To send a file from Windows 11 over Bluetooth, pair the devices and make sure the recipient is ready to receive. Then open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices, select Send or receive files via Bluetooth under Related settings, and choose Send files. To receive a file on the PC, open that same tool and choose Receive files before starting the transfer on the sending device. Microsoft Support documents this procedure.
What you need before starting
- Bluetooth must be available on the Windows 11 PC and on the other device.
- Turn on the devices, pair them in Windows Bluetooth settings, and keep them within range.
- The receiving device must be ready to accept files. A Windows receiver needs to be put in Receive files mode first; for a phone or other non-Windows device, follow its maker’s instructions.
How to send a file from Windows 11
- Turn on the receiving device and pair it with the Windows 11 PC. Prepare it to receive Bluetooth files.
- On the Windows PC, open Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices.
- Under Related settings, select Send or receive files via Bluetooth.
- In Bluetooth File Transfer, choose Send files.
- Select the destination device. If it is not listed, check that it is powered on and nearby. If Windows offers Use authentication, the devices may not yet be paired; you can proceed with authentication to attempt pairing or pair them first in Settings.
- Select Browse, choose the file, and select Next. Follow the transfer progress, then select Finish when Windows reports completion.
If the transfer does not complete, the receiver may not have been set to accept Bluetooth files. Check its receiving mode and try again.
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How to receive a file on Windows 11
- Pair the sending device with the Windows PC.
- On the PC, open Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices.
- Under Related settings, select Send or receive files via Bluetooth.
- Choose Receive files. Windows will wait for an incoming transfer.
- Start sending the file from the other device.
- When the transfer finishes, keep the default save location or choose another folder, then select Finish.
Bluetooth File Transfer or Nearby sharing?
Use Bluetooth File Transfer when exchanging files with a paired device that supports Bluetooth file reception, including compatible phones. Nearby sharing is a separate feature for sharing documents, photos, links, and other content with supported Windows PCs. Microsoft says Nearby sharing can use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi; supported PCs on the same private Wi-Fi network can use Wi-Fi. See Microsoft’s Nearby sharing instructions for its setup.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →| Method | Recipient | Connection and setup |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth File Transfer | A paired, compatible Bluetooth device, including a phone | Uses Bluetooth; the receiver must be ready to accept the file. |
| Nearby sharing | Supported Windows PCs | Enable it on both PCs; it can use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi under Microsoft’s stated conditions, and the recipient accepts or saves the item. |
Nearby sharing also has a visibility trade-off. Microsoft says choosing Everyone nearby makes the PC’s Bluetooth MAC address and name available to nearby devices, which could be used to link the PC to its owner. If you only need to share with your own logged-in devices, choose the narrower scope where available. Details are in Microsoft’s Nearby sharing guidance.
#1 Best Overall
- Bluetooth 5.4 + Broad Compatibility - Provides Bluetooth 5.4 plus EDR technology and is backward compatible with Bluetooth V5.3/5.0/4.2/4.0/3.0/2.1/2.0/1.1.
- Faster Speed, Extended Range - Get up to 2x faster data transfer and 4x broader coverage compared to Bluetooth 4.0 — perfect for smooth audio streaming and stable connections.
- EDR and BLE Technology - This Bluetooth dongle is quipped with enhanced data rate and Bluetooth low energy, UB500 has greatly improved data transfer speed and operates at the optimal rate of power consumption
- Nano-Sized - A sleek, ultra-small design means you can insert the Nano Bluetooth receiver into any USB port and simply keep it there regardless of whether you are traveling or at home
- Plug & Play with Free Driver Support - Plug and play for Windows 8.1/10/11 (internet required). Supports Win7 (driver required and can be downloaded from website for free). Download the latest driver from TP-Link website to utilize Bluetooth 5.4
Fix common Bluetooth transfer problems
“Send or receive files via Bluetooth” is missing
Microsoft says this can mean the PC has no Bluetooth adapter or the adapter’s driver is not installed. Check Windows Bluetooth settings and Device Manager before buying an adapter. See Microsoft’s Bluetooth file-transfer guidance.
The destination device does not appear
Make sure the other device is powered on, within range, and paired with the PC. Confirm that it is ready to receive files.
Rank #2
- INSTANT BLUETOOTH ACCESS: Bluetooth dongle adapter receiver for PCs converts non-Bluetooth devices into Bluetooth-capable with simple USB connection
- WIDE COMPATIBILITY: Supports Bluetooth 5.4 and is backwards compatible with Bluetooth 5.3/5.2/5.1/5.0/V4.2/4.0/3.0/2.1/2.0/1.1; ONLY works with Windows 8.1, 10, and 11
- MULTI-DEVICE CONNECTION: Connect up to 6 devices simultaneously; Not compatible with all other operation systems e.g. Mac, Linux, Chrome, Unix, Playstation(PS), Windows 7 and below; Nano bluetooth receiver can be plugged in via any standard USB port
- ENHANCED PERFORMANCE: EDR and BLE technology offers enhanced data rate/transfer speed and low energy consumption
- SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Not compatible with all other operation systems e.g. Mac, Linux, Chrome, Unix, Playstation(PS), Windows 7 and below; Disable any built-in Bluetooth of the device before use this product, refer to the user manual for detail
The transfer fails to start or complete
Put a Windows recipient in Receive files mode before sending. On other devices, use the maker’s instructions to enable Bluetooth file reception; support steps differ by device.
Nearby sharing is missing or stalls
Nearby sharing is not the Bluetooth File Transfer dialog. For that separate feature, check that it is enabled and configured on both PCs, and review Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity and notifications. Microsoft’s Nearby sharing troubleshooting guide covers discovery and connection problems.
Rank #3
- Long Range Bluetooth Adapter: Techkey USB Bluetooth 6.0 dongle utilizes Class 1 radio technology and features an extended antenna, providing a transmission range of up to 600ft/200m in open areas, ensuring that Bluetooth connections are no longer limited by distance. (Please note that physical obstructions and wireless interference may affect the actual transmission range.)
- Fast Transmission Rate: With EDR technology and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) configuration, this upgraded Bluetooth 6.0 adapter achieves speeds of up to 3Mbps, greatly improving transmission rates and reducing efficiency loss due to interference in the 2.4GHz band. This allows for fast, seamless wireless data connections between your computer and Bluetooth devices.
- Real Plug & Play with Free Driver Support: Techkey USB wireless Bluetooth is not constrained by network or location, requiring no driver installation. Just plug the USB wireless adapter into your computer and start using it right away. Enjoy the convenience of Bluetooth functionality at any time, enhancing work efficiency and saving time.
- Latest Bluetooth 6.0 dongle: Utilizes the latest Bluetooth 6.0+EDR technology, compatible with Bluetooth 6.0/5.4/5.3/5.2/4.2/4.2 LE/4.0/2.1+EDR, and features Dual mode (BR/EDR+ Bluetooth Low Energy) for reduced energy consumption and enhanced speed, ensuring quick response and superior anti-interference capabilities.
- Up to 7 Devices Sync Connected: The upgraded Bluetooth 6.0 dongle is designed for a wide range of applications, allowing simultaneous connections with up to 7 Bluetooth wireless devices such as speakers, keyboards, headsets, mice, and printers. It is exclusively compatible with Windows 11/10/8.1 and does not support Mac OS, Linux, car stereo systems, XBOX, PS4, or TVs.
You need to move a large file
Bluetooth may be a poor fit when transfer speed matters. If both supported Windows PCs are on the same private Wi-Fi network, Nearby sharing can use Wi-Fi according to Microsoft’s setup guidance.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Bluetooth 5.4 dongle: Applies the latest Bluetooth 5.4+EDR technology, compatible with Bluetooth 5.3/5.2/4.2/4.2 LE/4.0/2.1+EDR, and supports Dual mode (BR/EDR+ Bluetooth Low Energy) to achieve low energy consumption and high speed. Quick response and better anti-interference.
- Plug & Play: USB wireless Bluetooth is not limited by network and location, no need to install drivers, just plug the USB wireless adapter into your computer, you can use it directly. You can use the Bluetooth function at any time. Greatly improve your work efficiency and save your time.
- Long Range Bluetooth Adapter: The USB Bluetooth 5.4 dongle uses Class 1 radio technology, equipped with extra long antenna, and the transmission range in the open area can reach 500ft/150m, Bluetooth connections are no longer affected by distance. Note: The actual transmission range will be affected by physical obstructions and wireless interference.
- Fast Transmission Rate: This upgraded Bluetooth 5.4 adapter features EDR technology and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) configuration up to 3Mbps, which greatly improves transmission rates and reduces the loss of transmission efficiency due to interference in the 2.4GHz band. Enables fast, no delay wireless data connections between your computer and Bluetooth devices.
- System Support: The upgraded Bluetooth 5.4 dongle has a wide range of applications. You can connect up to 5 devices at the same time using Bluetooth wireless. Such as Bluetooth speakers,keyboards,headsets,mice, and Bluetooth printers,etc. Only supports Windows 11/10/8.1, Not compatible with Mac OS, Linux,car stereo systems,XBOX,ps4 or TVs.
Rank #4
- Upgraded Bluetooth 5.3 Adapter: This bluetooth adapter for pc uses the latest upgraded Bluetooth 5.3 BR+EDR technology, greatly improves the stability of the connection data transfer speed, reduces the possibility of signal interruption and power consumption.
- Up to 5 Devices Sync Connected: UGREEN Bluetooth dongle for PC supports up to 5 different types of Bluetooth devices to be connected at the same time without interfering with each other, such as Bluetooth mouse/keyboard/mobile phone/headphones, etc. If Bluetooth audio devices of the same type (such as speakers/headphones) are connected, only one device can play music.
- Plug and Play: The Bluetooth adapter is developed for Windows systems only and does not support other systems. No driver installation is required under Windows 11/10/8.1. NOTE: Win 7, Linux and MacOS System are NOT supported.
- Mini Size: An extremely compact Bluetooth stick that you can leave on your laptop or PC without removing it.The compact size does not interfere with other USB ports. Convenient to carry, no space occupation.
- What Can I do if the Bluetooth adapter can not work?: Ensure there are no other Bluetooth devices installed on the computer. If there are, disable all existing Bluetooth devices in "Device Manager", then insert the adapter and try again. (For detailed information please read the user manual)
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