Transfer files between two computers in 3 steps
- Open localfiletransfer.com on both PCs. Use Chrome, Edge or Firefox. Each PC shows its name at the top of the card.
- Drag files onto the other PC’s icon. Or click the icon and pick files. You can send many files at once.
- Click Accept on the other PC, then Save. Each file shows its own progress bar and a Save button when it arrives.
Tip: rename both PCs (click the name at the top of the card) to something like “Office laptop” and “Home PC”, so you always pick the right one.
Sending large files between PCs
We set no file size limit. For big files such as videos, backups or disk images, use Chrome or Edge on the receiving PC: they ask where to save before the transfer starts and write the file straight to disk, so it doesn’t fill up memory. Keep both PCs awake until it finishes.
Two PCs on different networks
Work laptop on the office network, home PC on your Wi-Fi? On one PC, click Nearby devices → Create a code, then enter the code on the other. The transfer then runs at internet speed instead of Wi-Fi speed.
Windows Nearby sharing, step by step
Both PCs run Windows 10 or 11, have Bluetooth and sit close together? Windows’ built-in Nearby sharing also works:
- On both PCs, open Settings → System → Nearby sharing and choose Everyone nearby.
- In File Explorer, right-click the file and choose Share.
- Pick the other PC from the list, then click Save on the other PC.
It sends one file at a time and the PCs must be within Bluetooth range. This page works with any distance, any browser and Mac too.
Other ways to transfer files from PC to PC
| Method | Setup | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Local File Transfer (this page) | None | Selected files, any two computers |
| Nearby sharing (Windows) | Turn on in Settings on both PCs; needs Bluetooth | Two Windows PCs close together |
| Shared folder on the network | Sharing settings and permissions | Regular access to the same folder |
| USB drive or external disk | A drive big enough | Very large amounts with no network |
| OneDrive or other cloud | Account; upload first | Files you also want backed up |
| Windows Backup | Same Microsoft account | Moving settings and apps to a new PC |
Windows to Mac, Linux or a Chromebook
The same steps work between any two computers with a modern browser: Windows and Mac, Mac and Linux, or a Chromebook and a PC. For phones, see Android to PC and iPhone to PC.
If the other PC doesn’t appear
- Check the Wi-Fi. Both devices must be on the same network. Guest networks often keep devices apart.
- Turn off VPNs and ad-blocking apps while you transfer.
- Allow the connection. If Windows asks whether your browser may use private networks, click Allow.
- Tap Scan at the top of the card for a fresh search.
- Use a code. On one device, tap Nearby devices → Create a code; on the other, tap Enter a code or scan the QR code. This works even on different networks or mobile data.
Questions
How do I transfer files between two laptops wirelessly?
Open localfiletransfer.com on both laptops on the same Wi-Fi. Click the other laptop, pick the files, then click Accept and Save on the receiving laptop. Nothing to install.
How do I transfer files from PC to PC without a USB drive?
Use your Wi-Fi. Open localfiletransfer.com on both PCs and drag files onto the other PC’s icon. Windows Nearby sharing and network shared folders work too but need setup.
Is there a file size limit?
We don’t set one. Use Chrome or Edge on the receiving PC for very large files, so they’re written straight to disk, and keep both PCs awake.
Can I move everything to a new PC this way?
It’s best for selected files and folders. To move settings and apps to a new Windows PC, use Windows Backup with your Microsoft account, then copy any remaining files here.
Does it work between Windows and Mac?
Yes. Any two computers with a modern browser can send files to each other: Windows, Mac, Linux or ChromeOS.
Are my files uploaded to a server?
No. Our server only introduces the two PCs. Files go directly from one to the other, encrypted by the browser.
What is the fastest way to transfer files from PC to PC?
On the same Wi-Fi, a direct transfer like localfiletransfer.com sends at your network’s speed with no setup. For hundreds of gigabytes, an external drive or an Ethernet cable between the PCs is faster.
Is it possible to transfer files between two computers directly?
Yes. This page connects the two browsers directly, so files go from one computer to the other without being uploaded to a server. Windows Nearby sharing and network shared folders are direct too.
How do I transfer files from PC to PC without a network?
Use a USB drive or an external disk, or connect the two PCs with an Ethernet cable. Browser methods like this one need both PCs online to find each other.