How to Transfer Files from Laptop to Laptop in Windows 10

The case: Transfer files between laptops

File transfer is a simple and common operation for Windows users. However, due to the demands of life and work, many people use more than one laptop in practice, as thus a new question arises: “how to transfer files from laptop to laptop in Windows 10?”

Specifically speaking, you may find it necessary to transfer files between two laptops in following occasions:

• Transfer files from old PC to new PC. Most commonly, you bought a new laptop but don’t want to spend a lot of time rewriting all the files on it.

• Work on multiple computers. Maybe you have different laptops in different places. So it’s important to keep these files consistent.

• Share files with friends and family members. You may want to share your happiness with others such as beautiful photos, exquisite videos and so on.

Next, I will initroduce two ways to implement it.

• Way 1: Transfer files between laptops with Windows 10 File Sharing
• Way 2: Transfer files between computers in Windows 10 with freeware 

Way 1: Transfer files between laptops with Windows 10 File Sharing

How to transfer files between computers in Windows 10? To do this task, you can copy and paste files to another PC with USB drive or SD card, compress and send files to one PC by email or blue-tooth and so on. However, these methods are neither convenient nor safe.

Fortunately, Windows 10 provides users with built-in File Sharing feature that enables users to transfer files between computers easily and safely. Now, let’s see how it works.

Step 1. Type File Explorer at the Search box (in the lower left corner of your computer) and then open it. Navigate to the files you want to share.

Step 2. Right click the folder and then choose Properties.

Step 3. Select Sharing from the list. Then click Share.

Step 4. Select the Everyone group from the drop-down menu. Then click Add.

Step 5. Select the type of sharing permissions (here is Read) you want the folder to have. Then click Share.

Tips: Read means the users can view and open the files while Read/Write means they can view, open, modify and delete the sharing files.

Step 6. Note the network path of the folder that other users will need to access the content over the network and then click Done.

Step 7. When sharing progress is completed, you can click Close.

For a single file or folder, you can use this method. However, for large amounts of files or folders, it would be much trouble to set them one by one. Care must be taken when using this method as data loss might occur if you make a mistake in the process.

Besides, many users complain that Windows 10 File Sharing not working when they share files or folders. Some users said that it can’t recognize other computers. In a situation like this, you’d better to use an alternative.

Way 2: Freeware to transfer files between computers in Windows 10

To share files or folders easily, AOMEI Backupper Standard comes to help. It’s equipped with file sync that allows users to transfer files to external/internal hard drives, cloud drives, NAS devices, and network, etc. And best of all, it’s free of charge!

Unlike Windows 10 File Sharing, this freeware allows you to sync multiple files or folders at the same time. The operation steps are also easier than those of File Sharing. In addition, you will never have to worry about losing files again as automatic sync is available in this utility.

To use this freeware, you should download (supports Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP/Vista) it at first. Then follow the steps below.

How to share files between two computers?

Before doing that, you need to install and launch this freeware.

Step 1. Click Basic Sync under Sync tab.

Step 2. You can modify the Task Name as you like. Click Add Folder to select the folder you want to share.

Step 3. Click the Folder icon in the second bar and choose Share/NAS.

Step 4. In the pop-up window, click Add Share or NAS Devices. Then, input the network path of the source laptop and click OK. Type username and password if it prompts.

Step 5. Choose a network-shared folder on the source laptop to store all the synced folders. Click OK to continue.

Step 6. Confirm your operations and then click Start Sync. After the sync process is finished, go to This PC > Network on the target laptop to access the shared folders.

Tips:

• You can click Filter settings (supported by AOMEI Backupper Professional) in Step 2 to sync files with a certain file extension.

• Writing a comment for your current operation can help you distinguish this sync task from others easily. To use this feature, please go Options > General in Step 5.

• Schedule means your files/folders can be synchronized automatically. You can choose it in Step 5 to set up an auto sync based on Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Event triggers, and USB plug in. The last two modes require you to upgrade to the advanced version.

• Do not change the name of the source folder after syncing. Otherwise, this utility cannot sync it anymore.

💛 Alternative way to transfer files between laptops

If you create an AOMEI account, you can also backup laptop files to AOMEI cloud and then restore them on another laptop. You'll get 1TB free storage for 15 days after you sign up for an AOMEI account.

Verdict

How to transfer files from laptop to laptop in Windows 10? File Sharing can be a good choice. However, AOMEI Backupper Standard is highly recommended because it is easier to use and offers more advanced options. Apart from transferring files between laptops, this freeware also works well to transfer files between laptop and desktop.