Can you use Nearby Share to share apps between two laptops? To answer that, let's first understand what Nearby Share is, what it can transfer, and if it's available on all devices.

This page will answer all these questions and even provide you with a direct solution to share apps, programs, or even games between two laptops in Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7. Let's see the details.

#1. What is Nearby Share?

Nearby Sharing is a built-in Windows feature that lets Windows users share documents, photos, website links, and other files with nearby devices.

附近的共享图像

As long as your computers have Bluetooth or Wi-Fi and are running Windows 11 or Windows 10, version 1083 or higher, you can share files between them using the “Nearby Sharing” feature.

#2. What can be shared with Nearby?

What can you share with Nearby Share to nearby computers? Here's a list of what you can send:

    • Documents like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF, and text files.
    • Images in formats like .png, .jpg, .gif, and tiff.
    • Video files such as .mp4, .avi, .3gp, and more.
    • Website links.
    • And much more...

If you're someone who wants to easily share files via Nearby Sharing on your new Windows laptop, this guide can help.

Related Articles

Enable and Use Nearby Sharing in Windows 11

This page offers a complete guide on how to enable and use Nearby Sharing in Windows 11 to successfully share files to nearby Windows PCs.

Nearby Sharing Image

What can't you share with Nearby Share? Here's a list of limitations to keep in mind.

Restrictions on Nearby Sharing:

    • Lacks the ability to transfer large files of several GB in size.
    • Cannot transfer apps, software, and programs.
    • Unsupported on Windows 8.1/8/7/XP/Vista.
    • File sharing depends on the stability of WiFi or Bluetooth connections, which can be unreliable.

#3. Does Nearby Share work on all devices?

Based on the information above, it's now clear that you can't use Nearby Share to send files on all Windows devices.

This feature isn't available on these devices.

    • A desktop computer without Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity.
    • Older computers running Windows 8.1/8/7/XP/Vista.

#4. Can I use Nearby Share to share apps between two laptops? Yes or no.

Well, the answer is now clear: “Can I use Nearby Share to share apps between two laptops?” The answer is no!

Due to the limitations of Nearby Sharing, it's not possible to transfer apps, programs, installed software, or even downloaded games through this feature.

Here's why:

    1. Nearby Sharing does not support transferring applications. 2. Nearby Sharing is unable to share large files of several GB in size. 3. Nearby Sharing cannot access or find the root directory files necessary for the application to function properly.

#5. How to transfer applications and programs from one laptop to another? Transferring applications and programs from one laptop to another typically involves the following steps: 1. **Backup data**: Before starting the transfer, make sure to back up all important files and data to avoid any loss. 2. **Use cloud services**: - For individual apps or small files, upload them to a cloud storage service (like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive) and then download them to the new computer. 3. **Utilize installation files**: - Redownload the application's installer. Most software developers provide download links. Run these installers on the new computer to reinstall the app. 4. **External storage devices**: - Copy the program's installation files to a USB drive or external hard drive and then install them on the new computer. 5. **Sync accounts**: - For certain subscription services like Microsoft Office 365 or Adobe Creative Cloud, simply log in with the same account on the new computer to access the applications. 6. **Migration tools**: - Some operating systems (such as Windows via "Settings" > "Update & Security" > "Transfer your info to a new PC") offer built-in migration tools. These can help move some settings, applications, and files. 7. **System image**: - Create a system image of the old laptop and restore it on the new one. This might require additional software, like Todo Backup or Acronis True Image. Please note that not all applications transfer perfectly from one computer to another. Some programs may require reactivation or purchasing licenses anew. Be sure to check the software's license terms to ensure compliance.

While you can't use Nearby Share to transfer apps between laptops, you can successfully move any software you want to your new device with a third-party Nearby Share alternative – a professional data and app transfer tool.

The Todo PCTrans Tool reliably transfers files, applications, and even Windows account settings between desktops and laptops. It enables all Windows users to flexibly share and move everything across all new and old Windows systems.

Of course, I can assist you with translating English to Chinese. Please provide the text you would like translated.

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"Todo PCTrans works around the Nearby Share limitation, enabling users to transfer files, apps, and account settings over a network connection or via an image."

In short, it doesn't matter if your computer has no Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection.

Let's look at how to transfer apps and programs between laptops, between desktops, or between a desktop and a laptop:

First, locate the product keys for your applications and programs.

Since most software requires a product key for activation, you should first run the Todo PCTrans Tool with the “Product Key” feature to find the license codes.

Step 1: Launch Todo PCTrans on your computer and select "Product Key" from the left side.

Product Key 1

Step 2: Click on “Scan,” and you will be able to see the product keys of Windows, Adobe, and Office. You can save the keys to a preferred location or choose “Copy” to use them directly.

Product Key 2

Second, it allows applications to be shifted from laptop to laptop over the air.

Now, run Todo PCTrans on both laptops and follow these steps to transfer apps:

Step 1: Run the Todo PCTrans tool on both computers.

On the source computer, click PC to PC on the Todo PCTrans main screen, and proceed.

Select the "PC to PC" transfer mode.

Step 2: Choose the transfer direction - from the old computer or to the new one

"New" - Transfer all data from an old computer to the current new one over the network.

"Old" - Transfer all data from your current old device to the new one.

Select transfer direction Select transfer direction

Step 3: Connect the two computers

1. Select the target PC you want to connect to by IP address or device name, then click "Connect".

2. Type the target computer's login password, then click OK to confirm.

If the target PC is not listed, you can also click Add PC to manually connect to the target PC by entering its IP address or device name.

Connect two computers

Step 4: Select apps, programs, and software to transfer to the target computer

1. You can choose and import the items you want from your current computer to the target PC.

2. After selecting the apps and data you want to transfer, tap “Transfer” to start the process.

Select the apps to transfer from your computer to another select apps to transfer from PC to PC

Once that's done, you can run the software on your new laptop and activate it without any issues using the key you found.

"Frequently Asked Questions About Nearby Sharing"

This page directly answers the question of whether "I can use Nearby Share to share apps between laptops" and provides alternative solutions for Windows users to accomplish this task.

Some of you might have more questions about Nearby Share, which you can find answered in the FAQ below. You might also find what you're looking for here.

< strong > Can I use Nearby Share between Android and Windows? < / strong >

No, Windows' “Nearby Sharing” and Android's “ Nearby Sharing” don't use the same protocol. This means that even with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi discovery turned on, your Android phone and Windows laptop won't see each other on the same local network.

2. Can I use WiFi Direct to transfer files in Windows 11?

WiFi Direct is an offline way to connect directly to a computer or smartphone, for example, for transferring large files or printing.

To use WiFi Direct for file transfer, you first need to check if your computer supports it. You can follow the steps outlined in this guide: Send Files from PC to PC using WiFi Direct.

3. How to fix issues with Nearby Sharing not working

The reasons behind Nearby Share not working can be intricate, and when this error befalls you, you should first check if your computer is compatible with Nearby Share.

Here are some checks you can perform:

    1. Verify that your computer's operating system is Windows 11 or Windows 10 version 1803 or later. 2. Ensure that both computers support Bluetooth or WiFi connectivity. 3. Position the two computers close to each other. 4. Confirm that Bluetooth or WiFi connections are functioning properly on both devices.

If both of your devices meet these requirements, follow the steps in this article to fix Nearby Sharing not working: How to fix Nearby Sharing not working.

In a nutshell, when you can't share large files or use the Nearby Sharing feature to transfer data, the app between computers turns out to be Todo PCTrans. It will always meet your needs.

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