What is and how to use the Nearby feature in Windows 11

It’s rather strange that a feature like Nearby is much better known and used by more Windows 11 users.

This could be a communication issue on Microsoft’s part as it’s not only about getting people to install Windows 11, but explaining the features they can take advantage of.

Well, having a system on a Windows 11 computer similar to what AirDrop achieves on Apple seems relevant and important enough for all users to know that this exists in the Redmond software.

There is no talk of a new feature as this system was introduced in version 1803 of Windows 10 in 2018.

Nothing has been improved in version 10 and it has gone almost unnoticed to reach the new Windows 11 much improved and with more options to use it. Therefore, we are going to tell you everything you need to know.

What is Environment Exchange or Environment Exchange?

Exchange with the environment is a feature included in Windows 11 that allows transfer documents, images and other files, as well as linksbetween compatible and close devices.

All this is done through a combination of Bluetooth and the wireless system of each device.

If you are one of the few who used this sharing feature in Windows 10, you should know that now it is activated in a slightly different way, caused by a modification to the interface of the new version of the operating system.

Enable sharing with the environment

To work with this feature, which is already installed in Windows 11, we must enable it, since otherwise we will not be able to carry out any of the options that it allows us.

The steps we have to follow for this are as follows:

• First of all, we are going Parameter Windows 11 keypress Windows + me.
• Then inside the system we are going to click on Exchange with the environment on the right side of the screen.
• Now we will see how several options will appear before us: disabled person (a feature that is active by default), only my devices (for sharing only between devices configured with the same Microsoft account) and anyone nearby (allows you to exchange with any nearby compatible device).
• From here, everyone chooses, although the most normal thing is to enable the option anyone nearby to have more options.

Share with Neighborhood Sharing

Once we’ve already enabled the feature, it’s time to find out how we can approve it.

let us share documents or imagesand even, links to websites.

Share document

If we want to share a document, we will see that it is much easier than you might imagine.

You just need to do the following:

• Enter the configuration by pressing the keys Windows + me.
• Then in the system we have to click on Exchange with the environment.
• We select the devices with which we want to share or see the applications and services that we have made available through the accounts that appear there.
• We must do the same on the PC we are going to share.
• Now we must go to windows file managerfind the document and select Share on the toolbar at the top.

• Next, right-click on the document and select Device name with whom we would like to share.
• Whoever receives it must click on Save or open when the notification arrives.

Share web link

As we mentioned earlier, we will also be able to share the website.

To do this, we must follow the following steps:

• Enter the configuration by pressing the keys Windows + me.
• Then in the system we have to click on Exchange with the environment.
• We select the devices with which we want to share or see the applications and services that we have made available through the accounts that appear there.
• Now let’s go Microsoft Edge and then we enter the site we want to share
• In Microsoft Edge, click Settings and Advanced.
• Next we are going Share to then select the name of the device with which we want to share the link.
• On another PC, select open upon notification.

share image

As we said, images are another aspect that can be shared thanks to the Share with the environment feature.

We have to do it like this:

• Enter the configuration by pressing the keys Windows + me.
• Then in the system we have to click on Exchange with the environment.
• We select the devices with which we want to share or see the applications and services that we have made available through the accounts that appear there.

• Now it’s time to open up Photos appselect the image we want to share, click Share and then click on Device name to which we want to send the specified image.
• On the device that will receive it, you must select Save or open when the notification appears.

Change download folder for sharing

It may happen that the folder that is pre-configured to receive those documents or images that others have shared with us is not the most suitable, and we want to change it.

This is done very simply and with just the following steps:

• We open Parameter pressing Windows + I.
• By default, we should be in System.
• Now we need to look for the place where it is written Save the files I receive in.
• We will see a button appear on the right that says Change.
• We select the folder where we want the files we receive to be saved.
• Finally, we press the button select folder.

Now that you know everything you need to do to make the Share with the environment function at its full potential, you will know how easy and simple it is to share data with other computers.

It is a system that can help a lot in our daily life and be a great ally. You can tell us what you thought, whether you knew him or what you want, on our social networks.