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Share files easily between Android devices and Windows PCs

A still Illustration of an Android phone receiving a photo sent from a nearby Windows computer using Nearby Share Beta.

In 2020, we launched Nearby Share as a fast and simple way to share files across your own devices and with friends who are close by. Now available on nearly 3 billion active Android devices, Nearby Share enables us to quickly send and receive content across Android phones, tablets and Chromebooks.

Today, we’re expanding Nearby Share to Windows as a beta in select regions, so even more of your devices can work better together.

How to use Nearby Share with your Windows PC

Nearby Share Beta for Windows is simple to set up. Just download and install the Nearby Share Beta app on your PC. You’ll then be able to send files to nearby Android devices, or send files to your PC based on your device visibility preferences.

Nearby Share Beta works with your Windows PC whether the app is open on the desktop or running in the background. Sending a photo, video or document from your PC to a nearby Android device is as easy as dragging and dropping it into the app, or by selecting “Send with Nearby Share” in the right-click menu. Just select which Android devices you want to share with from the list that pops up.

Sending files to your own devices is even faster. As long as 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, just make sure the Nearby Share Beta application is running on your PC. Then, it’s as easy as tapping Share on the content you want to send, and selecting the PC from the list of available devices.

Animation showing the opening of the “share” option in Google Photos on an Android phone, and selecting Nearby Share to send a video to the Windows computer next to the Android phone.

Quickly send a photo from your Android device to your PC with Nearby Share Beta for Windows.

As a beta, Nearby Share for Windows PCs supports sharing content with Android smartphones and tablets. As we continue to fine-tune the experience and receive your feedback, we’ll expand official support to share content with other Google ecosystem devices.

Whether it’s sharing a photo, link or document, there are many ways Nearby Share can help you throughout your day. Today, Nearby Share Beta for Windows is rolling out in the U.S. and select regions globally.

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