On macOS and iOS you have AirDrop, but did you know that Windows also has that kind of feature? In Dutch, Microsoft calls this functionality Sharing in the immediate vicinity. The option is available on Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Before we take a closer look at the function, it is useful to see what requirements your computer must meet. For example, both computers (the transmitter and the receiver) must have bluetooth 4.0. That is a version of bluetooth that is relatively old, so there is a very good chance that your Windows computer supports that variant.
For now, bluetooth is the only way Share in the immediate vicinity (Nearby Share in English) cooperates. But in the future, the option may also support Wi-Fi or a wired connection. At the time of writing, Microsoft is still working on it.
It is also useful to know that you can only share individual files. Unfortunately, sharing a folder with another computer is not yet possible. What you can do is pack a collection of files into a .zip file and share it with someone else.
Set up AirDrop for Windows
Now that we’re familiar with the terms, it’s time to take a look at how to activate Nearby Sharing. Go to Settings > System > Share in the immediate vicinity (Windows 11) or Settings > System > Shared experience > Share in the immediate vicinity. Turn on the function and then set whether you want to share only with your own devices (with which you are signed in with your Microsoft account) or with everyone nearby.
You can also set in which folder the incoming files are saved. The folder that Windows chooses by default is the Downloadfolder. If you want to use a different map, click on Modify (after you Share in the immediate vicinity activated).
Share!
Once you have everything set up, you can share a file. Find the file you want to share (for example via the Explorer if it desktop) and select it with the right mouse button. Choose the option Parts and then the option Share in the immediate vicinity. Windows will now look for devices that also have the option activated; you will see it appear in a window.
Select the device you want to share with. Windows will not start the process until you share it on the other device confirms. You will also see a notification of this; you will find it in the picture on the right. accept the share request on the second device and the sharing begins. Afterwards you will receive a message that the process is complete. Now you can directly open the file or folder containing the file.
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