Forum Discussion
Best way to transfer files from one pc to another using ethernet cable?
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.