You have AirDrop on macOS and iOS, but did you know that Windows also has this kind of feature? In Dutch, Microsoft names this functionality in the neighborhood Sharing. This option is available in Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Before taking a closer look at the functionality, it’s worth seeing what requirements your computer must meet. For example, both computers (transmitter and receiver) must have bluetooth 4.0. This is a relatively old version of bluetooth, so there’s a very good chance your Windows computer will support this variant.
For now, bluetooth is the only way Share nearby (Share with Nearby English) cooperate. But in the future this option may also support Wi-Fi or wired connection. At the time of writing, Microsoft is still working on it.
It’s also helpful to know that you can only share individual files. Unfortunately, it is not yet possible to share a folder with another computer. What you can do is pack a collection of files into a .zip file and share it with someone else.
Install AirDrop for Windows
Now that we’re familiar with the terms, it’s time to look at how to enable Nearby Sharing. go Settings > system > Share nearby (Windows 11) or Settings > system > Shared experience > Share nearby. Turn on the function and then set whether you want to share it only with your own devices (where you are signed in with your Microsoft account) or with anyone nearby.
You can also set in which folder the incoming files will be saved. The folder that Windows chooses by default, downloadfile. If you want to use a different map, change (After you Share nearby Active).
To share!
Once you have everything set up, you can share a file. Find the file you want to share (for example Traveler if he desktop) and select with right mouse button. choose option Parts and then option Share nearby. Windows will now search for devices with the option enabled; you will see it appear in a window.
choose device you want to share. Windows will not start the process until you share it on the other device approves. You will also see a notification; You will find it in the picture to the right. accept sharing request and sharing starts on the second device. You will then receive a message that the process is complete. You can now open the file or the folder containing the file directly.
Source: Computer Totaal
