How to transfer files between laptops?
Transferring data from one laptop to another doesn’t have to be a headache — there are several ways to speed up digital data transfers. The number and size of files you’re transferring, the laptops you’re transferring between, and your own technical confidence will help determine which method is best for you.
Transfer files between laptops.
Make sure both computers are on the same network. Server Message Block (SMB) is a protocol (set of rules) used to transfer files between computers on the Internet. The laptop can be a PC or a Mac (or a combination) and this method will work. This is the easiest and fastest way to transfer large files between laptops.
Only use a secure connection – don’t try this on a public network.
Be sure to password protect the user profiles on both computers for added security.
Your server laptop is the laptop that contains the files, and the client laptop is the laptop you want to transfer the files to.
Set up the server laptop.
The server computer is the computer that currently contains the files you want to transfer. You need to change your network settings to include the workgroup name. The workgroup will act as a conference room where the two computers meet. The workgroup name can be anything you choose.
On Windows, select the workgroup name under Computer Domain and Workgroup Settings. Applying this change will restart your computer.
On Mac, select the workgroup name in System Preferences->Network->Advanced->WINS. Choose a workgroup name and apply the changes. [1]
In any case, remember the “name” of the server computer.
Proximity to the customer’s laptop.
Follow the same network workgroup installation procedure on client computers. Make sure to use the same workgroup name as the server computer.
Open the file and start the transfer.
It’s time to transfer your files. Find the server laptop’s “name” and click it to access all shared folders for that laptop.
On Windows, open the web application. All computers in the shared network workgroup should appear within a few seconds, including the server laptop you just set up.
On a Mac, all computers in a shared network workgroup appear in a Finder window.
Using FTP
Set up an FTP server.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is another easy way to transfer files between computers just over the Internet. First, you use the server computer that contains the file you want to transfer to make it available. FTP is usually better if you need frequent access between two laptops.
On a Mac, go to System Preferences -> Sharing -> Services and check the box next to FTP access. Then click Start and wait for the changes to take effect. Note that this path may vary slightly between OSX versions.
On Windows, go to Control Panel -> Programs -> Programs and Features -> Turn Windows features on or off. Then click the plus sign next to Internet Information Services (IIS) and check the box next to FTP Server. Click OK.
Install the FTP client on the client computer.
This software allows you to easily access an FTP server using only the server address or IP address. Popular ones are FileZilla, WinSCP, Cyberduck, and WebDrive.
Access files on an FTP server from an FTP client. Now you need to log into the FTP server from the client computer and access your files for a fast and secure transfer.
On a Mac, go to Finder->Go->Connect to Server. You will be prompted to enter the IP address of the server or server computer. Enter it and click connect.
