Transfer Files from PC to PC with Ethernet Cable on Windows 10

How to transfer files from PC to PC using an Ethernet cable on Windows 10? Here, we walk you through all the steps to establish a LAN cable connection between two Windows 10 PCs to transfer files with an Ethernet cable.

To transfer files between two PCs with Ethernet cable, first connect both PCs with the Ethernet cable and assign them static IP addresses. Then, enable file sharing on both PCs, share the desired folders, and access the shared folders from the other PC through the network to copy the files. You can also use EaseUS Todo PCTrans to help you transfer files between two PCs with Ethernet cable easily.

Using an Ethernet cable is one of the fastest methods to transfer files from PC to PC without a network. The following is the step-by-step guide for you to learn how to transfer files from PC to PC using Ethernet cable or LAN cable. We also show you a workaround to transfer files, programs, user accounts, and settings with an easy PC data transfer tool if you find that using Ethernet does not meet your needs.

How to Transfer Files from PC to PC with Ethernet Cable via Data Transfer Tool

Apply to: Windows 11/10/8/7/XP large file/program migration

If you need to transfer large or even all files from PC to PC effectively, you need an ultimate and free PC file transfer program. EaseUS Todo PCTrans Free fulfills all the PC data transfer needs and provides one-stop solutions for PC upgrading.

EaseUS Todo PCTrans supports both Ethernet cable and WiFi transfer methods. When the t wo PCs are connected via an Ethernet cable, the software can quickly scan and establish a secure connection for direct data migration.      

🏷️Transfer Files from PC to PC with Ethernet Cable via Todo PCTrans

Free download this easy PC file transfer software and check the steps below to transfer files from PC to PC with Ethernet cable:      

Step 1. Set up the new PC

• Install and run EaseUS Todo PCTrans on the new computer, select "This is New PC" and click "Next".

• Select "Transfer directly" and click "Next" to continue.

• Select "Cable" and click "Next".

• Select what type of cable you are having to connect both the old and new computers - "USB-C cable" or "Ethernet cable".

Step 2. Set up the old PC

• Run and launch EaseUS Todo PCTrans on the old PC, and select "This is Old PC". Click "Next".

• Select "Transfer Directly" and click "Next" to continue.

Step 3. Connect both new and old PCs

• Go back to new new PC, you'll see the Cable connection interface, click "Completed and Continue". 

• Connect the USB-C or Ethernet cable between the old and new computers, and click "Connect" on the new PC.

• Then, go back to the old PC, click "Agree" to let EaseUS Todo PCTrans connect the old PC with your new PC.

Step 4. Transfer files from old PC to new PC directly

• On the new computer, click the File tab, and select desired files and folders you want to transfer from your old PC to your current new PC. Then, click "Transfer".

🏷️Transfer Files from PC to PC with WiFi via Todo PCTrans

 EaseUS Todo PCTrans also supports network transfer. Here are the steps to copy documents and files from PC to PC with WiFi.

Step 1. Set Up the Old PC

• First, install and launch EaseUS Todo PCTrans and select Data Transfer on the left panel of the main interface.

• Select "Transfer Directly" and click "Next" to continue. 

Step 2. Set Up the New PC

• Download and launch EaseUS Todo PCTrans on the new computer; select "This is New PC" and click "Next".

• Select "Transfer directly" and click "Next" to continue. 
• Select "Network" and click Next to continue. This will automatically scan the old PC. (Make sure the two PCs are connected to the same LAN.)

• Select the target PC and click Connect. Then, it will take some time to scan and analyze the data in old PC.

Step 3. Select the Files to Transfer

• Finally, on the new PC, select the Files tab, select the files you need to transfer. Then, click "Transfer" to start.

Here is a list of comprehensive PC data transfer solutions of EaseUS Todo PCTrans Free.

• PC to PC data transfer: Move files, user accounts, and installed programs from one PC to another over a network.
• PC to PC transfer without internet: If there is no available network, use the cable transfer method. Alternatively, create a backup file of a program and restore it to another computer using a USB drive or external storage device.
• App migration on local disk: Move applications from one local drive to another or even an external storage device to free up space, such as transfer programs from C drive to D drive.
• Data rescue: If your PC encounters an unbootable issue, use this tool to recover data from a dead hard drive.

📺Video for beginners to transfer files from PC to PC with an Ethernet cable:

How to Transfer Files from PC to PC Using Ethernet Cable Directly[Step-by-Step Guide]

Apply to: Basic file sharing and networking setup for Windows 10/8/7 users

Learn from the tutorials below to establish a connection between two PCs using an Ethernet cable to transfer files.

Things you need:

• Two Windows PCs
• An Ethernet cable, CAT 5/6 works well
• Computers have Ethernet ports

Step 1. Connect two PCs to the same network.

1. Connect both PCs with an Ethernet cable or a LAN cable. Both of them use the same port and do the same thing.

2. Right-click the Start button and choose "Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center". You will see the active network or Ethernet.

3. Click "Ethernet > Properties > Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) > Properties".

4. Select "Use the following IP address" and type the IP address and subnet mask as shown in the screenshot below. The IP you enter differs from the example as long as they are in the same range.

Put the following value on 1st PC

• IP Address 192.168.1.2
• Subnet mask 225.225.225.0

Put the following value on the 2nd PC

• IP Address 192.168.1.3
• Subnet mask 225.225.225.0

5. After assigning the IP addresses successfully, you will see the two computer names in the network settings.

Step 2. Turn on the sharing option on both PCs. 

1. Go to "Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change advanced sharing settings".

2. Choose these options and click "Save changes".

• Turn on network discovery.
• Turn on file and printer sharing.
• Turn on sharing so anyone with network access can read and write files in the Public folders.

3. Click "Turn off password protected sharing". In this way, you don't need to type in your password each time you are trying to access it from another computer. But you need to turn on password protection when the file transfer finishes.

Step 3. Transfer files from one PC to another via Ethernet cable.

1. Select the file or folder you want to transfer, right-click it and click "Share with > specific people".

2. On the File Sharing window, click the drop-down menu and select "Everyone > Add > Share". Then, the file will be transferred from one PC to another. You can check the shared files on the target PC.

3. Press "Win + E" to open File Explorer and click Network on the left-hand panel.  Find the source PC and double-click it. All files shared will be displayed. You can copy and paste the files to the destination.

User experience of transferring files with Ethernet

As you can see, it's a bit complicated to transfer files from PC to PC with an Ethernet cable. It must be more difficult for a computer beginner. Besides, you can only share one file or one folder at a time in this way. What if there are a large number of files that need to be transferred? How to make it quickly? EaseUS Todo PCTrans is an effective way to Ethernet transfer.

Do you know how to use an Ethernet cable to transfer files from PC to PC now? Share this article with your friends and let them learn, too.

Bonus Tip: Optimize Ethernet Cable transfer

When using an Ethernet cable to transfer files between two PCs, it is common to encounter issues. For example, you may not be able to access shared folders. Or there are connection timeouts and interrupted transfers. To optimize performance, consider these tips:

1️⃣Common Error Fixes: 

• Ensure both PCs are on the same network segment with properly assigned static IP addresses.
• Verify that network discovery and file sharing are enabled on both PCs.
• Temporarily disable firewalls and antivirus software that may block file-sharing ports.
• Confirm folder sharing permissions. Password-protected sharing is configured according to your needs.
• Restart the PCs and reconnect the Ethernet cable if the connection drops.

2️⃣Transfer Speed Optimization:

• CAT 5e or CAT 6 Ethernet cables are recommended for faster speeds.
• Adjust Windows settings by disabling Remote Differential Compression.
• Close unnecessary background applications
• Use the latest network adapter drivers optimized for your hardware.

Why Do You Want to Transfer Files from PC to PC Using Ethernet

You can transfer files from PC to PC in various ways, such as through a USB flash drive, external hard drive, cloud storage service, email, WiFi, or an Ethernet cable. You can use Ethernet cable or LAN cable to migrate files between two computers:

• When you don't have access to a wireless network.
• When you want to transfer large files faster than using a USB or WiFi.
• When you don't use OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.

To Sum Up

To transfer files from PC to PC with an Ethernet cable, you can follow the above guidelines. The operation steps are tedious and a little complex. Follow the instructions carefully.

To transfer batches of files or programs simultaneously between two PCs via Ethernet cable, we highly recommend you try EaseUS Todo PCTrans. It enables you to migrate files between two computers with or without a network.

FAQs on how to Transfer Files Using Ethernet Cable

1. What kind of Ethernet cables should I use when transferring files?

Use standard Cat5, Cat5e, or Cat6 Ethernet cables. For direct PC-to-PC connection without a router or switch, a crossover cable is traditionally recommended, but most modern PCs support auto-MDI/X that works with standard cables.

2. How do I transfer files from PC to PC without a cable?

Files can be transferred wirelessly over WiFi via shared folders, cloud storage services like OneDrive, Google Drive, or using software tools that support WiFi transfer.

3. How to detect and prevent unauthorized file access on a shared Ethernet network?

Ensure password-protected sharing is turned on, use user accounts with strong passwords, limit shared folder permissions, and monitor network access using firewall and security software.

4. Are there risks of malware spreading through Ethernet file sharing?

Yes, sharing files over Ethernet without proper security can expose systems to malware spread. Always use trusted devices, keep antivirus software updated, and avoid sharing sensitive files openly or disabling password protection unnecessarily.

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