How to share data between 2 computers over LAN?

Normally, when we need to share data between two computers, we often choose to use an intermediary tool such as a USB or a portable hard drive. In addition, we can also use the Internet. However, if you do not have a USB available and the network connection is unfortunately faulty, what should you do? Don't worry. We will guide you on how to share data between two computers via LAN ( a network system used to connect computers within a small range) in the content of the article below.

When should I use LAN cable?

Using Ethernet cables keeps things simple with faster data speeds. The cheapest CAT5e cables support speeds up to 1000Mbps. To give you an idea, USB 2.0 only supports speeds up to 480Mbps. So transferring data over Ethernet is the obvious choice.

Advantages of LAN cables over other options

The main advantage of using the Ethernet cable method is that the transfer speed is faster, at least faster than a regular flash drive and your WiFi. If you have a lot of data to transfer, using an Ethernet cable is the way to go. This process has been tested on all mainstream versions of Windows, including Windows 7, 8, and 10.

Share files between two computers using LAN cable

Step 1: Connect both PCs with LAN cable

Connect both computers with a LAN cable. You can use a crossover cable or an ethernet cable.

Step 2: Enable network sharing on both PCs

From the Desktop screen , right-click the Network icon on the Taskbar, then click Open Network and Sharing Center.

Now a new window appears on the screen, in this window look to the left frame and click Change advanced sharing settings.

In new Windows 10 versions, you will see the Windows settings window appear after selecting Open Network and Sharing Center in step 1, click on Network and Sharing Center > Change advanced sharing settings.

Here you will see 3 Network options: Public, Private and All Network . Select All Network.

Select the options as shown below so that other PCs can receive your data via LAN cable and then click Save Changes.

Note: Do this on both computers that want to transfer data to each other.

Step 3: Set up static IP

Now that you have enabled network sharing on both PCs, let’s put both computers on the same network. We will do this by setting a static IP address. Just like the previous step, you will need to do this on both PCs.

Continue with the Network and Sharing Center window , click on the network you are connected to, select Properties.

Now a new popup window appears on the screen, here you click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) , then select Properties.

Here you need to configure two PCs with different IP settings.

For computer 1, select the line Use the following IP address and fill in the following parameters:

• IP address : 192.168.1.1
  Note: 192.168.1 is required because this is the modem parameter, you are allowed to change number 1 to another number).
• Subnet mask : default is 255.255.255.0
• Default Gateway : 192.168.1.1

On the second computer, perform the same steps, but change the IP address and Default Gateway values.

• IP address: 192.168.1.2
• Subnet mask: 225.225.225.0
• Default gateway: 192.168.1.1

Once done, select OK and you're done.

Next, open Windows File Explorer and click the Network tab on the left side of the window.

If set up correctly, both PCs should appear in this Network window on both computers.

Step 4: Share the folder

Right-click on the data you want to share and select Share with > Specific people...

In the File Sharing dialog box , select Everyone , and then click Add > Share

Next, open the computer you want to receive data from, go to Computer > Network and select the correct name of the computer sharing the data.

Here you will see the folder you just shared. That's it!

Note, this method only applies to Windows computers. Try it, good luck!

See also:

• How to share speakers in LAN system?
• Tips to help you easily share folders on Windows with Android
• How to sync data across multiple devices with BitTorrent Sync