Troubleshooting Nearby Sharing on Windows 10 and 11

Nearby sharing in Windows is a nifty feature that allows users to seamlessly share files, documents, photos, and even links through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi with other nearby Windows devices. However, just like any other tech wonder, it might not always behave as expected. This article delves into the common problems users face with the Nearby Sharing feature on Windows 10 and 11, offering practical troubleshooting steps to get you back to sharing effortlessly.

What is Nearby Sharing?​

To put it simply, Nearby Sharing lets you share files wirelessly between Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices within close proximity (usually about 30 feet). Whether you want to send a PDF to a colleague across the room or share a hilarious cat video with a friend, it’s a handy tool that leverages Bluetooth or Wi-Fi for quick and convenient transfers.

Common Issues and How to Fix Them​

Let’s dive into the troubleshooting process. Here are some frequent issues users experience with Nearby Sharing and the steps you can take to fix them.

1. Missing Nearby Sharing Option in Share Menu​

If you notice that the Nearby Sharing option is missing, grayed out, or simply not working, here’s what you should check:

• System Requirements: Ensure both devices are running either Windows 10 (version 1803 or later) or Windows 11. Also, verify that both PCs support Bluetooth 4.0 or higher with Low Energy (LE) support.
• Enable Nearby Sharing: Navigate to Start > Settings > System > Shared experiences and toggle on the Nearby Sharing option. Choose whether you want to share with "Everyone nearby" or "My devices only".
• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi: Confirm that both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are activated on both devices. Check that they are on the same network for optimal functionality.
• Network Profile: Ensure that the network profile is set to Private. You can do this by going to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi (or Ethernet) and selecting your current network.

2. Bluetooth Not Pairing or Recognizing Devices​

If your devices are failing to recognize each other via Bluetooth, try the following steps:

• Bluetooth Status: Go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices and make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
• Re-pair Devices: Remove previously paired devices and try reconnecting them.
• Update Drivers: Open Device Manager, find your Bluetooth adapter, right-click, and select Update driver.

3. Challenges with Sharing Large Files​

Sharing large files such as videos can sometimes present unique challenges:

• File Size Limits: Ensure the file size does not exceed any imposed restrictions. If necessary, compress large files into smaller zip formats.
• Use Wi-Fi for Transfers: Bluetooth is considerably slower than Wi-Fi. If you’re sharing large files, both devices should be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for faster transfers.
• Close Background Applications: If your system resources are constrained, consider closing unnecessary applications to free up resources.

4. Transfer Stops Midway​

If your file transfers start but then suddenly halt:

• Check Power Settings: Make sure your power-saving settings aren't putting your device to sleep during transfers. Adjust the settings in Settings > System > Power & battery.
• Device Range: Keep both devices within range (preferably within 30 feet) for a stable connection.
• Disable Firewalls Temporarily: Sometimes, security software can prevent sharing. Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus to see if this resolves the issue.

5. Nearby Sharing Not Working When Connected to Wi-Fi​

Ensure that your Wi-Fi connections aren’t hindering your file transfers:

• Direct Wi-Fi Connection: For Nearby Sharing to work well, both devices need a direct Wi-Fi connection if Bluetooth isn’t used.
• Restart Wi-Fi Adapter: Restart the Wi-Fi adapter on both devices via Settings or Device Manager.
• Network Discovery Issues: Under Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings, confirm that Network Discovery is enabled.

6. Device Not Discoverable​

Should you find that your devices can’t discover each other:

• Visibility Settings: Ensure that your device is set to be discoverable under Start > Settings > System > Shared experiences.
• Reset Bluetooth/Wi-Fi: Toggle Bluetooth or Wi-Fi off and back on to refresh device discoverability.

7. Waiting to Receive Notification Stuck​

If the sender device indicates "Waiting to receive," but no prompts appear:

• Restart Bluetooth: Toggle off and on Bluetooth to re-establish the connection.
• Restart Both Devices: A simple reboot can sometimes solve the issue.
• Same Microsoft Account: If you’re using the "My devices only" sharing option, both devices must be logged into the same Microsoft account.

8. No Notifications for Nearby Sharing​

If notifications don’t appear for your file transfers:

• Check Action Center: Sometimes, notifications go to the Action Center instead of popping up on your screen. Look there to see if your file transfer notifications are waiting.

Conclusion​

Troubleshooting Nearby Sharing can feel overwhelming, but the above steps will help you resolve most common issues. As technology continues to develop, staying informed about these features ensures that your sharing experiences remain smooth. Happy sharing!
For those who want to dive deeper and learn more about how to utilize Nearby Sharing, check out the official Share things with nearby devices in Windows guide.
Whether you’re a tech novice or an expert, have a go at these methods, and get your Nearby Sharing feature up and running again!
Source: Microsoft Support Fix problems with nearby sharing in Windows - Microsoft Support