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