Microsoft has been trying to speed up the process of sending files between Windows PCs, without resorting to email or swapping flash drives.Nearby Sharing(not to be confused with Android’sNearby Share) is one of the best additions to Windows, dating back to Windows 10 and remaining a key part of Windows 11. Now, with a range of new additions, Nearby Sharing — and the process of sharing files in Windows in general — is improving a lot.
Microsoft has introduced several enhancements to the built-in Windows sharing window and Nearby Sharing feature, further streamlining the process of sharing local files from a PC and making things easier in general. These improvements are rolling out as part of the Insider Program — more particularly, on build 23506 from the Dev channel — so don’t expect to see them just yet on your PC.
The first change you’ll immediately notice is that the Windows share window has undergone a redesign to further match the aesthetic and user experience of Windows 11, making it look more modern. While the current share window looks pretty Windows 11-ish already, it’s also similar in layout to the Windows 10 one — the new one manages to fit the aesthetic of other Windows 11 apps better.
The sharing experience on Windows 11 is also getting a range of changes. Notably, users can now send files directly via Outlook from within the share window. By clicking on the Outlook icon in the “Share using” section, files can be seamlessly attached and emailed to recipients. Additionally, the Windows share window now boasts a convenient search box, enabling users to search for contacts across Outlook with ease. This makes file sharing with specific people easier. The share window displays 8-10 suggested contacts, including the option to email files to yourself for quick access.
To enhance the functionality of nearby sharing, Microsoft has replaced the dropdown menu with a simpler “Nearby Sharing” button, making it more accessible and user-friendly. When using nearby sharing, a user’s own PCs will be prominently listed at the top of the discovered devices under “Nearby Share.” The update also brings improved file transfer speeds between PCs, utilizing Wi-Fi Direct technology for faster and more efficient sharing of files.
You can see the full changelog at the source link below. And of course, if you’re an Insider, download this build to check them out by yourself. These changes should roll out to everyone in the next few months, but we definitely don’t recommend you go for them now unless you’re comfortable with beta-grade software that could break at any moment.
