- To enable Nearby Sharing on Windows 10, open Settings > System > Share experiences, and turn on “Nearby Sharing.”
- Alternatively, from Action Center, turn on the “Nearby sharing” option.
On Windows 10, “Nearby Sharing” is a new feature to share any type of files and web links with minimal effort wirelessly to nearby devices using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.
If you ever used Apple’s AirDrop, Windows 10’s Nearby Sharing will feel very familiar. In those times when you need to quickly send a report to your boss, or you’re just using your tablet sitting on the couch, and you want to send a link or screenshot to someone next to you, this feature makes it super easy to transfer the content without using email attachments, cloud storage services, or setting up file sharing.
This guide will teach you the steps to enable Nearby Sharing on Windows 10.
Enable Nearby Sharing on Windows 10
To enable Nearby Sharing on Windows 10, use these steps:
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Open Settings on Windows 10.
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Click on System.
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Click on Share experiences.
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Turn on the “Nearby Sharing” toggle switch.
Once you complete the steps, when you click the Share button on Microsoft Edge, File Explorer, Photos, and other apps, you’ll notice a new interface with a list of devices configured to receive files wirelessly using Nearby Sharing.
After sharing the content, the recipient will receive a notification, which they must accept to complete the transfer. By default, all transfers will download to the “Downloads” folders, but you can always use the “Save files I receive to” option to change the location.
Nearby Sharing has been designed to share content with every device, but by using the “I can share or receive content from” drop-down menu, you can restrict sharing content only with your devices.
Enable Nearby Sharing from Action Center
To turn Nearby Sharing on from Action Center, use these steps:
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Open Action Center (Windows key + A).
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In the “Quick actions” section, click the “Nearby Sharing” button.
After you complete the steps, you can start sharing and receiving content from other devices on Windows 10.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].