Published 2020-07-20 by TechNet New England
There are several ways to transfer files between computers. The best method depends on how much data you are moving, whether both computers are on the same network, and what tools are available. ## Method 1: Cloud Storage (Easiest) Upload files to OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud from the first computer. Download them on the second computer. Or just sign in to the same cloud storage account on both computers and the files sync automatically. **Best for:** Any file size, any distance, any platform mix. **Requires:** Internet connection and a cloud storage account. ## Method 2: USB Flash Drive or External Drive Copy files to a USB drive from the first computer. Plug it into the second computer and copy the files. **Best for:** Large files when internet is slow, or when cloud storage is not available. **Requires:** A USB drive with enough capacity. Remember to safely eject the drive before removing it. ## Method 3: Network File Sharing If both computers are on the same network: **Windows to Windows:** Share a folder on one computer and access it from the other using the network path (\\ComputerName\SharedFolder). **Mac to Mac:** Use AirDrop (if both are Apple devices) or share a folder via System Settings > General > Sharing. **Windows to Mac or Mac to Windows:** Use SMB file sharing. See our guides on mapping network drives and connecting to shared folders. **Best for:** Large amounts of data between computers on the same network. **Requires:** Both computers on the same network. ## Method 4: AirDrop (Apple Only) If both devices are Apple (Mac, iPhone, iPad): 1. Make sure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are on for both devices. 2. On the sending device, select the file(s) and click **Share > AirDrop**. 3. Select the receiving device. 4. Accept the transfer on the receiving device. **Best for:** Quick transfers between Apple devices. **Requires:** Both devices are Apple, nearby, with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on. ## Method 5: Email For small files (under 25 MB), email the file as an attachment from one computer and open it on the other. For larger files, most email services let you share via a cloud link (OneDrive, Google Drive) instead of a direct attachment. **Best for:** Small files, quick sharing. **Limit:** Most email services cap attachments at 25 MB. ## Method 6: Direct Cable Transfer **Windows:** Use a USB transfer cable (a special cable designed for computer-to-computer transfer, not a regular USB cable). **Mac to Mac:** Use Target Disk Mode: 1. Connect both Macs with a Thunderbolt or USB-C cable. 2. On the source Mac, restart and hold **T** to enter Target Disk Mode (Intel) or select it from startup options (Apple Silicon). 3. The source Mac's drive appears on the other Mac's desktop. **Best for:** Migrating an entire computer's data. ## Method 7: Remote Access If the computers are in different locations: Use Remote Desktop, TeamViewer, AnyDesk, or another remote access tool to connect to the first computer and transfer files. Or use SCP/SFTP for command-line file transfers between servers or Linux/Mac systems. ## Choosing the Right Method | Scenario | Best Method | |---|---| | A few small files | Email or cloud storage | | Large files, same network | Network sharing or USB drive | | Large files, different locations | Cloud storage or remote access | | Migrating to a new computer | USB drive, cloud sync, or direct cable | | Quick Apple-to-Apple transfer | AirDrop |