{"id":56445,"date":"2025-04-11T10:53:03","date_gmt":"2025-04-11T02:53:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lightningxvpn.com\/blog\/?p=56445"},"modified":"2025-04-11T12:52:17","modified_gmt":"2025-04-11T04:52:17","slug":"how-to-transfer-files-from-pc-to-pc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lightningxvpn.com\/blog\/en\/how-to-transfer-files-from-pc-to-pc\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Transfer Files from PC to PC: A Full Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Some users have two PCs, each storing important files. Occasionally, they may need to transfer files from one computer to another for work or study purposes. If that sounds like you, you\u2019re in the right place. In this guide, we\u2019ll walk you through the full process of transferring files from one PC to another, along with useful tips and things to keep in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Benefits and Drawbacks of the Five Methods<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Enabling \u201cNearby sharing\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Simple and easy to use.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Secure within local network.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Doesn\u2019t work over long distances.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is limited by distances.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is only available on Windows 10 and 11.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Using a Pen Drive<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Suitable for most OS platforms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No internet or network needed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Relatively safe.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>It is limited by USB speed and drive size.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Can be infected by malware on the PC.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Using a LAN cable<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Providing a fast transfer speed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Great for large files or full folder transfers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No internet required.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>It is complex to set up.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cables can be restrictive on movement or space.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Cloud Storage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>No distance limitation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Easy to use.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No physical devices required.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>It requires a stable internet connection.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You might pay a fee to gain a large storage space.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is not so safe to store files on third-party servers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Specific Software<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>It has more improved features.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It has no distance restriction.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Some apps are not reliable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You might need to pay for a complete version.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Transfer Files from PC to PC: Step-by-Step Methods<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Method 1. Transfer Files from PC to PC via Nearby Sharing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The \u201cNearby sharing\u201d feature allows you to share content with a nearby device via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. It is available on Windows 11 and 10. Also, note that the feature should be turned on all the PCs you want to transfer files between.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s how to transfer files from PC to PC via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Step 1. Connect the PCs to the same Wi-Fi network or open Bluetooth on the PCs. To turn on Bluetooth, press Win + S, search for Bluetooth, and toggle on the switch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Step 2. Press Win + I to open settings and choose the \u201cSystem\u201d option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Step 3. Select \u201cShared experiences\u201d from the left pane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Step 4. In the \u201cNearby sharing\u201d section, toggle on the switch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Step 5. Under the toggle, choose the targeted device type, including \u201cEveryone nearby\u201d and \u201cMy devices only\u201d. \u201cMy devices only\u201d refers to the PCs that are signed in with the same Microsoft account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then, choose the location to receive files by clicking the \u201cChange\u201d button.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized has-custom-border\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1020\" height=\"878\" src=\"https:\/\/lightningxvpn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/how-to-transfer-files-from-pc-to-pc-1.png\" alt=\"Toggle on \u201cNearby sharing\u201d\" class=\"wp-image-56451\" style=\"border-width:1px;width:509px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lightningxvpn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/how-to-transfer-files-from-pc-to-pc-1.png 1020w, https:\/\/lightningxvpn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/how-to-transfer-files-from-pc-to-pc-1-300x258.png 300w, https:\/\/lightningxvpn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/how-to-transfer-files-from-pc-to-pc-1-768x661.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Step 6. Select the files you want to transfer. To choose multiple files simultaneously, press Ctrl and click the files.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Step 7. Right-click on the selected files and choose \u201cShare\u201d from the pop-up menu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full has-custom-border\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"425\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/lightningxvpn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/how-to-transfer-files-from-pc-to-pc-2.png\" alt=\"Choose \u201cShare\u201d from the Pop-up Menu\" class=\"wp-image-56473\" style=\"border-width:1px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lightningxvpn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/how-to-transfer-files-from-pc-to-pc-2.png 425w, https:\/\/lightningxvpn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/how-to-transfer-files-from-pc-to-pc-2-283x300.png 283w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 425px) 100vw, 425px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Step 8. The PC will automatically look for the targeted device. Then, choose the PCs you want to send files to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Step 9. On the destination PCs, choose \u201cSave\u201d or \u201cSave &amp; Open\u201d on the pop-up prompt to receive the files. Now you can wait for the transfer to be completed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Method 2. Transfer Files from PC to PC Using Pen Drive<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A pen drive is a good way to transfer files between different computers. So, if you happen to have a USB drive with enough storage, then put it to good use. Here\u2019s how to transfer files from PC to PC via USB drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Plug the USB drive into the source PC.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Open your file explorer and find the pen drive.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Find the files you want to transfer and drag them into the pen drive.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Safely eject the pen drive and plug it into the destination PC.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Go to File Explorer on the PC and find the hard drive.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Drag the files from the USB drive to a location on the destination PC.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Method 3. Transfer Files from PC to PC Using LAN Cable<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lightningxvpn.com\/blog\/en\/ethernet-vs-wifi\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Compared to Wi-Fi, Ethernet<\/a> is faster, but it is more complex to set up. Here\u2019s how to transfer files from PC to PC using a LAN cable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Step 1. Plug the LAN cable into the two PCs. Wait for the system to identify the cable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Step 2. Configure the static IP address.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Go to Control Panel and choose \u201cNetwork and Sharing Center\u201d &gt; \u201cChange adapter settings\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Right-click on the LAN network and choose \u201cProperties\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Double-click \u201cInternet Protocol Version 4 (TCP\/IPv4)\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Choose \u201cUse the following IP address\u201d and set up the static IP. For example, for computer A: IP address: 192.168.1.1; Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0. For computer B, IP address: 192.168.1.2; Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0. Then, save the changes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized has-custom-border\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"492\" height=\"562\" src=\"https:\/\/lightningxvpn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/how-to-transfer-files-from-pc-to-pc-3.png\" alt=\"Configure the Static IP\" class=\"wp-image-56476\" style=\"border-width:1px;width:369px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lightningxvpn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/how-to-transfer-files-from-pc-to-pc-3.png 492w, https:\/\/lightningxvpn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/how-to-transfer-files-from-pc-to-pc-3-263x300.png 263w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 492px) 100vw, 492px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Step 3. On the PCs, go to \u201cControl Panel &gt; Network and Internet &gt; Network and Sharing Center &gt; Change advanced sharing settings\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Step 4. Choose these options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Turn on network discovery<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Turn on file and printer sharing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Turn on sharing so anyone with network access can read and write files in the Public folders<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Turn off password protected sharing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Then, click \u201cSave changes\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Step 5. Right-click on the files you want to transfer and select \u201cShare with &gt; specific people\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Step 6. On the new window, select \u201cEveryone\u201d, click \u201cAdd\u201d, and then \u201cShare\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Step 7. In File Explorer, click \u201cNetwork\u201d on the left-hand panel, and double-click the source PC. The shared files will be displayed. You can copy and paste the desired files to the destination PC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Method 4. Transfer Files from PC to PC via Cloud Storage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Using cloud storage is also a good way to transfer files between devices. There are many good services, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/workspace.google.com\/products\/drive\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" title=\"\">Google Drive<\/a>, Dropbox, OneDrive, and Amazon S3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can upload files from the source PC to the cloud services and then download them onto the destination PC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Social media software is similar to cloud storage, but it is not as safe and might limit the size of the files you transfer. Common social media software includes Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, and X.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Method 5. Use Specific Software to Transfer Files from PC to PC<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Specialist PC migration software is also a tool for transferring files from PC to PC. It can help users migrate data and files between PCs. This is commonly adopted when users change or upgrade their devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Popular PC migration software includes <a href=\"https:\/\/go.laplink.com\/product\/pcmover-professional\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" title=\"\">Laplink PCmover<\/a>, EaseUS Todo PCTrans, and Zinstall WinWin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Transfer Files from PC to iPhone, Android, and iPad?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To transfer files from a PC to a mobile device, you can use an <a href=\"https:\/\/lightningxvpn.com\/blog\/en\/what-is-otg\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">OTG<\/a> cable and your charging cable to connect the devices. Usually, a PC can\u2019t be directly connected to the mobile device because the normal USB cable doesn\u2019t support the ports of both a PC and a mobile device. And an OTG cable can solve this problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another method is to use a cloud storage app or a social media app to help transfer your files between a PC and a mobile device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Is It So Slow to Transfer Files from PC to PC?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you find that the file transfer between PCs is super slow, it might be because of these factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Your devices are far away from each other:<\/strong> If you use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to transfer files, you should keep your PCs close so the signal will be strong to provide a fast transfer speed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Your Wi-Fi speed is slow:<\/strong> Cloud storage and nearby sharing (via Wi-Fi) rest on the Wi-Fi connection. So, make sure your Wi-Fi is fast and stable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>There are issues with your PC:<\/strong> If your PC\u2019s important software, such as the network adapter, goes wrong, it might affect the transfer speed of files.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Avoid Potential Risks During the File Transfer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When you transfer important files between PCs, malware and viruses might find a loophole and infect your files. To prevent the risk, you can use a robust VPN (e.g., <a href=\"https:\/\/lightningxvpn.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">LightningX VPN<\/a>) while browsing online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>LightningX VPN uses the best VPN protocols, WireGuard, based on top-grade algorithms. These things create an encryption tunnel to let your traffic pass through, and a stranger can\u2019t see your data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, LightningX VPN offers 2,000+ servers in 50+ countries, including the US, Japan, Canada, Brazil, and Hong Kong, China. It is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Chrome, smart TVs, and Linux. It supports 3 simultaneous connections and a customizable service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-1 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-75 has-custom-font-size is-style-outline\" style=\"font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.292), 1.05rem);\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-base-2-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/lightningxvpn.com\/download\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-radius:100px;background-color:#ffb700;padding-top:10px;padding-right:30px;padding-bottom:10px;padding-left:30px\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Get LightningX VPN<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Now you might know how to transfer files from PC to PC. You can turn on the \u201cNearby sharing\u201d feature, use a LAN cable, apply to a cloud storage service, use a flash drive, or use a specific tool. Each method has its limitations and benefits. Just choose the one you can accept.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Some users have two PCs, each storing important files.  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