Transferring files between computers can sometimes feel daunting, especially when both machines are on a local network. However, if you have a LAN (Local Area Network) cable on hand, you can easily set up a direct connection between two PCs. This method is not only fast but also reliable, especially when working with large files or extensive directories.
In this article, we will walk you through the necessary steps to transfer files from one PC to another using a LAN cable in Windows 11. We will cover everything from the hardware requirements to file-sharing settings, ensuring that even beginners can follow along.
Requirements
Before diving into the transfer process, let’s quickly review what you will need:
Two Windows 11 PCs
: Ensure that both machines are running Windows 11.
LAN Cable
: You can use either a standard Ethernet cable or a crossover cable. Modern Ethernet interfaces typically support Auto-MDIX, meaning they can adapt to various cable types.
Network Configuration
: Both computers need to be configured correctly to communicate with each other.
File Sharing Permissions
: Ensure that your user account has permissions to access the folders you want to share.
With all requirements in place, let’s take the first step.
Step 1: Physical Connection
Begin by properly connecting your two PCs using the LAN cable:
-
Plug One End of the Cable
into the Ethernet port of the first PC. -
Plug the Other End of the Cable
into the Ethernet port of the second PC.
Once the connection is made, both PCs should recognize the network connection automatically. You can confirm this by checking the network status.
Step 2: Configure IP Addresses
For the two PCs to communicate, they must have static IP addresses within the same subnet. Here’s how to configure the IP settings:
PC 1 Configuration
Open Settings
: Press
Windows + I
keys to open Settings.
Navigate to Network & Internet
: Click on ‘Network & Internet’ from the left sidebar.
Click on Ethernet
: This option will show up if your cable is connected.
Change Adapter Options
: Scroll down and click on “Advanced network settings”. Under “More settings,” click on “Network and Sharing Center.”
Select Ethernet
: In the Network Connections window, right-click on your Ethernet connection and select “Properties”.
Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)
: Highlight it and click on “Properties”.
Use the following IP address
: Select the radio button that says ‘Use the following IP address’ and fill in the following details:
-
IP Address:
192.168.1.1
-
Subnet Mask:
255.255.255.0
- Default Gateway: leave this blank.
DNS Settings
: You can also use a DNS server like
8.8.8.8
(Google’s public DNS), but it’s optional and can be left blank in this case.
Confirm Settings
: Click “OK” to save the settings.
PC 2 Configuration
Repeat the above steps on the second PC but use different IP settings:
Open the Ethernet Properties, and go to TCP/IPv4 Properties as explained previously.
Use the following settings:
-
IP Address:
192.168.1.2
-
Subnet Mask:
255.255.255.0
- Default Gateway: leave this blank.
Click “OK” to confirm.
Now both PCs should be able to communicate with one another in the network.
Step 3: Enable File and Printer Sharing
To transfer files, you need to enable the File and Printer Sharing service on both machines:
Open the Control Panel: Press
Windows + R
, type in
control
, and hit Enter.
Navigate to
Network and Sharing Center
: Find “Network and Internet” and then click on “Network and Sharing Center”.
Change Advanced Sharing Settings
: Click on “Change advanced sharing settings” on the left pane.
Turn on Network Discovery
: Make sure ‘Turn on network discovery’ is selected.
Enable File and Printer Sharing
: Under File and Printer Sharing, ensure that the option to ‘Turn on file and printer sharing’ is enabled.
Save Changes
: Click “Save Changes” if prompted.
Step 4: Prepare the Files for Sharing
Now you’re ready to set up the files you want to share. Choose a folder you’d like to share on the source PC:
Select the Folder
: Right-click on the folder you want to share.
Go to Properties
: Click on “Properties”.
Sharing Tab
: Navigate to the “Sharing” tab.
Share
: Click on the “Share…” button. You can then choose specific users or select ‘Everyone’ for simple access.
Set Permissions
: After selecting users, click on the corresponding permission levels you want to allow (Read or Read/Write).
Share the Folder
: Click “Share” and note the network path provided (e.g.,
\192.168.1.1YourSharedFolder
).
Step 5: Access the Shared Folder from the Second PC
Once the folder is shared, you can now access it from your second PC:
Open File Explorer
: Press
Windows + E
.
Network
: In the left sidebar, click on ‘Network’. This will show you all the devices connected to your local network.
Find the First PC
: Look for the name of the first computer (the one that has the shared folder).
Access the Shared Folder
: Double-click on the computer name, and you should see the shared folder. Click on it to access the files.
Copy the Files
: You can now copy the files from the shared folder to your PC. Right-click on the files you want to transfer and choose “Copy,” then navigate to your desired location and select “Paste.”
Step 6: Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues during the transfer, here are some common troubleshooting tips:
Firewall Settings
: Ensure that your Windows Firewall or any other security software is not blocking file sharing. You can temporarily disable it to see if it resolves the issue.
Network Discovery
: Revisit the Network settings to ensure Network Discovery and File Sharing are enabled on both PCs.
Correct IP Addresses
: Ensure that both PCs are using the correct static IP addresses and that they are in the same subnet.
Permission Issues
: Make sure that you have shared the folder with the proper permissions that allow access.
Check the Cable
: Verify that the LAN cable is functional. A faulty cable can hinder connectivity.
Conclusion
Transferring files between two PCs using a LAN cable in Windows 11 is a straightforward process that can save time and effort, especially for large file transfers. Once configured properly, both PCs can effortlessly share files at high speeds without relying on cloud services or external drives.
By following the steps outlined above—connecting the PCs, configuring IP addresses, enabling file sharing, and preparing folders—you can seamlessly transfer your data. With a little practice, you’ll find that using a LAN cable is an efficient way to handle local file transfers. Embrace the power of your local network and enjoy the convenience of quick file sharing!