Quick Share sends photos, videos, documents, and other files wirelessly between Android and Windows using nearby device discovery plus Wi-Fi transfer. It replaces the old Nearby Share naming in many places.
These steps apply to Android phones with Quick Share and Windows 10 or Windows 11 PCs with Quick Share installed.
Does This Affect You?
Use this if you want to move files to a PC without a USB cable, email attachment, or cloud upload.
Set Up Quick Share on Phone and PC
- Install Quick Share on Windows. Samsung users may use the Microsoft Store version, while Pixel and many other Android users should use Google official Quick Share for Windows download.
- Open Quick Share on the PC and leave it running.
- On the Android phone, open Quick Settings and find the Quick Share tile. Add it with the edit pencil if missing.
- Tap Quick Share and set visibility to Everyone or Contacts temporarily so the PC can find the phone.
- Turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on both devices.
Send a File from Android to PC
- Open the photo, file, or document you want to send.
- Tap Share.
- Choose Quick Share.
- Wait for the PC name to appear.
- Tap the PC.
- Accept the transfer on the PC.
- Find the file in Downloads unless you changed the Quick Share save folder.
Send from PC to Phone
Quick Share can work both ways. From Windows, right-click a file and use Share or open it from the Quick Share app, then choose the phone while phone visibility is enabled.
Troubleshooting Notes
Devices Must Be Discoverable
If the PC does not appear, make sure Quick Share is open on Windows and visibility is not set to No one. Toggle Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on both devices.
Wi-Fi Still Matters
Bluetooth helps devices find each other, but larger files transfer over a Wi-Fi connection or direct Wi-Fi link. Do not turn Wi-Fi off during transfer.
Distance and Network
Keep devices near each other. Being on the same Wi-Fi network helps, though Quick Share can also negotiate a direct connection when supported.
Sources
- Google: Quick Share for Windows overview
- Samsung Support: Share files with Quick Share
- Microsoft: Quick Share app on Microsoft Store