Windows 10 and Windows 11 include a built-in Bluetooth File Transfer wizard for sending individual photos, videos, documents and other files to a nearby paired device without a cable or internet connection. Pairing is only the first step: to receive a file, you must open the wizard and choose Receive files before the phone or other device starts sending.
This guide covers Windows 11 and Windows 10, Android phones, transfers between two Windows PCs, and fixes for missing Bluetooth controls or failed transfers. Microsoft ended Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025, but the documented Bluetooth workflow may still function on existing installations.
What you need before transferring
- A Windows PC with a working Bluetooth adapter and driver.
- Bluetooth enabled on both devices.
- The devices nearby, powered on and sufficiently charged.
- The devices paired with each other.
- A local file that the sending app can access.
- The receiving device ready to accept the transfer.
Bluetooth can transfer photos, videos, documents and individual files between Windows PCs and some Android or iOS devices. The other device does not have to run Windows, but its operating system, manufacturer and supported Bluetooth profiles determine whether ordinary file sharing is available. Microsoft documents this broad compatibility in its Bluetooth file-transfer instructions. Pairing does not give File Explorer unrestricted access to a phone’s storage, and it does not guarantee that the phone will appear as a normal drive.
If Bluetooth is absent from Windows Settings, the PC may not have an adapter or may be missing its driver. A compatible USB Bluetooth adapter can add the hardware, but it still needs appropriate Windows support.
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- 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
Turn on Bluetooth
Windows 11
- Open Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
- Turn Bluetooth on.
You can also open Quick Settings by selecting the network, sound or battery icons on the taskbar and selecting Bluetooth. See Microsoft’s turn Bluetooth on or off instructions.
Windows 10
- Open Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
- Turn Bluetooth on.
The Action Center may also contain a Bluetooth toggle; expand its quick actions if it is not immediately visible.
Pair the phone or other device with Windows
Windows 11
- Put the phone, laptop or other device into Bluetooth pairing or discoverable mode.
- On the PC, open Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
- Select Add device, then choose Bluetooth.
- Select the device when it appears.
- Check that the pairing code matches on both screens, then accept the request on both devices.
Windows 10
- Put the other device into pairing mode.
- Open Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices and turn Bluetooth on.
- Select Add Bluetooth or other device, then choose Bluetooth.
- Select the device and confirm the code or pairing request.
The device must be powered on, discoverable and within range. Check its battery and move it closer if it does not appear. Microsoft lists these checks in its pairing guidance.
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- 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
Pairing versus transferring: pairing creates a trusted relationship; it does not start a file transfer. Sending and receiving are separate commands in the Bluetooth File Transfer wizard or on the other device.
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Send a file from Windows
Windows 11
- Make sure the destination device is on, paired and ready to receive.
- 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 and choose Next.
- Select Browse, choose the file, then select Next.
- Accept the incoming-file prompt on the destination device if one appears.
- When Windows reports success, select Finish.
Windows 10
- Open Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
- Under Related settings, select Send or receive files via Bluetooth.
- Choose Send files, select the destination device and choose Next.
- Use Browse to select the file, then choose Next.
- Approve the transfer on the receiving device and select Finish after the success message.
If the destination is not listed, confirm that it is paired, nearby, unlocked and accepting files. The wizard may offer Use authentication when the devices are not fully paired.
Receive a file on Windows
Windows 11
- Open Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices.
- Under Related settings, select Send or receive files via Bluetooth.
- Choose Receive files.
- Leave the Waiting for a connection window open.
- On the phone or other device, select the file and use its Share, Send or equivalent command.
- Choose the paired Windows PC through Bluetooth and accept any prompts.
- When Windows shows the received-file dialog, keep the suggested location or select Browse for another folder.
- Select Finish.
Windows 10
- Open Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
- Select Send or receive files via Bluetooth under Related settings.
- Choose Receive files and keep the waiting window open.
- Start the transfer from the phone or other device.
- Choose a save location when Windows prompts you.
Important: pairing alone does not make Windows listen for incoming files. The receiving wizard must already be waiting before the other device initiates the transfer.
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- 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.
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- 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)
Android-to-Windows transfers
Send from Android to Windows
- Pair the phone and PC.
- On Windows, open the Bluetooth File Transfer wizard and choose Receive files; leave the waiting window open.
- On Android, open Gallery, Files or another file-management app.
- Select the file, tap Share or Send, then choose Bluetooth.
- Select the Windows PC, approve prompts and save the file in Windows when asked.
Labels and locations differ among Samsung, Pixel, OnePlus and other phones. A received file may be offered in a folder you choose; do not assume it always goes to Downloads.
Send from Windows to Android
- Pair the phone and PC, then open the Windows Bluetooth File Transfer wizard.
- Choose Send files and select the Android device.
- Choose the file, start the transfer and accept it on the phone if prompted.
- Look in the phone’s Bluetooth, Downloads, Files or equivalent location.
If Android has no Bluetooth option in its sharing sheet, its software may not expose the file-transfer profile. Try the phone’s built-in Files or Gallery app, or use Google Quick Share instead.
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Transfer between two Windows PCs
For the traditional method, pair both PCs, put the receiving PC into Receive files mode, then use Send files on the other PC.
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- EDR and BLE Technology - This Bluetooth dongle is equipped with enhanced data rate and Bluetooth low energy, it wil optimize energy.
- Plug and Play: The Bluetooth receiver is developed for Windows systems only and does not support other systems. No driver installation is required under Windows 11/10/8.1. NOTE: Linux and MacOS , Win 7 System are NOT supported.
For regular Windows-to-Windows sharing, Nearby sharing is usually easier because it starts from File Explorer and can use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. It supports Windows 10 and Windows 11; a Windows 10 recipient needs version 1803 or later. On supported Windows 11 setups, Wi-Fi can be used when both PCs are on the same private Wi-Fi network. See Microsoft’s Nearby sharing documentation.
Troubleshooting Bluetooth file transfers
| Problem | Likely cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth or the file-transfer option is missing | No adapter, disabled hardware or missing driver | Check Device Manager > Bluetooth, install the PC manufacturer’s driver, or add a compatible USB adapter. |
| The PC cannot find the phone | Phone is not in pairing mode, is locked, out of range or low on battery | Unlock it, enable pairing/discoverability, move closer, recharge it and search again. |
| “Bluetooth file transfer not completed” | The receiving device was not ready | Choose Receive files first on Windows, or enable file receiving on the other device. |
| The transfer stalls or disconnects | Range, power-saving, driver or temporary connection problem | Keep both devices awake and nearby, temporarily disable aggressive battery saving, restart Bluetooth, remove and re-pair the devices, then update the driver. |
| The phone pairs but cannot exchange files | Phone software or Bluetooth profile limitation | Try the built-in Files or Gallery app, confirm Windows is waiting, or switch to Quick Share, USB or another supported method. |
| The file arrived but cannot be found | Save location varies | Check the folder selected in Windows’ final save dialog and search for the filename. |
When the other device still does not appear
- Confirm Bluetooth is enabled on both devices.
- Put the other device into pairing or discoverable mode and unlock it.
- Move the devices closer.
- Turn Bluetooth off, wait about 10 seconds, and turn it on again.
- Remove the old pairing and pair again.
- Restart both devices.
- Run Windows Bluetooth troubleshooting through the Get Help app.
- Update or reinstall the Bluetooth driver from the computer manufacturer’s support site.
Microsoft’s guidance on drivers, disconnections and connection failures is available through Fix Bluetooth problems in Windows, Troubleshoot Bluetooth not connecting, Update Bluetooth drivers and Bluetooth keeps disconnecting.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When Bluetooth is the wrong tool
| Method | Best use | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth File Transfer | Occasional individual files between nearby devices | Built in and offline, but manual and less convenient for large batches. |
| Nearby sharing | Windows-to-Windows transfers | Works from File Explorer and may use Wi-Fi, but targets supported Windows PCs. |
| Google Quick Share | Android-to-Windows transfers | Designed for this combination and can use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth; requires its Windows app and compatible hardware. |
| USB cable | Large videos, folders or many files | Usually predictable, but requires a cable and possible phone permission or USB-mode prompts. |
| Cloud storage | Files needed at different locations | Provides remote access, but requires internet and account storage. |
| Local network sharing | Repeated PC-to-PC folder transfers | Efficient for ongoing use, but needs more setup and permissions. |
Google documents Quick Share for 64-bit Windows 10 and later; ARM-based Windows devices require Windows 11 or later. See Google’s Quick Share instructions and the official Quick Share page.
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- 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.
Safety and privacy
- Send only to a device name you recognize.
- Do not accept unexpected incoming files.
- Keep both devices unlocked only as long as necessary.
- Turn Bluetooth off or remove the pairing afterward on a shared or public computer.
- Use visibility settings carefully in Nearby sharing.
- Bluetooth transfer is not a substitute for malware scanning or organizational security controls; exchange files only with trusted devices and sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bluetooth file transfer require Wi-Fi or internet access?
The Windows Bluetooth File Transfer workflow itself uses the nearby Bluetooth connection and does not require an internet connection. Nearby sharing and Quick Share may use Wi-Fi for some transfers.
Can I transfer an entire folder with Bluetooth?
The Windows wizard is documented around selecting a file. For folders or large collections, use an archive, USB, Nearby sharing or a local-network transfer instead.
Can I send arbitrary files from an iPhone to Windows over Bluetooth?
Not reliably. Although Microsoft’s general page mentions iOS devices, iPhone sharing is controlled by Apple’s supported apps and behaviors and is not equivalent to Android’s Bluetooth share flow. Use USB, iCloud, OneDrive or another Apple-supported method if it does not appear.
The Bottom Line
For a small nearby transfer, pair the devices and use Windows’ Bluetooth File Transfer wizard. Remember the critical receive sequence: choose Receive files and leave Waiting for a connection open before sending from the phone. Choose Nearby sharing, Quick Share or USB when the devices or the file size make Bluetooth inconvenient.
Quick Recap
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