How to transfer files from one computer to another
Updated
Getting files from one computer to another sounds trivial until the two machines run different operating systems, sit on different networks, or one of them isn’t yours. These are the five main approaches and when each one wins.
For a few files under 100 MB, the quickest is right here: add them to the Share panel below, then type the code on the other computer.
Find
Enter a share code to access shared content.
The 8-character code from the sender: 2 letters, then 6 digits.
1. An online transfer (quickest for a few files)
Upload on one computer and download on the other. It works across Windows, macOS, Linux and ChromeOS and across any distance. With ShareQuik (the panel above) you upload up to 100 MB, get an 8-character code, and type it on the second computer, with nothing to install and no account to sign in to. See transfer files online for more detail.
2. A USB drive or cable (best for lots of data)
For tens of gigabytes, copying to an external drive and plugging it into the other machine is hard to beat. Format the drive as exFAT if it needs to work on both Windows and Mac.
3. Network file sharing (same office or home)
Windows and macOS can both share folders over a local network. It takes some setup (turning on file sharing and setting permissions), so it suits computers that will exchange files regularly rather than a one-off copy.
4. Cloud sync (your own computers, ongoing)
If both computers are yours, signing in to the same cloud drive keeps a folder in sync automatically. Great long-term, but it needs an account on both and isn’t appropriate on a computer you don’t own.
5. Nearby sharing (same ecosystem)
AirDrop between Macs and nearby sharing between Windows PCs are fast and simple when both computers are close and on the same platform. They don’t help between a Mac and a Windows PC.
Frequently asked questions
How do I share files between a Windows PC and a Mac?
An online transfer or an exFAT-formatted USB drive works across both. For a few files, upload on one and download on the other with a ShareQuik code.
What is the fastest way to move files between two computers?
For large amounts of data, a cable or external drive. For a handful of files, an online transfer is usually quicker overall because there is nothing to set up.
Move a few files right now
Upload on this computer, type the code on the other one.
Go to the Share panelDo it with ShareQuik
- Transfer files online between any two devicesTransfer files online between your phone, laptop and other devices. Upload on one, type an 8-character code on the other, and download. No cables, apps or logins.
- How to transfer files online between devicesHow to transfer files online between phones and computers, compared with cables, AirDrop-style sharing and cloud sync, to pick the right route for each job.
- Share text online with a short codePaste up to 3,000 words, get an 8-character code, and read the text on any phone or computer. No account and no email needed to view it; it deletes after 3 days.
More from the blog
- How to transfer files from your phone to a PC, and backMove photos, videos and documents between an iPhone or Android phone and a PC in either direction: with a cable, the cloud, or an 8-character code in the browser.
- Email attachment size limits, and what to do when you hit themThe attachment size limits of Gmail, Outlook and iCloud Mail, why a file under the limit can still bounce, and what to do when your attachment is too big.