How to Transfer Data from Computer to Computer
These days, having multiple computers is normal. You can use a desktop computer, laptop, netbook, etc. When you have several computers, the question arises. How to transfer data from computer to computer. Fortunately, transferring files between two computers is easier than you think.
Next, we’ll talk about 10 different ways to transfer data from computer to computer.
1. Windows Home Team
If two computers are running Windows 7 or later, then the fastest and easiest way to transfer data between these computers is to use the Windows Home Group.
You can create a Homegroup on Windows with a single click. The main disadvantage of this method is that both computers must be on the same network.
To get started, open the Start menu and write Home Group.
Next, click the “Create Home Group” button.
Then follow the on-screen instructions.
At the end you will receive a password. Just copy and save it.
That’s all! Whenever you need to transfer data from computer to computer, launch Explorer and select the “Home group” option. For the first time, you will be asked to enter the password that you received earlier.
If you need to transfer a new file or folder to another computer, just right-click on it and select “Share Home group. “
2. USB drive or external hard drive
You can also use a USB drive or an external hard drive to transfer data from computer to computer. This is a good way if you need to transfer multiple files. In addition, this method does not require a network connection.
We recommend using faster external drives or a USB 3.0 port for faster read and write speeds.
Of course, in order to get the maximum file transfer speed, you need to connect external drives to the correct ports. Usually, USB 3.0 ports are blue.
3. Use a dedicated file transfer cable
If you do not want to copy data to an external drive, and then transfer it to another computer, then use special cables to transfer files. Such special cables, such as Belkin Easy Transfer (F5U279), allow you to connect two computers via USB ports so that you can easily exchange files and folders between them. A file transfer cable is especially useful when you have a laptop and a desktop computer.
So here is how it works. Insert both ends of the cable into the USB ports on computers (Windows only). Open Windows Explorer (Win E), and there you will see new software next to the USB or CD-ROM. Run this software on both computers. You will see a split screen window. The upper half of the window contains files from one computer, and the lower half contains the other. Now, copy the files from one window to another to transfer them between the computer.
This, of course, is a quick and convenient way to transfer data from computer to computer, but such cables are quite expensive. Next, you’ll learn some free ways to transfer files between computers.
4. Sync using cloud services (Dropbox or Google Drive)
You can use cloud services such as Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, iCould, etc. To transfer data from computer to computer. The advantage of this method is that cloud services have their own applications on a computer and mobile devices. Minus. Cloud services offer limited space, and you also need to upload files to the cloud first, and then download them to another device. If you have slow internet, this method does not work.
Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive let you enable custom sync so you can only sync the files you need.
Also, if you are using Dropbox, be sure to enable the “LAN Sync” feature. This function allows you to synchronize files and folders between computers on the same network.
5. Sharing folders and drives on the local computer
Sharing drives and folders is one of the oldest ways to transfer data from computer to computer.
To use this method, right-click on the folder that you want to transfer to another computer, then select the “Properties” option.
In the properties window, go to the “Sharing” tab, and click the “Share” button.
You will see a file sharing window. Here, select the “All” option, click the “Add” button, and then click the “Share” button to share the file or folder.
That’s all! Connect from the second computer to the network, open Explorer, then click on the “Network” option in the left pane. If this is your first time using this feature, you may be prompted to enable network discovery. Just click on the message and select “Enable network discovery and file sharing.”
6. Use AnySend
AnySend is one of my favorite applications that makes it easy to share files and folders between computers, and even mobile devices. Just install the application on all your computers, smartphones and tablets. When you are on the same network, open the AnySend application on both computers, copy the necessary data to the clipboard and transfer files and folders with a simple click to another computer.
7. Email data
This is an old school. But, if you need to transfer a small amount of data from computer to computer, you can use this method. In this case, you do not need to install additional programs or set up file sharing on the network.
First, create an archive from the files you want to send. Then create an email, upload the compressed files as an attachment, and send them by email. After that, open the email on another computer and download the attachment.
You should remember that, as a rule, email attachments limit 25 MB. If you need to transfer data from computer to computer larger than this size, then use other methods.
8. Airdrop for Mac
The Airdrop feature on Macs resembles the Homegroup on Windows, but it is more functional and easier to use.
To get started, open Finder on both Mac computers, then select “Airdrop” in the left pane.
Once you open Airdrop on both MAC computers, you will see both systems in the main window. Just drag the file or folder to another system in the Airdrop window. That’s all, the file will be automatically transferred to another computer.
9. Transfer data via FTP
Like file transfer via e-mail, FTP sharing is a fairly old but working way. Most experienced users use this method to share and transfer files. Creating your own FTP server is like creating your own cloud. However, this process may be difficult for beginners.
10. Transfer data via Bluetooth
Most desktop computers do not have built-in Bluetooth, but laptops and smartphones are equipped with Bluetooth sensors. Thus, you can use Bluetooth to transfer data from a laptop to a laptop or mobile device.
Summarizing
We hope that our article helped you transfer data from computer to computer. Share in the comments below your thoughts and experiences on how you transfer various data between computers.
Photos ands from the holidays, music and films, installation files for programs and many more files and documents are stored on the computer of a modern user. And, although not often, but still there is such a situation when you want to throw off a friend’s from the last trip, the installation file for some program, or, say, you need to download the file from your home computer to a working one. In the article I will tell you several ways that will help you transfer the file from computer to computer.
Copy files
To do this, we need a flash drive with sufficient memory, CD or DVD disc. If the files take up a lot of space, you can use an external hard drive. We insert the USB flash drive into the USB connector and copy the data, the external hard drive is also connected in the same way. We simply write files to a CD or DVD disc, for this you may need to install a special program for burning discs. Then we just give the recorded device to a friend.
Copy data from hard drive
To do this, you need to remove the hard drive from one computer on which the necessary file is stored, and put it on another computer. Then copy the data and install the hard drive back to your native computer. Although the method is quite complicated, you can not be afraid for data loss. It should be noted right away that for an inexperienced user this method will not be the easiest. After all, most of us do not dare to independently open the system unit and change something there. If you still want to remove the hard drive yourself, I recommend reading the following article: how to remove the hard drive from the computer.
Using a network cable
How to do this is described in detail in the article. How to connect a laptop to a computer. In this case, you simply connect two computers by twisted pair and configure a network between them. Then, copy the desired file to the created shared folder, and then another user has access to it. For those who want to connect two computers to each other through a router, and not directly through a cable, I advise you to read the article. How to connect two computers to each other.
Using file sharing
This can help you if your friends or relatives live in another city, and there is no way to directly connect two computers or transfer a USB flash drive. Today there are many file hosting services: Cloud Mail.Ru, Dropbox, Yandex Disk, Google Drive. The essence, in principle, is the same for everyone. Previously, I already wrote the Dropbox article. What kind of program it is and how to configure Dropbox, you can read them simply by clicking on the links. Install the selected program on both computers. Then add the necessary file to the local cloud storage folder located on the computer, after which automatic synchronization with the cloud takes place. Then another user starts a file hosting service from his computer, logs in using the same mailbox and password as you. Synchronization is in progress and a local folder with downloaded files is also created on his computer. Now he can view them, copy, or even add something of his own to the folder. If you do not want to disclose your username and password, you can create a link to the file in your file hosting service and send it to a friend. In this case, he will be able to watch or download it.
Teamviewer
You can read the article on how to configure remote access through TeamViewer here. This method will help a lot if at work you need a file that is stored on your home computer. With TeamViewer, you can easily download it. A small clarification. It is necessary that the home computer in this case be turned on. Also, through TeamViewer, when creating a connection, you can download and view files from another computer.
That’s probably all. How to transfer a file from computer to computer. We figured it out. Choose a method suitable for you and, I am sure, everything will turn out.
