local folder and hit Paste. Easy as. The speed depends on your WiFi quality, so don’t expect to whiz through massive files if your signal is patchy. Using a wired connection or switching to a better WiFi channel can help, but that’s another story.
It can be a bit odd, but sometimes you might need to restart both PCs or restart network services (like running net stop lanmanserver && net start lanmanserver in Command Prompt) if things aren’t behaving.
Tips for Transferring Files from PC to PC Using WiFi in Windows 11
- Make sure firewalls aren’t blocking network discovery or file sharing. You might need to go into Windows Security > Firewall > Allow an app and enable File and Printer Sharing.
- Keep Windows updated — newer updates tend to fix bugs that mess with network sharing.
- If the files are large, try zipping them up first; it can speed things up or reduce the workload on your network.
- Stay close to the router if you’re copying big files. Signal strength makes a difference.
- Check sharing permissions if you run into trouble—Windows often defaults to tighter security.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make sure both PCs are on the same network?
Check the SSID listed in your WiFi settings on both machines — they should match exactly. If they’re different, jump into your router settings or WiFi network list and get it sorted.
What if I don’t see the other PC in Network?
Make sure network discovery and sharing are turned on, and that both PCs are set to Private network. Sometimes flicking the network profile makes all the difference.
Is it safe to share files over WiFi?
If you restrict access to trusted users and your network has a strong password, it’s generally safe. Just avoid sharing sensitive info unless you’ve got encryption or VPNs running.
Can I transfer files to a Mac this way?
Not directly. Windows sharing doesn’t natively sync with macOS. For Mac, you might look at SMB sharing settings or use AirDrop if you’ve got Apple devices nearby. Alternatively, third-party apps or setting up Samba can do the job.
What if the files are massive and it’s taking ages?
Try zipping them into a single archive or splitting into smaller chunks. Also, a stronger WiFi signal helps heaps—interference and distance slow things down.
Quick Recap
- Both PCs need to be on the same WiFi network.
- Turn on network discovery and sharing.
- Share the folder you want to transfer from.
- Access it via Network in File Explorer on the second PC.
- Copy and paste the files where you want them.
Hopefully, this saves someone a good few hours. If this helps push out a Windows update, mission accomplished.