Nearby of Windows 11 is unknown to many users, unfortunately, since we are talking about an exchange functionality between devices with this operating system that is extremely interesting and very useful.
It is quite strange that a functionality such as Nearby is much better known and used by a good number of Windows 11 users .
This may be a communication issue on Microsoft’s part, as it’s not only about encouraging people to install Windows 11, but also explaining the features they can take advantage of.
Well, having a system on a computer with Windows 11 similar to what AirDrop achieves on Apple is something that seems relevant and important enough to ensure that all users know that this exists in the Redmond software .
We are not talking about a new function, since this system was introduced in version 1803 of Windows 10 in 2018.
In version 10 nothing was enhanced and it went almost unnoticed, to reach the new Windows 11 much improved and with more possibilities to take advantage of it. Therefore, we are going to tell you everything you need to know.
What is Nearby Sharing or nearby sharing?
Nearby Sharing is a feature that is included in Windows 11 and that allows you to transfer documents, images and other files, as well as links , between devices that are compatible and that are close to each other.
All this is done through the combination of Bluetooth and the wireless system of each device.
If you are one of the few who used this sharing function in Windows 10, you should know that now to activate it, it is done in a slightly different way, caused by the modification of the interface of the new version of the operating system.
Enable Nearby Sharing
In order to work with this function that is already installed in Windows 11, what we must do is enable it, since, if not, we will not be able to carry out any of the options that it allows us.
The steps we must follow for this are the following:
First of all, we go to Windows 11 Settings by pressing the Windows + I keys .
Then within System we are going to click on Proximity Sharing on the right side of the screen.
Now we will see how several options appear before us: Off (the function that is activated by default), Only my devices (to share only between devices that are configured in the same Microsoft account) and Anyone nearby (allows sharing with any compatible device near).
From here each one chooses, although the most normal thing is to enable the Anyone nearby option to have more options.Share with Nearby Sharing
Once we already have the function enabled, it is time to know how we can approve it.
It will allow us to share documents or images , and even links to websites .
Share a document
If what we want is to share a document, we will see how it is much simpler than you could imagine.
You just have to do the following:
We enter the configuration by pressing the Windows + I keys .
Then, within System, we must click on Nearby Sharing .
We choose the devices with which we want to share or see the applications and services to which we have given access through the accounts that appear there.
We must do the same on the PC with which we are going to share.
Now we need to go to Windows File Explorer , find the document and then select Share in the toolbar at the top.
Share a file Nearby Sharing
Next, we right-click on the document and select the name of the device we want to share with.
Whoever receives it must click Save or Open when the notification arrives.
Share web link
As we have already mentioned before, we will be able to share a website as well.
To achieve this we must perform these steps:
We enter the configuration by pressing the Windows + I keys .
Then, within System, we must click on Nearby Sharing .
We choose the devices with which we want to share or see the applications and services to which we have given access through the accounts that appear there.
Now we go to Microsoft Edge and then we enter the web page that we want to share.
In Microsoft Edge, click on Settings and more.
Next, we go to Share and then select the name of the device with which we want to share the link.
On the other PC, select Open when the corresponding notification appears.
share an image
As we have also told you, images are another facet that can be shared thanks to Nearby Sharing.We must do it as follows:
We enter the configuration by pressing the Windows + I keys .
Then, within System, we must click on Nearby Sharing .
We choose the devices with which we want to share or see the applications and services to which we have given access through the accounts that appear there.Now it’s time to open the Photos app , select the image we want to share, tap Share , and then tap the name of the device we want to send the image to.
On the receiving device, you must select Save or Open when the notification appears.
Change Nearby Sharing Download Folder
It may be that the folder that is preconfigured to receive those documents or images that others share with us is not the most appropriate and we want to change it.
It is done in a very simple way and with just these steps:
We open the Settings by pressing Windows + I.
By default we should be in System.
Now we must look for the place where it says Save the files that I receive in .
We will see how a button appears on the right that says Change .
We select the folder in which we want the files we receive to be saved.
Finally, we click on the Select folder button .
Now that you know everything you need to do to get Nearby Sharing to work at full capacity, you’ll know how to share easily and simply with other computers.
It is a system that can help a lot in our day to day life and that can become a great ally. You can tell us what you thought, if you knew him or whatever you want, on our social networks.
