The feature is very straightforward. If you want to send a file or link to another device, you just invoke the Share experience (right-click on file or clicking the share button on Microsoft Edge), and select the device you want to send the piece of content to. Then the receiving device gets a notification to accept or deny the transfer. If the user accepts the transfer the file will download in the Downloads folder, or the link will open with Microsoft Edge. The only caveat with Nearby sharing is that it may not always work as expected, as a result of software and hardware compatibility, connection quality limitations, and more. In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to understand Nearby sharing and how to fix the feature when it’s not working sending files to nearby devices on Windows 10.
How to check if Windows 10 version 1803 is installed on your PC How to check if your PC has Bluetooth with Low Energy (LE) support How to enable Nearby sharing on Windows 10 How to enable Bluetooth on Windows 10 How to speed up Nearby sharing transfers on Windows 10 How to discover close by devices using Nearby sharing
How to check if Windows 10 version 1803 is installed on your PC
Nearby sharing is available with Windows 10 version 1803 (April 2018 Update), as such the feature only works with devices running this version or later version. In order to check if both devices are running at least version 1803 use these steps: If Windows Specifications shows 1803 or later, then Nearby sharing should be available on your computer. Windows 10 version number On Windows 10, there’s more than one way to check the version you’re running, you can check this guide to learn more.
How to check if your PC has Bluetooth with Low Energy (LE) support
In order for Nearby sharing to work, both devices require Bluetooth version 4.0 with Low Energy support. Otherwise, the feature may not even appear in the Settings app. You can check if your Bluetooth adapter includes support for Low Energy (LE) using these steps: If the value of the property is set to true, then your device includes Low Energy support and it’s a 4.0 or later adapter. Device Manager Bluetooth settings Bluetooth LE support check
How to enable Nearby sharing on Windows 10
The file and link sharing feature should be enabled by default and configured to share content with any device, but if it’s not setup correctly, you can use these steps to enable and properly configure both devices: Using the above steps, you’ll be enabling Nearby sharing on your device and allowing transfers to any nearby device. (You can also turn on this feature using these steps.) Enable Nearby sharing on Windows 10
How to enable Bluetooth on Windows 10
Although enabling Nearby sharing should also enable your Bluetooth adapter automatically, you can check and enable Bluetooth using these steps: After completing the steps, make sure that Nearby sharing is enabled on your device, and then try to share a file again. Enable Bluetooth on Windows 10
How to speed up Nearby sharing transfers on Windows 10
If you’re noticing that files are being sent very slowly, then it could indicate that you’re sending the file over Bluetooth. While Nearby sharing uses Bluetooth to find and transfer files and links, the feature also uses your network connection to send files more quickly due to the fact of the Bluetooth low transfers speeds. If you want to transfer files fast, both devices not only have to be using a Bluetooth adapter, but they also need to be connected in the same network and their connection profile have to be set to Private. In order to check if the devices are connected to the same network and their network profile is set to Private, use these steps: Once you’ve confirmed that both devices are in the same network, and that their profile is to set Private, Nearby sharing should now connect with the receiving device using Bluetooth and transfer the file using the Wi-Fi or Ethernet network connection. Windows 10 network adapter settings Windows 10 set network profile to Private Check IPv4 on Windows 10 using Settings
How to discover close by devices using Nearby sharing
As the name implies, this is a feature that works when devices are nearby. If you’re not able to see the computer that you’re trying to share file with, move them closer together. They must be in range of Bluetooth connectivity, which usually is less than 20 feet. If the devices are far apart, Nearby sharing will not work. Although Windows 10’s Nearby sharing is supposed to make file sharing super easy, as you can see, there are some configuration, and software and hardware caveats. However, this guide outlines pretty much all the troubleshooting steps and recommendations to fix Nearby sharing when is not working on Windows 10. All content on this site is provided with no warranties, express or implied. Use any information at your own risk. Always backup of your device and files before making any changes. Privacy policy info.
