How to Fix Windows 10 Nearby Sharing Not WorkingHow to Fix Windows 10 Nearby Sharing Not Working

Following the April 2018 Update (Version 1803) for Windows 10, a new feature was introduced called Nearby Sharing. Nearby Sharing in Windows 10 enables you to share documents, photos, website links, and more with nearby devices using either Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. It functions quite similarly to Apple's AirDrop. This feature has also been referred to as "Near Share." However, Nearby Sharing is exclusive to two Windows 10 PCs with the feature activated; it is not compatible with sharing from mobile devices or other operating systems.

如何使用附近共享在Windows 10中传输文件

Nearby Sharing makes wireless file sharing effortless and quick. You can utilize it to share photos within the Photos app, exchange web page links in Microsoft Edge, or even wirelessly share files through File Explorer. For Nearby Sharing to work, both computers must have Bluetooth capabilities and be running Windows 10 (version 1803 or later). Here's a scenario illustrating file sharing via Nearby Sharing:

Step 1. Go to "Settings > System > Shared experiences > Nearby sharing." Turn it on. Do the same on the PC you're sharing to.

Step 2. Under "Nearby sharing," choose "Everyone nearby." Your PC will now be able to share and receive content from all devices in the vicinity, including ones that aren't yours. Repeat this step on the PC you're sharing to.

Step 3. On the PC with the document you wish to share, open "File Explorer" and locate the document. In File Explorer, click on the "Share" tab, choose "Share," and then select the name of the device you want to share with. On the receiving device, when the notification appears, tap "Save & Open" or simply "Save."

What Could Cause the Nearby Sharing Not Working Error

The capability to share files between computers without a USB drive is highly appreciated. However, some users have reported encountering issues when utilizing this feature. They attempt to share a file with another device, but Nearby Sharing fails to function properly. Based on their feedback, the main causes of the problem seem to be:

• Windows 10 is not version 1803 or later.
• The Bluetooth mode might not support the low energy mode, or the Bluetooth adapters are incompatible.
• The two PCs are too far apart from each other.
• Other unknown reasons.

How to Resolve Windows 10 Nearby Sharing Not Functioning

Based on the potential reasons outlined, we can address your issue accordingly. You will learn how to fix the functionality when it fails to send files to nearby devices on Windows 10.

Solution 1: Ensure Windows 10 is Version 1803 or Later

如我们之前所述，附近的共享功能在2018年4月的Windows 10更新中发挥作用。请确保您的两台电脑都使用的是Windows 10版本1803或更高版本。

Step 1. Go to "Start > Settings > System > About".

Scroll down to the "Windows Specifications" section. You should see the Windows 10 version listed under "Version," which should read "1803" or later. Do this on the computer you're sharing with as well.

Step 2. Update Windows 10.

If the device doesn't have version 1803 or later installed, you'll need to update it to access Nearby Sharing. To do this, type "Updates" in the Start menu and then choose "Check for updates."

Windows will automatically download and install updates, except on metered connections. If you run into Windows 10 update issues, we can also help you troubleshoot your Windows 10 update problems.

Solution 2: Check Bluetooth Compatibility

Once you've confirmed that your Windows 10 is version 1803 or later, attempt Nearby Sharing again. If it continues to fail, verify if your PC has Bluetooth with Low Energy (LE) support and the necessary adapters.

You can verify if your Bluetooth adapter supports Low Energy (LE) with these steps:

Step 1. To begin, search for "Device Manager" and open it.

Step 2. Select "Bluetooth." Right-click the name of the Bluetooth radio, and choose "Properties."

Step 3. Click "Details". Select "Bluetooth radio supports Low Energy Central Role."

• If the property value is "true," your device supports Low Energy and it's a version 4.0 or later adapter.
• If the property value is "false," your Bluetooth adapter doesn't support low-energy mode. You might consider getting an external one.

Solution 3: Keep Two Computers/Laptops Close Together

If your "Nearby Sharing" feature continues to fail, ensure that both devices are close together. Bluetooth has a moderate range for connectivity, with a primary operating range of approximately 10 meters. For Nearby Sharing to function correctly, both devices need to be in relatively close proximity to each other.

• Bring the devices closer and see if that helps. Also, make sure to enable Network sharing on all devices.

Solution 4: Transfer Files from PC to PC Using Software in Windows 10/8/7

If you've exhausted all attempts to fix the non-functional Nearby Sharing feature with no success, you can utilize an alternative solution - Todo PCTrans. This user-friendly PC transfer tool enables you to effortlessly transfer your data, applications, and account settings from one computer to another with just one click. It can even migrate files across devices running Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7/8/10. You can conveniently share files between two laptops or two PCs. Download the software and follow the steps below to save time and effort.

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Step 1. Launch Todo PCTrans on both computers. Choose "PC to PC" to proceed.

**Step 2.** Ensure you have selected the correct transfer direction.

"New" - Transfer data from the old computer to the current new computer.

"Old" - Transfer data from the current old computer to the new remote computer.

Step 3. Connect the two PCs via the network by entering the password or verification code of the target PC. Additionally, ensure you have selected the correct transfer direction and click "Connect" to proceed.

The verification code is located on the upper-right corner of the "PC to PC" main screen on the target computer.

Step 4. Next, choose "Files" to select the files you wish to transfer. You can pick specific files as desired. Additionally, clicking the "Edit" icon allows you to customize the storage path for the transferred data.

Step 5. Click "Transfer" to start transferring files from PC to PC. The transfer time depends on the file size. Please wait patiently.

Conclusion

While Nearby Sharing provides convenience, it also comes with several issues. It effortlessly transfers data but imposes strict limitations on the Windows version, often leading to difficulties during the process. The methods mentioned above can effectively address these problems; feel free to try them one by one. Meanwhile, it's advisable to learn other efficient ways to transfer files from one PC to another. One such tool is Todo PCTrans, a user-friendly software that facilitates quick data, application, and user account sharing between computers. If Nearby Sharing doesn't function optimally, give Todo PCTrans a try.