This feature is disabled by default in Windows 11. A nearby sharing feature is a handy tool, especially if you want to quickly share content with someone or some device nearby via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection. You can also use Nearby sharing to share with other PCs. However, both PCs—the one you’re sharing from and the one you’re sharing with—must have Bluetooth enabled. With this, no need for a USB thumb drive or external drive to share between PCs. If you’re excited about Windows 11, keep reading out posts on it. To get started with Nearby sharing in Windows 11, follow the steps below:
How to turn on Nearby sharing in Windows 11
As mentioned above, Nearby sharing can quickly help you share content over Bluetooth Wi-Fi to other devices nearby. To enable it, follow the steps below. Windows 11 has a centralized location for the majority of its settings. From system configurations to creating new users and updating Windows, all can be done from its System Settings pane. To get to System Settings, you can use the Windows key + I shortcut or click on Start ==> Settings as shown in the image below: Alternatively, you can use the search box on the taskbar and search for Settings. Then select to open it. Windows Settings pane should look similar to the image below. In Windows Settings, click System, and select Nearby sharing on the right pane of your screen shown in the image below. On the Nearby sharing settings pane, select the options to either share to your devices or with everyone nearby. The settings should be applied immediately. You can now exit the settings pane.
How to share documents and pictures via Nearby sharing in Windows 11
Now that Nearby sharing is enabled, you can begin sharing documents and pictures with devices nearby. On the PC that has the document, you want to share, open File Explorer, and find the document you want to share. In File Explorer, right-click on the document and select Show more options. On the next context menu, select Share, and then select the name of the device you want to share with. Make sure the other device you’re sharing with has Nearby sharing enabled as well. Then select it from the list of devices you want to share it. On the receiving device, or the device you’re sharing with, select Save & open or Save when the notification appears. To share pictures, do follow the same steps above.
How to disable Nearby sharing in Windows 11
If you’re done sharing with devices, and you want to turn off or disable Nearby sharing, reverse the steps above. Go to the Start menu ==> Settings ==> System ==> Nearby sharing and select the options to turn Off. That should do it! Conclusion: This post showed you how to enable or disable Nearby sharing in Windows 11. You also learned how to share documents when Nearby sharing is enabled. If you find any error above, please select the comment form below to report.
