How to send files between Android and Windows

As the most popular desktop and mobile operating systems on the planet, many people regularly use Android and Windows.

Most apps and websites automatically sync data across all your devices, so it’s easy to use the same services on your phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop. But what about when it comes to moving specific files between them?

Apple has the edge in this area, with its powerful ecosystem enabling seamless file sharing across iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Android and Windows can’t quite compete, but there are plenty of methods available.

Here are the three keys you need to know.

Send files manually

If you’re reading this article, you probably already knew this one. Sending files manually sometimes seems clumsy, but it gets the job done.

The most obvious method is to physically connect the Android and Windows devices using a USB cable. Make sure to enable file transfer on the Android device, then head to File Explorer and locate it – it should be listed as the name of the phone or tablet.

Drag and drop all files on Android device or vice versa to move them. Depending on the size of the files, this may take some time.

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

Of course, you can also send files wirelessly. Email is an option, but it usually limits you to 20-25MB. WeTransfer increases that limit to 2GB on the free plan, though Send Anywhere is a great alternative with no restrictions.

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

Most messaging apps also support file transfer, but images are often compressed and therefore delivered in lower quality.

Use a cloud storage service

But if you want the work done for you, just use a cloud storage service. Whenever you download a file to your Android or Windows device, it will automatically be available everywhere.

Microsoft’s OneDrive (5GB free) and Google Drive (15GB free) are the most obvious options – both can be added directly to File Explorer and have a dedicated Android app. But many great alternatives are more generous in terms of storage. Check out our chart of the best cloud storage services for inspiration.

Use Nearby Sharing

Nearby Share is Google’s take on Apple’s AirDrop, and it works great with Windows devices. Here’s how to set it up:

1. On your Android device, go to Settings and search for “Nearby Sharing” to make sure it’s available to you – all recent phones and tablets should be compatible.

2. Enable “Use Nearby Sharing” and “Device Visibility” if they aren’t already enabled

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

3. On your Windows device, go to the nearby sharing website and click “Start with beta” to download it. The application works with all Windows 10 or 11 64-bit computers, but not those on ARM

4. Once installed, open the app and sign in with the same Google account as your Android device

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

5. Select a name for your PC and choose who can share files with you. Click “Done” to continue

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

6. Enable Bluetooth on both devices if you haven’t already. You should see a message saying “Ready to Receive”

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

Nearby sharing is now configured. To move files from Windows to Android:

1. In the Nearby Share app, click “Select Files” or “Select Folders” and choose the one you want to share. Alternatively, drag and drop them directly into the app

2. After a short message saying “Searching for nearby devices”, your Android device should appear. Click on it and the files will be sent

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

3. On your Android device, you will receive a notification that the files have been received. They will be stored in the Downloads folder in Google’s Files app

To move files from Android to Windows:

1. Locate any file, photo or website you want to share

2. Open the “Share” menu, then choose “Share Nearby” (you may need to expand the available options)

3. Select your PC from the list that appears

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

4. In the Windows Nearby Share app, you’ll see a message that something has been received. Click “Open” to display it or “Dismiss” to ignore it

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

However, it should be noted that there may still be bugs with Nearby Sharing. The Windows app is still in beta and when the final version will be released is unclear.

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