How to Transfer Files Between Two PCs

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Learn how to transfer files between two PCs using various methods such as USB flash drives, network sharing, and cloud storage services.

Sharing files between computers is a common task that can be a bit complicated, even though it may seem simple. Fortunately, there are several easy and effective methods to achieve this data transfer quickly and safely. In this tutorial you will learn how you can transfer files from PC to PC with different methods, so you can choose the one that best suits you.

How to Transfer Files Between Two PCs

Whether you need to share documents, photos, or videos with a friend or colleague, transferring files can be a quick and easy process.

Networks

There are several ways to transfer files from one PC to another using networks. For example, here I will highlight the most important ones:

  • Using a LAN (Local Area Network) : You simply need to have two computers connected to the same Ethernet or WiFi LAN. This way, and using the operating system’s file sharing tools or third-party software, you can transfer data from one to the other. For heterogeneous networks, you can use Samba. For example, to see the steps on a Windows computer, the basic steps are:
    1. Go to the file you want to transfer. It is best if it is compressed.
    2. Right click on it, and select Share.
    3. Choose the “Share on network” option and set a name for the shared folder.
    4. Go to the other computer, and open the file explorer, in the Network section, find the folder you have shared and enter it.
    5. Once there, you can drag and drop content.
  • Via services like WeTransfer and Smash – There are several services that allow you to temporarily upload files and share them, but they will then be deleted after a while. Some examples are Smash or WeTransfer, which require you to register to use them and upload the content you want to share. For example, to transfer data using this method, the steps are:
    1. Go to wetransfer.com
    2. Upload the file you want to transfer.
    3. Enter the recipient’s email address or your own email address.
    4. A download link will be sent.
    5. From the other computer, you can use the link to download the content.
  • Cloud storage services : There are many services such as Mega, GDrive, OneDrive, Dropbox, etc., with which you can upload your data and then download it from any other computer connected to the network. It’s that simple…
  • Attaching to an email: If the data is not larger than 10MB (this may vary depending on the service), you can simply attach the file you want to transfer to an email that you can send to yourself, even to your own email address. Then open the email from the other computer and download…

Removable memory sticks

Another way to transfer files from one PC to another is by using removable storage media, such as external hard drives, USB flash drives, and SD memory cards (in this case, it is necessary to have a slot for these cards on both computers).

It is pointless to describe this method, as it is simply a matter of connecting the memory to the PC, transferring the files to the memory you want to transfer, safely removing the drive once the operation is complete, and inserting the drive into the other computer and performing the opposite procedure.

Wireless technology

Another way to transfer files from PC to PC is through Bluetooth technology , if both computers have an adapter for it. There are many third-party apps for this, although the operating system usually includes its own software for this. In this way, data can be transferred wirelessly, but with distance limitations, since the computers should be within a range of approximately 10 meters. In addition, it is not recommended for large files, as it is slow.

For example, from Windows you simply have to follow these steps:

  1. On the source computer, go to File Explorer and find the file you want to transfer.
  2. Right click on it and select Send to > Bluetooth Device.
  3. Select the target computer from the list of available devices.
  4. Confirm the transfer.
  5. From the destination computer, accept the transfer request.
  6. Wait for them to finish transferring and that’s it… By the way, they will be in the default Downloads location.

Last but not least, you should also know that there are USB crossover cable units that allow you to connect two computers via USB ports in order to transfer files quickly and easily.

Some of these devices come with transfer software that opens the two storage spaces, the one on the source computer and the one on the destination computer, in a window, and you simply drag them from one to the other. Others of these cables are Plug & Play, and do not require any installation. They are simply connected to the two PCs and from File Explorer you can make the transfer, since it will appear as a removable drive on your Computer, as if it were a pendrive.

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