Android and Windows users have long requested a convenient and straightforward way to quickly share content and documents between multiple devices. When one thinks of transferring important content efficiently, Bluetooth and Email are the first options that come to mind. We have previously relied on Bluetooth for years to share files, which is simple but slow.
After years of development and research, Google has launched Nearby Share. This platform enables reliable and easy sharing across different devices, between Android and Windows, thousands of Android phone models and billions of people.
Sending files between an Android and Windows device can be bothersome at times. We can use Bluetooth to transfer files, which is reliable but slow. We could also email the files to ourselves and save them to a cloud service, but Nearby Share makes it much easier for us to share content between Android and Windows.
Google’s Nearby Share enables quick and easy file transfer between Android and Windows devices. The best thing about Nearby Share is that we only have to install the Windows app on a PC. Nearby Share has been featured on Andriod since Android 6, flawlessly blending into the Share feature found in many apps.
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What Is Nearby Share?
A nearby Share software developed by Google allows large files and documents to be shared between devices via Bluetooth and WiFi. The software is available on various mobile and desktop operating systems such as Andriod, Windows and Chrome OS. Nearby Share uses Bluetooth, WiFi and Location to allow Android users to share pictures, videos, links, data and documents between multiple devices. Nearby Share was first launched on 4th August 2020.
Nearby Share Beta for Windows is designed to keep the safety and privacy of users in mind. Android and Windows users will control who can discover their device and send or receive files, including friends, family and even personal devices.
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Steps To Install and Setup Nearby Share on Windows
To share files between Andriod and Windows, first, you will need four essential requirements:-
- An Android phone connected to WiFi with Bluetooth active
- A PC with Windows 10 or 11 configuration
- Both devices must be connected to Bluetooth and WiFi.
- Both gadgets must be connected to the same WiFi network and within 16 feet (5 meters) of each other.
Keep in mind that Nearby Share works only when the devices are nearby.
Step 1 – Open this browser and click on “Get started with Beta“
Step 2 – You will find the Setup file in your Downloads as “BetterTogetherSetup”
Step 3 – Double click on the setup file to execute the installation. The process of installation will only take a few seconds.
Step 4 – Once the installation process is complete, open the downloaded application “Nearby Share Beta from Google” on your PC and “Sign In“
Step 5 – Once you have signed in, set the name of your PC. This name will be shown to other devices when sharing files.
Step 6 – Click on “Receiving“
Step 7 – Arrange “Receiving” settings to your preferred options. If you like to share files between your devices, select “Your Devices”. Other choices include sharing your contact list and everyone. Both of these have security implications, so exercise caution.
Step 8 – Click “Done” to finish the setup.
Nearby Share is ready to send or receive files between Android and Windows.
How to Use Nearby Share to Send Files From Android to Windows
Step 1 – Connect your Android to the same WiFi network your PC is connected with. Turn on the settings of Bluetooth and Location on your phone.
Step 2 – Select the photos, videos or documents you want to share from your Andriod to your PC. You can select one or multiple files.
Step 3 – Tap on the “Share” icon
Step 4 – Select “Nearby Share” from the share options.
Step 5 – Select your Windows PC from “Available Devices”
Step 6 – On your PC, open Nearby Share and click on “Accept” to receive files
Step 7 – The files will then be received on your Windows from your Android.
The Nearby Share app will save any received files on your Windows PC in the “Downloads” folder by default. To change the default location for the received files on your PC, click “Settings” in the Nearby Share app on Windows. Click “Change” next to “Save received files” and choose a different location to save your files.
How to Use Nearby Share to Send Files From Windows to Android
Step 1 – Select the file or document you want to share on your PC and “right-click” on it. Select “Send with Nearby Share” from the drop-down menu.
Step 2 – The “Nearby Share” application will automatically open on your PC, showing the files you want to share. Your Android will show up under “Nearby Devices“. Select your device to send files.
Step 3 – Tap “Accept” on your Android to receive files.
One of Nearby Share’s significant features is that if you are logged into the Nearby Share application on Windows and use the same Google account on your Android device, files can be transferred between both devices even if the screen is turned off.
Conclusion
Sharing files between Android and Windows was made simpler by simply using Bluetooth. Sharing via Bluetooth is simple but needs to be faster regarding large files. The introduction of Google’s Nearby Share has made sharing large files or documents between Android and Windows much more accessible without waiting a long time. Nearby Share requires WiFi and Location but can share files at a remarkable speed between multiple devices. The most significant advantage of Nearby Share is that it will work even if the devices are entirely offline.
Large files can be shared via Bluetooth or Email, but both have a size limitation. Nearby Share conveniently allows large files to be transferred without hassle between Android and Windows. You only need to download the “Nearby Share” on your PC; no application or software must be downloaded on your Android.