How to Easily Share Folders Between Android and Windows PC

ByJim Miller

Sharing files between your Android phone and Windows PC is a common task, but when it comes to sharing entire folders, things can get a bit tricky. Many methods either don't support subfolders or mess up the file names and structure. In this article, we will show you the best ways to share folders between Android and Windows PCs, both using a USB cable and wirelessly.

USB Cable: The Fast and Stable Option

The best and most reliable way to transfer folders is by using a USB cable. It offers a stable connection and is much faster than wireless options. Plus, it doesn't have any limitations when it comes to transferring large files. Here's how to do it:

  1. Connect your Android phone to your PC using a USB cable.
  2. Tap on the “Charging this device via USB” notification on your phone.
  3. Select the “File Transfer” option in the USB settings.
  4. On your PC, open File Explorer to access your phone's storage files.
  5. Drag and drop folders between your phone and PC, or use keyboard shortcuts like CTRL + C and CTRL + V to copy and paste folders.

Google's Nearby Share: The Wireless Option

While most wireless methods have limitations when it comes to transferring folders, Google's Nearby Share app provides a reliable solution. Here's how to use it:

  1. Install the Nearby Share app on your Windows PC and the Files by Google app on your Android phone.
  2. Open the Files by Google app and select the folders you want to share.
  3. Tap on the Nearby Share icon and select your Windows laptop to start the transfer.
  4. Accept the request on your Windows PC if necessary.
  5. To transfer folders from Windows to Android, select the folders in File Explorer and choose the “Send with Nearby Share” option.

Alternative Methods: FTP and External Storage

If you're looking for alternative methods to transfer folders, here are a couple of options:

  1. Setting up an FTP Server: Use apps like Solid Explorer on your Android phone to set up an FTP server and connect to it from your PC. This allows you to easily transfer folders by dragging and dropping them.
  2. Use External Storage Devices: Connect a USB-C compatible hard drive to your phone and copy folders to/from it. This method is useful when you need to transfer large amounts of data.
  3. Google Drive: Upload folders to your Google Drive account and download them on another device. This method is convenient for transferring folders between devices that are not nearby, but it requires an internet connection and may take time.

In conclusion, while there are various methods available to share files between Android and Windows, not all of them are effective for sharing folders. The USB cable method is the fastest and most reliable option, while Google's Nearby Share app provides a wireless alternative. Consider the alternative methods depending on your specific needs.