AirDrop is an old acquaintance of Apple users. This is the easiest way to share all kinds of files between computers on the Bitten Apple. However, Can AirDrop be used on a Windows PC? We will now explain the easiest way to perform this step between an iPhone or iPad and a computer based on the Microsoft operating system.
The year 2011 arrived, Apple launched with its teams a function that still lasts today. It is massively used by Mac, iPhone and iPad users. In effect, this function is called AirDrop and it is one of the services most sought after by users of other operating systems. Now, it’s very possible that you have an iPhone but that’s not why you want – or need – a macOS-based computer. Is there an alternative to share files with a Windows computer without using a cable? The answer is yes.
What is certain is that the iPhone is one of the best-selling mobiles on the market. And that’s not what we say about Actualidad iPhone, but the sales figures are what they reveal: 8 out of 10 computers sold are an iPhone model. However, Windows is perhaps the most widely used desktop operating system in the world.. Lenovo is the company with the largest market share in this sector. But surely the professional and commercial sector has a lot to do in this regard.
And the ability to easily share files between our teams is something that users look for on a daily basis. Since the year 2011, AirDrop facilitates this task between users of the Apple ecosystem. And it is that finding this function in the “share” menu and having to do without cables or sending attachments in emails, is a relief. And with users who combine the two ecosystems -Apple and Microsoft-, what solutions are available to them?
Is there AirDrop for Windows?
Unfortunately, AirDrop as a feature is not available for use outside the Apple ecosystem. Those of Cupertino have already taken care to create this service in a closed way and that no other team that does not carry their operating systems could take advantage of it. AirDrop works via Bluetooth and proximity. In other words, when you activate the function and want to share a file, only devices near you will appear among the devices available for sharing.
SO, using AirDrop as such with a Windows computer is not possible. Now, are there alternatives as valid as this function? Yes, and it’s also free. But we’ll see later.
Ok, we put ourselves in a situation and we no longer say for reasons of taste on this or that operating system, but for work reasons – generally due to the use of certain software which is only available on Windows, the alternative you use every day is Windows. However, instead of a mobile with iOS, you have an Android. GOOD, Google introduced Nearby Sharing in 2020 and it would be used to transmit documents between Android devices, although it promises a version for Windows devices. And it was only in this year 2023 that the beta version appeared for download.
This function works in the same way as AirDrop but outside of the Apple ecosystem. In other words, you can share any type of file between Android mobile and Windows computer. Also, enter Nearby Share for Windows you can choose to receive files from everyone, from your contacts or only from your devices.
For this app to work you must enter the data of your Google account that you want to associate with this service. Once done, you will see that in the option to receive files from your devices, only computers logged in with the Google account you previously chose will work.
If you want to try this option, first try to download it from the official website of the application. In case that doesn’t work, since distribution in some regions is complicated, you should try a VPN. But although this solution is very good, we continue with the same problem: we will not be able to use an iPhone or an iPad to transfer files.
Snapdrop – The Best Alternative to Use AirDrop on Windows PC
However, we have arrived at the definitive solution to be able to share files with any computer and using any operating system you are using. This variant is called snapdrop. It is a website to share files anonymously between devices that are on the same network
On the other hand, the next requirement to be able to use this service is that the two computers that are going to share a file must access the Snapdrop page. And of course, Do not close the browser tab at any time during the process. Done, you can use it. In the same way, we will explain to you step by step how it works:
- Enter the Snapdrop site with the first team -the one who will send the file to share-
- Now, from the receiving device -in this case it can be a computer with Windows, MacOS, Android mobile, iPhone, etc.- also open Snapdrop service
- Teams close to you should seem able to share. Select one
- Now a menu will open on the sending device, search your file browser for the document, image, etc., you want to share and click on it
- The receiving computer will automatically receive the file and it will allow you to preview the file -here it will depend if it is an image or another type of document- and it will give you the option to save it to your memory or cancel the download
it’s simple it’s power share files between your computers without having to use cables or download third-party applications which, perhaps, entail additional expenses such as a monthly subscription. Also, if you know of any other methods for this task, we would be grateful if you could share them in the comments.
Actualization: it seems, snapdrop service is down. While it becomes available again, another alternative is Sharedrop.io. Like Snapdrop, allows you to share files of different types over WiFi networks and using the same browser. Both computers must access the peer-to-peer service page in order to share.
