The Windows version released on 10 April 2018 was a successful update that came with some of the most improved features at that time. Microsoft used the version to roll out their new built-in file sharing feature known as Near Share. Since then, nearby sharing has been easier for those who take full advantage of all Windows features.
What Is Nearby Sharing in Windows 10?
Understanding Near Share is the first step to fully using the program and getting the most out of it. Also known as Nearby Sharing, this is a Windows feature via which users can exchange files and web pages, such as photos, videos, documents and more, between two PCs via a wireless connection. Since the introduction of Near Share, most third-party file sharing apps have seen a reduction in their services as more and more Windows users prefer Near Share.
What Makes Near Share the Best
If you’re on iOS, you know the advantages of using AirDrop which has greatly improved how files and documents are shared between users. Even the utilization of file-sharing third-party applications has greatly decreased. Near Share is the Microsoft equivalent of Apple’s AirDrop. When the feature was first released, it had some limitations, such as working only with Bluetooth making it impossible to share large files. It was later improved to include Wi-Fi as well.
At the moment, you can manage to share files and documents, but you still require Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to achieve wireless file sharing. When you open the feature, Windows automatically chooses to use either Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for wireless file sharing. It’s dependent on the connection.
Presently, Microsoft has fully integrated Near Share across Windows 10 with the iOS close behind. The feature can now be used in File Explorer, Microsoft Edge and other apps including Photos etc. Near Share is easy to find almost everywhere the Share option is part of the selection.
Microsoft Nearby Share is currently available for PC users who use Windows 10, the mobile version is yet to be launched.
| Before You Use Near Share |
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| If you would like to send large files online quickly and safely, you should download FileWhopper. The platform allows you to send as much as you can and your payment depends on the file size you’re sending. You just upload your document, file or video, FileWhopper calculates the size and gives you the price. Complete the upload process and share the link with the recipient. It’s convenient. A bonus feature is that your documents have an auto-delete ability that ensures they are totally wiped away after 14 days leaving to trace. |
Using Nearby Sharing in Windows 10
Using Near Share, you can send documents without third-party software quite easily. The compatibility requirement is for both the sender’s and the recipient’s PCs to be using the Windows update released on 10 July 2018 going forward. Otherwise previous versions of Windows will not connect.
To quickly turn on Nearby Sharing, you can go to the Action Center where there is a new quick action button that was added by Microsoft.
If the quick action button is not available, it can be enabled. To do so, go to Settings>System>Notifications & Actions. Click on Add or Remove quick actions, then turn on the radio button for Nearby Sharing.
Using Microsoft Edge for Windows 10 Nearby Sharing
Using the Share button in Microsoft Edge, it’s possible to share web pages with others. You can find it in the menu bar next to the Add Notes button. Simply click the Share Button to find nearby Windows 10 devices that support Nearby Sharing.
After initiation of the file sharing process, a notification appears on the recipient’s Windows 10 device. The user can either accept or decline the request at their discretion. If accepted, a new web page opens up in the browser. Recipients who don’t see the notification after the file-sharing process has been initiated can find it under the Action Center.
You can also use the Continue on PC Windows 10 feature to share web pages across devices. You need to be connected to the internet for this feature. The question of how to manage Nearby Sharing settings becomes easier if you understand how to share from different platforms. You can easily manage settings and sharing web pages if this is happening among people in the same room or space. Nearby Sharing is the best alternative to sending a link.
Windows 10 Near Share in Windows Explorer
Use the following steps if you want to share a file, photo, document or video:
- Go to This PC or My Computer and open the folder that has the file.
- Right-click the file you’d like to share.
- In the context menu, click the Share option.
- The sender and recipient must turn on Neary Sharing. This will show the name of the device to which the files can be sent via a wireless connection.
- A notification will open up in the recipient’s Action Center with a request for confirmation.
The time taken to complete the Windows 10 file sharing process depends on the size of what is being shared. This feature works well in all places where there is Windows 10 and you can find the Share button.
Sending Large Files Between Two Windows PCs
Nearby Sharing is an excellent feature for file sharing. However, it works best when sharing files that are small in size. For anything above 1.0GB in size, one can transfer, however, the process tends to be slow. Part of the reason why large files might prove problematic when sending is because of the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth in use. If that’s the case, you can try using the most current version of Bluetooth and a high-speed Wi-Fi connection.
How to Manage Nearby Share Settings on your System
You can easily manage your Near Share settings. When turned on, Nearby Sharing will let you send and receive content with anyone else nearby using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This makes it easy to pick up spam, viruses and other malware flying around. To protect yourself, you can manage the settings. Go to Settings>System>Shared Experiences and view the options available. Find the radio button to use and enable or disable nearby sharing. You can also cap the number of devices that can establish nearby sharing connections with your PC.
The default settings send Shared Files to the Documents folder. You can easily change this under Settings or when the notification to accept a Shared File comes, you can direct its pathway by selecting where you would want it to go. Near Share is one of the best features that are available on both Android and iOS. Take advantage and easily share files in the workplace with colleagues without sending links.
Now that you know how to share files wirelessly, you can easily share files within a reasonable range via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection without stress.
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