Previously, if you want to share files wirelessly between your Android devices and Windows PCs, you have to use Bluetooth (which is slow), upload and download from a cloud storage, or use a 3rd party app. To make it easier and seamless, Google has decided to release an app that allows you transfer files wirelessly, without any cost.
A few days ago, Google released an app called “Nearby Share Beta” that enables users to quickly send and receive content across Android phones, tablets and Chromebooks.
Setting up Nearby Share Beta on your Windows PC is straightforward. Simply download and install the app, and you can then send files to nearby Android devices or to your PC based on your preferences for device visibility.
To use it, your PC must be running the 64-bit version of Windows 10 and up. It cannot be powered by ARM processors and your PC and Android device must be connected to the same WiFi and have Bluetooth turned on.
You can use Nearby Share Beta on your PC whether the app is open on your desktop or running in the background. To send a photo, video, or document from your PC to a nearby Android device, you can either drag and drop it into the app or select “Send with Nearby Share” from the right-click menu and choose which Android devices you want to share with.
Sending files to your own devices is even easier. If both devices are logged into your Google account, file transfers are automatically accepted, even if your screen is off.
To share from your Android device to your computer, ensure that the Nearby Share Beta application is running on your PC. Then, tap Share on the content you want to send and select the PC from the list of available devices.
Nearby Share Beta for Windows PCs is available in most countries globally, including the U.S. We have just downloaded the app and can confirmed it works here. Take note that this app is still in the beta, so there could be some bugs and glitches.
To learn more about the Nearby Share Beta, you can head over to the Nearby Share Beta support page.
