Google Nearby Share Rolls Out to Windows PCs: How to Transfer Files from Android

Say goodbye to the hassle of cables and slow transfers.

Google Nearby Share feature, Android's version of Apple's AirDrop, is now finally available to Windows PC users.

Previously, the wireless file transfer service of the renowned tech giant was only exclusive to Android mobile phones, tablets, and Chromebooks or ChromeOS machines.

Microsoft Windows
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 2: A view of the new Microsoft Surface Laptop following a Microsoft launch event, May 2, 2017 in New York City. The Windows 10 S operating system is geared toward the education market and is Microsoft's answer to Google's Chrome OS. by Drew Angerer/Getty Images

But this time around, Windows users may now ditch their dangling cables when sharing files from their Android phone to their PC or laptop or vice versa.

Google's AirDrop Nearby Share is Now on Windows

The Nearby Share feature of Google for Android and ChromeOS is now embracing more users as it is now heading to Microsoft's Windows.

It is worth noting that iPhone and Mac users are enjoying the perks of the Apple ecosystem. They can seamlessly transfer their files from their phones and laptops without having to look for any third-party service. Airdrop lets them do so, XDA Developers reports.

On the other hand, Android and Windows users have to look for third-party options to transfer files easily and quickly. Until now that Google has finally started dishing out a beta version of its Nearby Share feature.

As per a report by 9to5 Google, the search giant initially hinted at the arrival of the file-sharing service to Windows last CES 2022. After more than a year, the beta version of the app is now up and running.

Users may now download the Nearby Share Beta app for Windows from the website of Android. Much like its mobile version, it uses Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to transfer files like lightning.

Google says it "quickly [transfers] photos, videos, documents, audio files or entire folders between your Android device and Windows PCs."

With its new Windows app version, the tech giant says that it should help Android users organize their files on their PCs or laptops. Not to mention it also lets them bring media files like videos and photos "on a larger screen."

How to Transfer Files from Android to PC

To transfer files from your Android phone or tablet to a Windows-powered PC or laptop, you need to download and install the Google Nearby Share app on the latter. It is a built-in function on Android, but you will have to manually get it yourself on Windows.

Google Android
A large Android logo head is displayed at Alphabets Google Android plaza booth during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 5, 2023. by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images

You may download the Nearby Share for Windows app on Android.com.

Once installation is out of the way, follow the steps below.

  • Sign in to your Google Account on the Nearby Share app for Windows.
  • Then, transfer files from your Android phone to your Windows PC or laptop.
  • Once transferred, open the files on the Nearby Share Windows app.
Teejay Boris
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