Share files between PC: the ultimate guide

In the digital age, the exchange of information is on the agenda. Whether it’s work documents, university projects, or simply sharing with friends and family videos of a special event or a whole collection of photographs, you often come across a common issue: how to transfer large files between different computers?

Email boxes impose stringent limits on attachments, making it impossible to send files that exceed a few megabytes. Loading each individual item on a cloud service and then sharing it can become a slow and exhausting operation, especially when the amount of data is high. Fortunately, there are numerous methods to exchange files between two or more PCs, many of which are surprisingly simple to implement and, above all, at zero cost.

Overcoming sharing limits: because it is a challenge

The desire to share digital content is universal, but technical reality often has obstacles. Instant messaging platforms compress files or impose size limits, while the email, while being a versatile means of communication, proves inadequate for voluminous attachments. This limitation is not only a matter of convenience, but can affect productivity and efficiency, forcing users to fragment transfers or look for complex solutions. The good news is that solutions exist and are at hand, exploiting network connections and native functionalities of operating systems.

Wired connection: speed and reliability

When speed and reliability are priority, the wired connection remains one of the best options to transfer large files. This mode is particularly suitable for those who need to move data terabytes or work with sensitive files that require a stable connection.

1. Local network sharing (LAN)

If computers are in the same local network, typically connected to the same router (via Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi), you can enable file and folder sharing in an extremely efficient way. This solution allows quick and direct transmission between devices.

Configuration on Windows:

1. Open the menu Start and type “Manage advanced sharing settings”, then click on the corresponding result.
2. Expand the active network profile (usually “Private Network” for Ethernet or domestic Wi-Fi).
3. Enable thenetwork detection and the file sharing and printers.
4. Then expand the section “All networks”. If you want to share files between computers with different accounts or operating systems, turn off password protected sharing.
5. Create a new folder containing files to share. Right click on it, select Property and go to the tab Sharing.
6. Click on Share.., type Everyone in the text field and click on Add.
7. By default, users can only read files. If you want to allow changes, select “Read/Write” for Everyone. Finish by clicking on Share and OK.

MacOS configuration:

1. Create a folder dedicated to file exchange.
2. Open the door System Settings (from Apple menu), go up General > Sharing and activates File sharing.
3. Click on the icon (i) next to “File sharing”, then on the button [+] lower left to add the folder you created.
4. Define permissions for various users.
5. Click on Options.. and verify that the option “Share files and folders via SMB” is active. Select your username and enter your account password if required for access to shared files. Press End twice.

Access to shared files:

• On Windows: Open it Explore files, click on Network in the side panel. You may need to enable file identification. Double-click the computer name that houses the files and then on the shared folder. If required, enter the account credentials that shared the files.
• On macOS: Open the door Finder, click on Network. Select the destination computer and shared folder, inserting the credentials if necessary.

2. Direct connection with cross cable (Cross-Ethernet)

In the absence of a router or even more direct point-to-point connection, you can connect two computers using a crossed Ethernet cable (or “cross”). This type of cable allows the two devices to communicate directly between them. If computers do not have an Ethernet port, you can use USB-A or USB-C adapters to Ethernet.

Once you connect the two computers with the crossed cable, you will need to manually configure IP addresses to allow devices to recognize each other.

IP configuration on Windows:

1. Press Win + I to open Settings, type ncpa.cpl and press Enter.
2. Right-click the wired network card (e.g. “Connection to the local LAN network”), select Property.
3. Double-click Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
4. Select the option Use the following IP address.

IP configuration on macOS:

1. Open the door System Settingsgo up Network and select your Ethernet connection.
2. Click on Details.., then on the tab TCP/IP.
3. Set the drop-down menu “Configure IPv4” on Manually.

Common IP settings (for both systems):

• First computer:
  • IP address: 10.0.0.2
  • Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
  • Default/router gateway and DNS server: Leave it empty.
• Second computer:
  • IP address: 10.0.0.3
  • Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
  • Default/router gateway and DNS server: Leave it empty.

After applying the settings, computers should recognize each other. At this point, you can proceed with sharing files and folders by following the same instructions provided for local network sharing.

Wireless sharing: comfort and immediacy

If you prefer to avoid cables, wireless sharing offers equally valid solutions, ideal for quick transfers and without the need for a complex network infrastructure.

1. Close-up sharing (Windows)

Available on Windows 10 and later, “Close sharing” is a feature that allows you to exchange files between two nearby Windows PCs, even without Internet connection or the same local network. Requires that both PCs are equipped with Wi-Fi cards and Bluetooth connectivity.

How to enable it and use it:

1. On the receiving PC, press Win + I to open Settings and go up System > Sharing in proximity (or “shared experiences”).
2. Activate the lever “Share in proximity”.
3. Choose whether to receive files from “All users nearby” or “Only from my devices” (if associated with the same Microsoft account). You can also change the rescue folder.
4. On the sender PC, right-click the file to share. If you use Windows 11, select Show other options > Share; on Windows 10, click directly on Share.
5. Select the name of the target computer.
6. On the receiving PC, accept the transfer. The files will be saved in the Download folder by default.

2. AirDrop (macOS)

AirDrop is Apple's proprietary technology for file exchange between Mac and iOS/iPadOS devices, taking advantage of a combination of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. It is integrated natively and offers an extremely smooth sharing experience between Apple products.

How to enable it and use it:

1. On the receiving Mac, open the Finder and go up Go > AirDrop.
2. Make sure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are active.
3. At the bottom of the window, click on “Consent to find me to” and choose whether to receive files from “All” or “Only contacts”. Leave the AirDrop window open.
4. On the sender Mac, go to the folder containing the file. Right click on the icon, select Share... > AirDrop.
5. Choose the destination Mac name to start the transfer.
6. On the receiving Mac, authorize download (not necessary if both Macs are associated with the same Apple ID). The received files are saved in the Download folder.

Browser-based alternatives and online services

There are also solutions that do not require software installations or complex configurations, ideal for occasional transfers or between different operating systems.

1. Direct browser sharing (Peer-to-Peer)

Some web platforms allow you to exchange files directly between two computers connected to the same local network, using only your browser. These solutions establish a direct connection (peer-to-peer) between devices, bypassing the upload on external servers for the actual transfer of data.

An example of this type of service allows you to connect to the web page on both computers. Once the devices “recognize” on the same network, the sender computer selects the name of the target computer and you choose the file to send. On the receiving computer, just accept the transfer. Files are typically saved in the browser Download folder. It is important to note that these platforms may not work properly if one or both computers use a VPN, private or similar relay services.

2. Cloud services and messaging apps

For smaller files or when the local connection is not available, cloud storage services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, or messaging apps like Telegram offer practical solutions. Uploading the file to cloud, you can generate a sharing link to send to the recipient. Messaging apps, even with variable size limits, allow direct sending of files, although sometimes with compression of quality for multimedia content.

Conclusion

Whether you need to transfer a few megabytes or entire terabytes of data, the options for sharing files between computers are numerous and flexible. From ultrafast wired connections to wireless convenience, through browser-based solutions, each scenario finds its answer. Knowing and mastering these tools will allow you to manage every transfer requirement efficiently, maintaining your smooth and seamless operation. Choose the solution that suits your needs and enjoy the freedom to share without limits.