Wi-Fi Direct and File Transfer Windows 10/11: How to Send Files From PC to PC/Phone to PC

What Is Wi-Fi Direct

Wi-Fi Direct is an offline way to direct connect computers or smartphones to each other. Compared to traditional Wi-Fi, it can transfer large files, connect printers and etc.

What is the difference between WiFi and WiFi-Direct: 

WiFi: With the Internet, you can use WiFi to share files (not too big) from one computer to another computer.

WiFi Direct: No need for routers and WiFi. WiFi Direct can directly work between devices, like PC to Phone/Printer, Phone to PC, etc.

Is WiFi Direct Compatible with My Computer

Although Microsoft has supported WiFi Direct since Windows 8, it's better to follow the below steps to check whether WiFi Direct is available on your device. If not supported, please move to the easier method part and do file transfer quickly.

Step 1. Click the search icon from the taskbar and type PowerShell on it.

Step 2. When you see the Windows PowerShell, right-click it and click "Run as Administrator".

Step 3. Type the command line and press Enter button to execute: ipconfig /all

Step 4. Then you can see all Wireless LAN adapters here. If the Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter is not included, unfortunately, your PC does not support WiFi Direct connection.

How to Send Files via WiFi Direct from PC to PC

How to Set Up WiFi Direct on Windows 10/11:

Step 1. Click the Windows icon and select Settings.

Step 2. Go to Devices > Click the "Bluetooth and other devices".

Step 3. Click the "Add Bluetooth or other devices".

Step 4. If you have turned on the WiFi Direct of another device. The phone/PC name should be shown on the list.

Step 5. Select the targeted device and start to transfer files.

If you want to send some small files to another PC, I will recommend the WiFi option.

How to Transfer File between Two Computers Using Wi-Fi:

1 - Edit IP Address 

You need to ensure your devices are under the same network. Apply these steps to edit the IP address.

Step 1. Go to Settings > Select the Network & internet > Turn on the WiFi tab on the right panel.

Step 2. Click the Hardware properties > Under the WiFi properties, click the Edit button next to the IP assignment.

Step 3. The "Edit IP settings" pops up > Click the drop-down icon and choose the Manual option > Turn on the IPv4

Step 4. Edit the IP address, Subnet mask, Gateway, Preferred DNS, and Alternate DNS. Then, click the Save button.

Note: Repeat the four steps on another PC and set up your router with the right IP settings.

2 - Using WiFi to Move File

On this PC:

Step 1. Open This PC. Locate and right-click the files. Select the Properties from the menu.

Step 2. Go to Sharing tab > Click the "Advanced Sharing..." button under the Advanced Sharing section.

Step 3. Check the "Share this folder" box > Click Apply > Click OK > Close.

On another PC:

Open This PC or My Computer > Click the Network > Enter network credential to connect the device.

Easier Method: Using Another Robust File Transfer Tool

What if you want to transfer many big files while your PC does not support WiFi Direct? To smoothly transfer data, a third-party file transfer tool is necessary.

EaseUS Todo PCTrans is a straightforward data transfer software, which helps users to transfer files, apps, and settings from one computer to another. Without some complicated steps, what you need to do is to choose the files you want to migrate and then click the transfer button.

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.

Extra Tip: Transfer Files from Phone to PC Wireless Without Internet

Take Android Phone as an example:

Step 1. Tap Settings on your device and select the WiFi option.

Step 2. Access and tap Wi-Fi Direct.

Step 3. Locate and find the targeted PC you want to connect to. Make sure the PC has turned on the Wi-Fi Settings.

Step 4. Tap Accept if your device receives the Invitation to connect.

Or you can use the Feem app on Android or iOS.

Step 1. Download and install the Feem app both on PC and Phone.

Step 2. On the Android phone, turn on WiFi Direct.

Step 3. On the computer, choose the WiFi marked as "DIRECT...".

Step 4. Select a PC device on the list and click the "Send File" button.