Forum Discussion
Best way to transfer files from one pc to another using ethernet cable?
Tried to do with USB drive and WiFi network but the transfer speed are pretty slow. The internal SSD on the source PC is more than 1TB. This could take a lot of time to complete the transfer. In addition, the transfer was cancelled when the computer went to sleep. I was running out of ideals and hope someone here point out a reliable way to transfer files from one pc to another using ethernet cable.
If you know how to do this, pls kindly let me know.
Thank you
8 Replies
Which is the fastest way to transfer files from one pc to another with ethernet cable?
Using rsync over SSH to transfer files from one PC to another using ethernet cable is an efficient way to copy or synchronize data directly between the two computers.
In simple terms, rsync is a powerful command-line tool that compares files and directories and transfers only the differences, transfer files from one PC to another using ethernet cable fast and efficient. When combined with SSH (Secure Shell), it ensures that the data is encrypted during transfer, keeping it secure.
1. Connect the two PCs with an Ethernet cable.
2. Set up SSH on both PCs.
3. Use the rsync command.
4. Transfer files securely and efficiently:
Because rsync only copies changed parts of files, it saves time and bandwidth. The SSH encryption ensures the data remains private during transfer.
5. Example command:
rsync -avz /local/path :/remote/path
NFS (Network File System) is the best tool for transferring files between two Windows PCs over an Ethernet cable is a viable option, especially if you're looking for a free, fast method. Although NFS is more commonly associated with Unix/Linux systems, Windows can also support NFS with the right configuration. Here's a simplified overview of how to transfer files from one PC to another using ethernet cable:
Step 1: Enable NFS Client on Windows
1. Open Windows Features: Press Windows + R, type optionalfeatures, and press Enter.
2. Find and enable: Check Services for NFS. Click OK, wait for installation, then restart your PC if prompted.
Step 2: Set Up NFS Share on the Host PC
Note: Windows natively supports NFS Server only in Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions. If you're using Windows 10 Home, you'd need third-party software.
1. Create a folder you want to share.
2. Share the folder:
Right-click the folder, choose Properties.
Go to the Sharing tab, click Share.
Add Everyone or specific user, set permissions, then click Share.
3. Configure NFS sharing:
Open Services for NFS (from Windows Features).
Use NFS Sharing options (via command line or registry) to specify share permissions.
Note: To transfer files from one PC to another using ethernet cable. Windows' built-in NFS Server/Client configuration can be complex. Alternatively, for a straightforward approach, you might prefer using Samba (SMB), which is more user-friendly on Windows.
Step 3: Mount the NFS Share on the Client PC
1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Create a mount point:
mkdir Z:
3. Mount the NFS share:
mount -o anon \\<Host_IP>\SharedFolder Z:
Replace <Host_IP> with the IP address of the PC hosting the share.
Alternatively, if using NFS-specific commands, you can mount the share accordingly.
4. Access the Files: Once mounted, you can access the shared folder as drive Z: and copy files as needed.
transfer files from one pc to another using ethernet cable. This is the core solution. It is the simplest and most direct method, requiring only an Ethernet cable and Windows' built-in functionality.
- Physically connect both computers
Press Win+R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter to open the Network Connections panel;
Right-click the ‘Ethernet’ adapter → select ‘Properties’;
Double-click ‘Internet Protocol Version 4 , select ‘Use the following IP address’;
Old computer: Set IP to 192.168.1.1, Subnet mask to 255.255.255.0, leave Gateway and DNS blank;
New computer: Set IP to 192.168.1.2, Subnet mask to 255.255.255.0, leave Gateway and DNS blank;
Click ‘OK’ to save settings.
(1) Disable sleep to prevent transfer interruptions
On both computers: Open Settings → System → Power & sleep. Set both Screen and Sleep to Never.
(2) Enable network discovery and file sharing
On both computers: Open Control Panel → Network and Sharing Centre → Change advanced sharing settings.
Under Private network settings, enable Network discovery and File and printer sharing. Click Save changes.
Right-click the folder requiring transfer, select Grant access → Specific users.
From the dropdown menu, select Everyone → Click Add → Set permission level to Read/Write. Click Share to record the displayed computer name.
Open File Explorer on the new computer. Enter \\192.168.1.1 (here being the old computer's IP) in the address bar and press Enter.
The source computer's shared folders will now appear. Open the desired folder and drag files directly to the target computer's local path to initiate transfer.
Critical reminder: As the previous transfer was interrupted due to sleep mode remaining active, disabling sleep mode is the most crucial step.
Using WebDAV via the built-in Windows IIS (Internet Information Services) is a practical way to transfer files between two Windows PCs over an Ethernet cable. WebDAV (Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning) allows you to create a network share accessible via HTTP/HTTPS, making file management straightforward.
Setting Up WebDAV on Windows with IIS for Transfer files from one PC to another using ethernet cable:
1. Enable IIS and WebDAV Module
Open Control Panel > Programs > Turn Windows features on or off.
Check Internet Information Services.
Expand it, then under World Wide Web Services > Common HTTP Features, ensure WebDAV Publishing is checked.
Click OK and wait for features to install.
2. Configure IIS to Host a WebDAV Share
Open Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager.
Right-click on Sites > Add Website.
Specify a site name, physical path (a folder you want to share).
Set the binding to use a static IP address or localhost for direct connection.
Under IIS > WebDAV Authoring Rules:
Add a rule allowing access to the folder.
Set permissions (read/write).
3. Configure Windows Firewall
Allow WebDAV (HTTP and HTTPS) through the Windows Firewall.
4. Set Up Authentication
For simplicity, use Anonymous Authentication or set up a username/password for security.
5. Connect from the Client PC
On the other PC, open File Explorer.
Enter the WebDAV URL (e.g., http://192.168.1.x/yourfolder) in the address bar.
You may be prompted to enter credentials.
Once connected, the WebDAV share appears as a network drive, you can transfer files from one PC to another using ethernet cable.
Using FastCopy is an excellent choice for transferring files from one pc to another using ethernet cable. FastCopy is a free, open-source tool optimized for high-speed copying and can handle large data transfers efficiently.
How to use FastCopy for PC-to-PC Ethernet transfer:
Prerequisites:
Two PCs connected directly via Ethernet cable (preferably crossover or auto-MDIX supported).
Static IP addresses assigned to each PC (as described earlier).
Shared folders set up on the source PC.
How to transfer files from one PC to another using ethernet cable:
1. Share the source folder:
On the source PC, right-click the folder with data you want to transfer.
Select Properties > Sharing > Advanced Sharing.
Enable sharing, assign permissions if needed.
2. Configure network settings:
Ensure both PCs are on the same network segment with static IPs.
Disable sleep mode to prevent interruptions.
3. Install FastCopy:
Download FastCopy from the official website: FastCopy.
Install it on the destination PC (or both if you prefer).
4. Access shared folder:
On the destination PC, open File Explorer.
Navigate to the shared folder on the source PC using \\<source_IP> (e.g., \\192.168.1.1).
Confirm you can see and access the files.
5. Use FastCopy to transfer files:
Launch FastCopy.
For Source, browse to the network shared folder (\\192.168.1.x\SharedFolder).
For Destination, select the folder where you want to copy the files.
Set the copy mode to "Copy".
Click Execute to start the transfer.
In your situation, transfer files from one pc to another using ethernet cable. It is considerably faster than Wi-Fi, more reliable than a USB drive for data exceeding 1TB, and allows both computers to remain powered on during the transfer. Interruption issues will also be resolved.
Insert one end of the Ethernet cable into the network port of the source computer and the other end into the network port of the target computer.
On both computers, press Win+R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter to open the Network Connections panel.
Right-click ‘Ethernet’ → “Properties” → Double-click ‘Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)’
Source computer: Set IP to 192.168.1.1, Subnet mask to 255.255.255.0, leave Gateway and DNS blank.
Target computer: Set IP to 192.168.1.2, Subnet mask as above, leave Gateway and DNS blank.
Click OK to save.
On both computers, navigate to Settings → System → Power & battery. Under Screen and Sleep, set both ‘On battery’ and ‘Plugged in’ to Never.
On both computers, open Control Panel → Network and Sharing Centre → Change advanced sharing settings.
Under Private networks, tick ‘Turn on network discovery’ and ‘Turn on file and printer sharing’.
Under All networks, tick ‘Turn off password-protected sharing’. Save changes.
Right-click the folder to transfer → Grant access → Specific users. Select Everyone to add, set permissions to Read/Write, click Share and note the path.
Open File Explorer, enter \\192.168.1.1 in the address bar and press Enter. Locate the shared folder and drag files to your local machine.
This direct Ethernet connection remains the most reliable method for transferring large volumes of data between personal computers. Provided both machines remain powered and do not enter sleep mode, transfers can proceed uninterrupted for hours without issue.
Having transferred files numerous times, I've concluded that using an Ethernet cable is one of the fastest and most reliable methods for directly transferring files between two personal computers.
How to transfer files from one computer to another using an Ethernet cable
Prepare the required tools
One Ethernet cable
Two Windows computers equipped with wired network ports
Step 1: Physically connect the two computers
Insert one end of the Ethernet cable into the wired network port of the source computer and the other end into the wired network port of the target computer to establish a direct connection between the two machines.
Step 2: Configure manual IP addresses for both computers
Manually assign IP addresses within the same subnet to ensure mutual recognition. Perform this on both computers.
Press Win+R to open the Run dialogue, enter ncpa.cpl and press Enter to open the Network Connections panel.
Right-click the ‘Ethernet’ adapter and select ‘Properties’.
Double-click ‘Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)’ in the list.
Select ‘Use the following IP address’ and enter the following parameters:
Source Computer (PC1)
IP Address: 192.168.1.1
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
Leave Default Gateway and DNS Server fields blank. Click ‘OK’ to save.
Target computer (PC2)
IP Address: 192.168.1.2
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
Leave Default Gateway and DNS Server blank, then click “OK” to save.
Step 3: Enable File Sharing and Network Discovery on Both Computers
Search for and open “Control Panel” from the Start menu. Navigate to “Network and Internet” → “Network and Sharing Centre” → “Change advanced sharing settings”.
Under “Private” network settings, tick “Turn on network discovery” and “Turn on file and printer sharing”;
Under the ‘All Networks’ configuration, tick ‘Turn off password-protected sharing’ and click Save changes.
Step 4: Share the target folder on the old computer
- Right-click the folder to be transferred, select ‘Grant access’ → ‘Specific users’.
Select ‘Everyone’ from the dropdown menu, click “Add”, and set the permission level to ‘Read/Write’.
Click ‘Share’ and note the network path displayed by the system.
Step 5: Access and transfer files on the new computer
- Open File Explorer, enter the source computer's IP address path in the address bar: \\192.168.1.1, then press Enter.
The shared folders from the source computer will now appear. Double-click to open them, then drag and drop files directly to the target computer's local path.
Transferring via Ethernet cable will operate at the maximum Ethernet bandwidth without requiring additional software. Simply wait for the process to complete.
