How to use Nearby Share to transfer files from your Android phone to Windows PC

Google has announced that it has started rolling out its Nearby Share feature to all Windows PC users across the globe. This feature will enable Android device users to transfer data to their Windows PCs and vice versa seamlessly. Also Read: Gmail Introduces New 'Purchases' Tab Ahead Of Amazon Great Indian Festival And Flipkart Big Billion Days Sale: What Is It?

It is worth noting that Google had first announced Nearby Share feature for Windows PCs back in March this year. However, at the time, the feature was available in select countries. Now, nearly a month later, the company has announced that it is rolling out Nearby Share feature for Windows to users across the globe. Also Read: How To Create Your 3D Figurine With Google Nano Banana AI Image Tool: Step-By-Step Guide With Prompt

“We are very excited to announce that Nearby Share for Windows is now available worldwide, so even more of your devices can work better together,” Google wrote in an update on the support page. Also Read: Not Into iPad? These 5 Premium Tablets Are Worth Your Attention In 2025

“Whether it’s sharing a photo, link or document, there are many ways Nearby Share can help you throughout your day. Try Nearby Share Beta for Windows today,” the company added.

Nearby Share system requirements

That said, the Nearby Share feature isn’t available for all Windows PCs. Users need to fulfill certain conditions in order to send or receive files via Nearby Share feature. Here are all the details:

— A computer with a 64-bit version of Windows 10 and up.
— An Android device with Android 6.0 and up.
— Bluetooth turned on, on both the Android smartphone and Windows PC.
— Wi-Fi turned on, on both the devices.
— Both the devices should be connected to the same network.
— Both the devices should be within 16 feet or 5 meters of each other.
— ARM devices not supported.

How to setup Nearby Share for Windows users

Step 1: Download and install Nearby Share Beta onto your Windows PC.
Step 2: Open the Nearby Share Beta app on your Windows PC and sign in the app with the same Google account that you are using on your Android smartphone.
Step 3: Under ‘Visible to others as’ option, choose the name of your device.
Step 4: Under ‘Receiving’ option, choose who can share with you.
Step 5: Select Done.

How to choose who can share content with you

Step 1: Open the Nearby Share Beta for Windows app on your PC.
Step 2: At the top right, select Settings and then select Device visibility.
Step 3: Choose your visibility:
— Everyone: Your device will be visible to anyone nearby with Nearby Share turned on.
— Contacts: Your device will be visible to your nearby contacts.
— Your devices: Your device will be visible to your devices with the same Google Account.
— No one: Your device will not be visible to anyone.

How to send content to an Android phone from your Windows PC

Step 1: Open the Nearby Share Beta for Windows app on your Windows PC.
Step 2: Select and drag a file into the app window.
Step 3: Select the device you want to share your file with.
Step 4: If you get a PIN, make sure it matches the one on the receiver’s device.
Step 5: Select Share.

Once the receiver confirms the share, your file is sent.

How to receive a file from an Android phone to a Windows devices

Case 1: When someone uses Nearby Share to send content to you, you will get a notification. If it shows details about the sender: Select Accept or Decline.

Case 2: If you get a PIN, make sure it matches the one on the sender’s device. To get the content, select Accept. The file is saved to your ‘Downloads’ folder.