To copy a folder from one PC desktop to another over the same Wi‑Fi network in Windows 11, use one of these supported methods from the context: Windows Backup (PC‑to‑PC transfer) or an external drive. The context does not provide detailed steps for direct network sharing between desktops, so the answer uses the documented approaches.
Option 1 – Use Windows Backup to transfer files and settings
Use this if both PCs run Windows 10/11 and support the Windows Backup transfer feature.
- On the old PC (where the folder is now):
- Make sure both PCs are on the same Wi‑Fi or LAN network and plugged into power.
- Update Windows: open Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates, install all updates, restart.
- Open the Windows Backup app.
- Select Transfer information to a new PC to begin pairing.
- Pair the PCs:
- In Windows Backup on the old PC, note the PC name it shows.
- On the new PC, follow the on‑screen instructions until a one‑time code appears.
- Enter that code into Windows Backup on the old PC.
- Wait for the devices to be securely paired.
- Choose the desktop folder to transfer:
- In Windows Backup on the old PC, when the list of files and folders appears, select the folder from the Desktop (or the parent folder that contains it).
- Deselect anything not needed if storage on the new PC is smaller.
- Start the transfer:
- On the new PC, select Start transfer.
- Wait for the process to complete; a summary will show what was transferred.
- The folder will appear on the new PC under the corresponding location (for example, Desktop or user folders, depending on what was selected).
If the transfer is interrupted, Windows will try to resume it; if it cannot, start the transfer again from Windows Backup.
Option 2 – Use an external storage device (USB drive, external HDD)
Use this if Windows Backup transfer is not available.
- Copy the desktop folder from the old PC to an external drive:
- Connect a USB drive or external hard drive to the old PC.
- Open File Explorer from the taskbar.
- Go to Desktop and locate the folder to copy.
- Select the folder (hold CTRL to select multiple folders if needed).
- Right‑click the selection, choose Show more options > Send to, and select the external drive.
- Wait for the copy to finish.
- In File Explorer, open the external drive and verify the folder is there.
- Use Eject on the drive icon before unplugging it.
- Copy the folder from the external drive to the new PC desktop:
- Connect the external drive to the new PC.
- Open File Explorer from the taskbar.
- In the left pane, select This PC, then double‑click the external drive.
- Open the folder on the drive that contains the copied desktop folder.
- Select the folder.
- On the Home tab, select Copy to > Choose location…, then select Desktop (or another desired folder) and confirm.
- Wait for the copy to complete, then check the Desktop on the new PC to confirm the folder is present.
These methods move the folder between desktops while both PCs are on the same network, without using cloud storage.
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