How to Transfer Files Between Computers on the Same Network

Download Article
Download Article

Do you want to share that file? Since you can share folders and files over your network, transferring files has never been easier! Microsoft removed the HomeGroup feature, which required both computers to be on the same network, but if both computers are running Windows 10/11 and are connected to the same network, then you can transfer files using this method. This wikiHow article teaches you how to transfer files between computers on the same network.

  • Open File Explorer and go to “Network.”
  • Click “Turn on network discovery and file sharing.” [1]
  • Right-click your file, click “Give access to,” and type the computer name.

Steps

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ea\/Transfer-Files-Between-Computers-on-the-Same-Network-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Transfer-Files-Between-Computers-on-the-Same-Network-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ea\/Transfer-Files-Between-Computers-on-the-Same-Network-Step-1.jpg\/aid13102539-v4-728px-Transfer-Files-Between-Computers-on-the-Same-Network-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":545,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    First, open File Explorer (press Win + E ) and navigate to "Network." It's an option in the panel on the left side of the screen. [2]
    • If network discovery is off, you'll get an error message dialog window. Click OK to close that window, then click the Click to change banner at the top of the window.
    • Click Turn on network discovery and file sharing . You may be asked if you want to have network discovery on for all public networks, so choose an answer to continue. Finally, enter your administrator password to continue.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/65\/Transfer-Files-Between-Computers-on-the-Same-Network-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Transfer-Files-Between-Computers-on-the-Same-Network-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/65\/Transfer-Files-Between-Computers-on-the-Same-Network-Step-2.jpg\/aid13102539-v4-728px-Transfer-Files-Between-Computers-on-the-Same-Network-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Your folders are on the left side of File Explorer and your files display on the right side of the window. [3]
    • To find a file from your Desktop, click the “Desktop” folder on the left.
    • You can also type the name of the file you’re looking for into the search box in the upper-right corner of the screen and click the magnifying glass for search results.
    • A menu will drop down once you right-click it.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4d\/Transfer-Files-Between-Computers-on-the-Same-Network-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Transfer-Files-Between-Computers-on-the-Same-Network-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4d\/Transfer-Files-Between-Computers-on-the-Same-Network-Step-3.jpg\/aid13102539-v4-728px-Transfer-Files-Between-Computers-on-the-Same-Network-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The "Give access to" menu option will prompt another menu to open on the side.
    • A new window with the names of computers on your network will appear.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/08\/Transfer-Files-Between-Computers-on-the-Same-Network-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Transfer-Files-Between-Computers-on-the-Same-Network-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/08\/Transfer-Files-Between-Computers-on-the-Same-Network-Step-4.jpg\/aid13102539-v4-728px-Transfer-Files-Between-Computers-on-the-Same-Network-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Once the file or folder is shared, the other person will find it in File Explorer > Network . [4]
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Restart Your Computer Using the Keyboard
      3 Easy Ways to Find the Publication Date of a Website
      How to
      Check Browsing History on a WiFi Router
      6 Ways to Pair Your JBL Earbuds: Guide & Troubleshooting Tips
      How to
      Connect PC to TV with HDMI
      How to
      Tell if Your Mac Is Too Old to Update
      Easy Ways to Read Crash Dump Files & Troubleshoot Crashes
      What Does DW Mean? Snapchat, Texting, and More
      10 Genius Ways to Cheat a Step Counter on a Phone (No Walking Required)
      How to
      Open a Digital Safe Without a Key
      How to Bypass Your Screen Time Passcode: Reset, Remove, or Hack Screen Time
      How to Guess a Password
      How to
      Format a Write–Protected Pen Drive
      How to Add the Google Play Store to an Amazon Fire Tablet
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/file-sharing-over-a-network-in-windows-b58704b2-f53a-4b82-7bc1-80f9994725bf
      2. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/file-sharing-over-a-network-in-windows-b58704b2-f53a-4b82-7bc1-80f9994725bf
      3. ↑ https://kb.uwec.edu/articles/drives-establishing-windows-file-and-folder-level-permissions
      4. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/file-sharing-over-a-network-in-windows-10-b58704b2-f53a-4b82-7bc1-80f9994725bf

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Enable network discovery.
      2. Right-click the file you want to share.
      3. Hover your mouse over Give access to and select Specific People .
      4. Click to select the name of the computer you want to share with.

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 106,428 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement