How to Transfer Files Between Computers on the Same Network

Written by Luigi Oppido | Edited by Darlene Antonelli, MA

Last Updated: April 11, 2024 Fact Checked

Do you want to share that file? Since you can share folders and files over your network, transferring files has never been easier! Microsoft removed the HomeGroup feature, which required both computers to be on the same network, but if both computers are running Windows 10/11 and are connected to the same network, then you can transfer files using this method. This wikiHow article teaches you how to transfer files between computers on the same network.

Sharing Files Between Computers

Open File Explorer and go to “Network.”
Click “Turn on network discovery and file sharing.”^{[1]
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Right-click your file, click “Give access to,” and type the computer name.

Steps

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1
Enable network discovery. First, open File Explorer (press Win + E) and navigate to "Network." It's an option in the panel on the left side of the screen.^{[2]
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- If network discovery is off, you'll get an error message dialog window. Click OK to close that window, then click the Click to change banner at the top of the window.
- Click Turn on network discovery and file sharing. You may be asked if you want to have network discovery on for all public networks, so choose an answer to continue. Finally, enter your administrator password to continue.
2
Right-click the file you want to share. Your folders are on the left side of File Explorer and your files display on the right side of the window.^{[3]
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- To find a file from your Desktop, click the “Desktop” folder on the left.
- You can also type the name of the file you’re looking for into the search box in the upper-right corner of the screen and click the magnifying glass for search results.
- A menu will drop down once you right-click it.
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3
Hover your mouse over Give access to and select Specific People. The "Give access to" menu option will prompt another menu to open on the side.
- A new window with the names of computers on your network will appear.
4
Click to select the name of the computer you want to share with. Once the file or folder is shared, the other person will find it in File Explorer > Network.^{[4]
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- To stop sharing, right-click the file or folder, then go to Give access to > Remove/Restrict.
- There are many more ways to transfer files including methods using a removable drive, wirelessly transferring, and sharing via Cloud services.