Bluetooth isn't the only technology for wireless file transfer, as Windows 10 has a faster option called Wi-Fi Direct.
Over the past few years, wireless communication has certainly evolved. With Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and NFC, data can be transferred from one device to another in no time. The Windows 10 operating system boasts Wi-Fi Direct, a wireless connectivity system that allows two or more Wi-Fi devices to connect to each other without routers or hotspots. Want to transfer data from PC to laptop? Easy! Or, on the contrary, from phone to PC? Easy peasy!
All this is easy enough thanks to Wi-Fi Direct. Below we will describe how to properly use the feature on Windows 10 and transfer files wirelessly.
What is Wi-Fi Direct
Wi-Fi Direct can be considered as a kind of Bluetooth that works over Wi-Fi. The tool has the same "discover and send" function as Bluetooth, but the data is sent using Wi-Fi. As you may have guessed, this allows for greater file transfer speeds.
Bluetooth was released in 1994. The technology is quite common today (for example, for transmitting sound and connecting various devices such as smart watches, etc.), but it is not ideal for transferring large files. Wi-Fi Direct solves this problem and looks like it will replace Bluetooth in this regard in the next few years.
Today, Wi-Fi Direct is not yet as versatile as Bluetooth. However, when used correctly, the feature is very useful for transferring data between Windows 10 and other suitable hardware.
How do I know if my PC supports Wi-Fi Direct?
Sending a file is much faster and easier when using Wi-Fi Direct compared to Bluetooth. However, first you need to make sure that the device supports Wi-Fi Direct:
To do this, press WIN + R > type "CMD" > a command prompt will open where you need to enter ipconfig / all.
If the PC is Wi-Fi Direct compatible, you will see the line "Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter". If it is present, then you can start transferring data via Wi-Fi Direct. However, this is not as obvious as it might seem at first glance.
How to transfer files from Android to Windows using Wi-Fi Direct
For To use Wi-Fi Direct, you need to install a third-party application, and choosing the right program is very important here.
We recommend Feem Wi-Fi Direct enabled software for Windows PC and laptop users. This is a free tool, although it has paid versions with additional features. However, Feem's Wi-Fi Direct is free, as is chat. Additional funding will add support for iOS, unlimited file transfers, and remove ads.
Using Feem to transfer data from Android to PC or laptop is very simple.
- Create hotspot on your Android device in Settings> "Network and Internet"> Access point and modem. Then connect your Windows computer to this network.
- Run Feem on your smartphone (tablet) and PC (laptop). You will notice that both devices in the app have unusual names (eg Junior Raccoon) as well as password. Make a note of it as you will need it to establish a connection.
- Send a file from a mobile device to a computer using Wi-Fi Direct. Select the target device and click Send File. Select the required information and click the "Submit" button.
In a few moments, the data will be sent to your computer! You see, everything is very simple. In addition, the same can be done in reverse!
Transfer files using ES File Explorer
If your computer doesn't support Wi-Fi Direct, don't worry! There are several tools available on Android that allow you to transfer data between devices without Wi-Fi Direct.
ES File Explorer is a popular file manager for Android. It has multiple file management features for local and network use. Among them is FTP, which provides a direct network connection between two devices.
- Install the application, then go to the "Network" menu and select "FTP" to display the IP address of the device based on Android. Copy the address and insert files in the file transfer program (for example, FileZilla) to view the contents. Then you can easily transfer files between two devices.
As you can see, ES conductor is great if you want to transmit data from a mobile device to a laptop via Wi-Fi, but at the same time Your PC does not support Wi-Fi Direct.
Transfer of files via Bluetooth
If a computer or laptop does not support Wi-Fi Direct, and you do not want to use FTP, then a reasonable solution (in the absence of a USB cable) is Bluetooth. This is especially useful if Windows 7 or 8 is installed on your computer, which are incompatible with Wi-Fi Direct.
First, make sure that the computer is connected to a suitable device via Bluetooth (telephone, tablet, computer, etc.). In addition, do not forget that you need to include "visibility for all", otherwise the desired device will not be visible to others. Both devices will start the search and, if successfully connected to each other after entering the confirmation code.
If you do not know where Bluetooth controls are located on your computer on Windows 10, open the Bluetooth options by searching in the Start menu. When the second device is in detection mode, select "Adding a Bluetooth or other device". The Windows 10 will then automatically search. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the connection.
After successful pairing, switch to Windows desktop and find the Bluetooth icon on the taskbar / in the notification area. Left-click, click on "Send File" and select the desired file.
When sending a file, the device receiving the selected file will ask if you really want to save data. Click "Yes" and wait for the transfer to complete.
Please note that due to the smaller Bluetooth radius, the best results will be achieved if both devices are close to each other.
Data transfer rate
when using these two methods You will probably notice that Wi-Fi Direct is much faster than Bluetooth. Indeed, recent tests have shown that Bluetooth transmission speed compared to Wi-Fi at times less.
Yes, Wi-Fi Direct is not faster than a cable (like USB 2.0 or USB 3.0), but the technology is certainly capable of transferring a 1.5 GB file in 10 minutes; in the case of Bluetooth, it will take more than an hour and a half to transfer data of the same size.
Totals
Ultimately, the choice depends on the type of data you want to transfer. The USB 3.0 cable is the fastest option (if the appropriate port is installed on the PC/computer). Right behind it in terms of speed is Wi-Fi Direct, in third place is Bluetooth. Wi-Fi Direct is a good tool, but it's not as common (or known) as Bluetooth.
Perhaps the most important benefit of Wi-Fi Direct on Windows 10 is ease of use. It is worth noting that early versions of the technology were quite complex.
