Did you buy a new Windows 10 computer and want to transfer your existing files from the old one? Or do you have two Windows 10 computers that you want to transfer data wirelessly between, say, from your desktop to your laptop or vice versa? If you're unsure how to easily transfer files from one Windows 10 computer to another, this guide is for you.

When it comes to transferring PC data, you might first think of using an external USB drive. However, due to its limited storage space and slow transfer speed, it's not the best choice for large-scale or whole PC data migration. So, is there a simpler and faster way to transfer files from one computer to another on Windows 10? On this page, you can learn two direct methods – using a one-click PC data transfer tool and the “Nearby Sharing” feature on Windows computers to send files from one computer to another.

How to Transfer Files from One PC to Another on Windows 10

Transferring files from one PC to another over WiFi network is the easiest way. With a simple PC data transfer tool like Todo PCTrans Free, you can transfer data, apps, and user profiles from one Windows 10/8/7 PC to another with just one click.

This free PC transfer tool provides you with 3 simple transfer modes to achieve different transfer purposes.

    • PC to PC: You can use this feature to transfer files over a network connection. Connect two Windows laptops/PCs via IP within the same LAN and move files, apps, and accounts from your old computer to the new one.
    • Image Transfer: You can use this mode to transfer files from one PC to another without an internet connection. Create an image of files, folders, or software on the previous computer and then transfer it to the next one. It can also serve as a backup.
    • App Migration: Utilize the "App Migration" feature of this tool to copy installed software from one disk to another, freeing up space to resolve issues with insufficient disk space.

Now, download the Todo PCTrans Free tool, and follow these steps to easily start transferring files between computers.

Step 1: Launch Todo PCTrans on both computers. Choose the “PC to PC” option and proceed.

Step 2: Make sure the transfer direction is correct.

"Transfer from old" – transfer data from your old computer to your new one.

"Old" - Transfer data from your current old computer to a new one remotely.

Transfer Files from PC to PC - Step 1 Transfer Files from PC to PC - Step 1

Step 3: Enter the password or authentication code of the target computer to connect the two computers over the network. Make sure you have selected the correct transfer direction, then click "Connect" to proceed.

The verification code is located in the upper-right corner of the main “PC-to-PC” screen on the controller computer.

Transfer files from PC to PC - Step 2 Transfer files from PC to PC - Step 2

Step 4: Next, click on “Files” to select the files you want to transfer. Choose specific files as needed. Additionally, you can click on the “Edit” icon to customize the storage path for your transferred data.

Transfer Files from PC to PC - Step 1 Transfer Files from PC to PC - Step 1

Click "Transfer" to begin transferring files from your computer to the other one. The length of time this takes will depend on the size of the files, so be patient.

Transfer files from PC to PC - Step 5 Transfer files from PC to PC - Step 5

Here's a video tutorial with eight reliable ways to transfer files between laptops:

How to Use Nearby Sharing to Send Files from PC to PC in Windows 10

The April 10, 2018, update to Windows 10 (version 1803) introduced “Nearby Sharing,” which lets you beam files and links quickly and wirelessly to nearby devices over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

To enable Nearby Sharing, follow these steps: For Windows 10: 1. Ensure your device is updated to the latest version of Windows 10. 2. Click on the Start menu and select "Settings." 3. In the Settings app, choose "System." 4. From the System settings, click on "Bluetooth & other devices." 5. Turn on Bluetooth if it's not already enabled. 6. Scroll down to find "Nearby Sharing" and click on it. 7. Under "Visibility," choose whether you want your device to be visible to everyone or only to specific people. 8. Select the device you want to share with from the list when prompted. For Android: 1. Make sure both devices have Bluetooth enabled. 2. Open the "Settings" app on your Android device. 3. Tap on "Connected devices" or "Bluetooth." 4. At the top, look for "Nearby Sharing" or "Android Beam," which might be called "Tap & Pay" in some devices. 5. Toggle "Nearby Sharing" on. 6. Set your visibility preference (e.g., "Everyone," "Visible to all nearby devices," etc.). 7. When ready to share, open the content you want to send and choose the "Share" option. 8. Select the nearby device you want to share with from the available options. For macOS: 1. Ensure your Mac is running the latest version of macOS. 2. Click on the Apple menu and select "System Preferences." 3. Choose "Sharing." 4. Check the box next to "AirDrop" in the left column. 5. Set your AirDrop visibility to either "Contacts Only" or "Everyone." 6. On the recipient's Mac, they also need to have AirDrop enabled. 7. Drag and drop the file you wish to share onto the recipient's name in the AirDrop window. Please note that "Nearby Sharing" and "AirDrop" are for Windows and macOS, respectively, while "Android Beam" or "Nearby Sharing" (on some Android versions) is for Android devices. The functionality and names may vary depending on the device and software version.

By default, Nearby Sharing is enabled on Windows 10 after installing the April 2018 Update. If it's not, you can turn it on manually with the Settings app.

1. Open Settings. Tap System > Shared experiences.

2. Turn on the "Nearby Sharing" toggle. Under "Who can share with me," you can choose to share files with "Anyone nearby" or "Only my devices." Additionally, you can click "Change" to set where transfers are saved.

Share files from PC to PC - Windows 10's Nearby Sharing

How to Use “Nearby Sharing” to Transfer Files on Windows 10

1. Open File Explorer.

2. Right-click the file you want to share.

3. Tap “Share.”

4. Select the device from the list.

Transfer files from PC to PC Windows 10 - Nearby Sharing

To ensure a successful transfer with “Nearby Sharing,” make sure both computers have Bluetooth enabled and are within range of each other. Also, both computers should be running the April 2018 Update or later for Windows 10. If your computer or one of the computers doesn't meet these requirements, go back to the previous method and use a PC-to-PC transfer tool instead to move your data.

More frequently asked questions about file transfers in Windows 10

How do I transfer files from one laptop to another in Windows 10?

You can transfer files between two laptops using WiFi, with or without an Internet connection. We've listed eight practical solutions for you to move data between two laptops. Read on and choose the one that suits you best.

Can you transfer files from one computer to another using a USB cable?

Yes, you can connect two PCs or laptops together using a USB cable for fast data transfer. For this, you'll need a USB-to-USB bridging cable or a USB network cable that has a small electronic circuit in the middle allowing the computers to communicate with each other. Once the two computers are successfully connected via the USB cable, you can quickly transfer files from one computer to the other. Learn the details on how to transfer files from PC to PC using USB.

How do I transfer files from my old computer to my new one in Windows 10?

What is the best way to transfer files from an old computer to a new one in Windows 10/8/7? Actually, there are quite a few options. Check out the topic page: Top 7 Ways to Transfer Files from Old PC to New PC in Windows 10 to learn how to get the job done.