How to Use Google's Nearby Share to Share Files Between Android and Windows

Previously, you could only use Google's Nearby Share feature to share files between Android devices and Chromebooks. However, this has changed with Google's release of Nearby Share Beta for Windows. With it, you can seamlessly exchange photos, videos, documents, and more between Android phones and Windows PCs.

Let's see how you can use Google’s Nearby Share app to transfer files between Android devices and Windows computers.

Google's Nearby Share App on Windows — Image Credit: Google

Before we get started, let’s go over some prerequisites for exchanging files via Google’s Nearby Share app for Windows.

Your computer must have a 64-bit version of Windows 10 or up. ARM-powered Windows devices are not supported at the moment. If you're unsure which version your PC is using, be sure to read how to tell if your Windows is 32 or 64-bit.
Your Android phone must be running Android 6.0 or higher. Not sure which version your phone is on? Check out how to tell which version of Android you have and find out.
Both devices should have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on.
Both devices should be connected to the same Wi-Fi network and within 16 feet (5 meters) of each other.
Google’s Nearby Share app for Windows is available in most parts of the world except for a few European countries. You can check if your country is supported via Google Support, under "availability."

To exchange files between your Android phone and Windows PC, you’ll first need to install and set up Google’s Nearby Share app on your computer. Here’s how you can go about it.

Download Google’s Nearby Share Beta for Windows.
Double-click the BetterTogetherSetup.exe file to begin the installation.
Once the Nearby Share app is installed, click the Sign in button to link your Google account. If you don't want to do that, click Use without an account instead.
Under Visible to others as, enter a name for your device.
Under Receiving, specify who is allowed to share files with your computer: Everyone, Contacts, Your devices, or No one.
Click Done.

Set Up Google's Nearby Share App on Windows

After you have set up the Nearby Share app on your PC, you can start receiving files from your Android phone.

To send files from Android to Windows via Nearby Share:

On your Android, open the photo, video, or document that you want to send. You can also select multiple files.
Tap the share icon.
Select the Nearby Share option from the share sheet.
Select your Windows PC from the available devices.

Transfer Files Using Nearby Share Android

On your PC, open the Nearby Share app and click Accept to receive the file.

Receive Files From Android on Windows With Nearby Share

By default, the Nearby Share app will save any files you receive in the Downloads folder. To change the default location for saving received files, click the gear icon in the Nearby Share app on your PC. Then, click the Change button next to Save received files to and pick a different location.

Change Default Download Location for Google Nearby Share App in Windows

With Nearby Share, transferring files from your Windows PC to an Android device isn’t too difficult either. Here are the steps you can follow.

On your PC, right-click on the file that you want to send.
Select Send with Nearby Share from the context menu.
In the Nearby Share app that opens, select your phone. If your device does not show up, make sure Nearby Share is enabled on your Android and visibility is set to Everyone.
On your phone, tap Accept to receive the file.

Send Files From Windows to Android With Nearby Share

Sharing files between Android and Windows used to be a cumbersome process with no straightforward way to do it. Thankfully, all of that has changed with Google’s Nearby Share app for Windows.

If you are looking for more functionality, however, you can use Microsoft’s Phone Link app to access your phone’s contacts, messages, call logs, photos, and more on your Windows PC.