How to Transfer Files from PC to PC Without Internet

Quick Answer

To transfer files from PC to PC without internet, you can use an external hard drive, USB transfer cable, Ethernet cable, Bluetooth, or backup software. For small files, USB drives are convenient. For large data transfers or PC migration, backup software or disk cloning is usually faster and safer.

Can You Transfer Files from PC to PC Without Internet

Yes. You can transfer files from one PC to another without an internet connection using offline methods such as an external hard drive, USB transfer cable, Bluetooth, Ethernet cable, or backup software.

The best choice depends on how much data you need to move. For large file transfers or PC migration, backup software or disk cloning is often the most efficient solution.

Best Ways to Transfer Files from PC to PC Without Internet

Each method has its own advantages. External drives and Bluetooth are suitable for everyday file sharing, while Ethernet connections and backup software are better for transferring large amounts of data or moving files to a new PC.

Choose the method that best fits your needs and follow the step-by-step instructions below.

Way 1: Transfer Files Using an External Hard Drive

An external hard drive is an ideal tool for you to transfer files from PC to PC without Internet. It can transfer many files or most of your computer’s content, depending on the capacity of it. Here is how to use it (PC 1 is the source computer and PC 2 is the destination computer).

1. Connect the external hard drive to the PC 1.

2. Press the Windows + E keys together to open File Explorer. Then, find the external hard drive in it.

3. Drag and drop the files you want to transfer to the external hard drive.

4. Then, connect the external hard drive to the PC 2.

5. Drag and drop the files in the external hard drive to PC 2.

Way 2: Transfer Files Using USB Transfer Cable

You can also use a USB-to-USB cable to transfer data from PC to PC without Internet. Although there is a direct connection between PCs, it requires physical access to both computers. There may be compatibility issues and is limited by cable length.

1. Connect the two PCs using a USB-to-USB cable.

2. Wait for both computers to recognize the cable. Then, an installation wizard will appear on both computers.

3. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the cable’s built-in software.

4. Start the program on both computers. You should see a two-sided window. PC 1 will appear on the left and PC 2 will appear on the right.

5. Drag the folders and files you want to transfer and drop them where you want. Disconnect the cable after the transfer is complete.

Way 3: Transfer Files Using Bluetooth

Most modern devices have Bluetooth capabilities for wireless data transfer. Thus, you can transfer files from PC to PC without Internet on Windows via Bluetooth. Follow the guide below:

1. On PC 1, go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.

2. Make sure the Bluetooth option is on and click Add Bluetooth or other device.

3. Choose Bluetooth in the Add a device window. PC will scan the Bluetooth devices and choose PC 2 to connect.

4. Enter a PIN code to complete the pairing process.

5. On PC 1, go back to the Bluetooth & other devices tab and select Send or receive files via Bluetooth.

6. Click Send files and choose the device you want to share to (PC 2). Click Next to continue.

7. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the steps.

Bluetooth File Transfer Not Working on Windows 10/11

This article will guide you to figure out why your Bluetooth file transfer stops working and how to fix it if you can’t receive or send files.

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Way 4: Transfer Files Between PCs Using an Ethernet Cable

An Ethernet cable is a good option for transferring large files between two PCs without internet. It provides a fast and stable connection, but you need to enable file sharing on both computers first.

1. Connect the two PCs with an Ethernet cable.
2. Turn on Network Discovery and File and Printer Sharing.
3. Share the folder you want to transfer.
4. Open the shared folder from the other PC and copy the files.

Way 5: Transfer Files with Backup Software

When transferring a large amount of data or moving files from an old PC to a new one, manually copying files may take a long time.

A backup and restore tool such as MiniTool ShadowMaker provides another option by allowing you to back up files on one PC and restore them on another device.  Whether you want to transfer small files or big files, it can satisfy your demands.

If you want to transfer small files, the backup and restore feature allows you to perform data backup and recovery between two PCs. If you want to move all disk data, the disk clone feature supports performing sector by sector cloning. It keeps your new computer in line with your old one.

Download and install MiniTool ShadowMaker and enjoy a 30-day free trial by clicking the button below.

MiniTool ShadowMaker TrialClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

Backup and Restore

Before starting, you need to connect the external hard drive or USB drive to PC 1.

1. Launch MiniTool ShadowMaker and click Keep Trial to enter its main interface.

2. Go to the Backup tab and click SOURCE > Folders and Files toselect the files you want to transfer.

3. Next, go to DESTINATION to select the external hard drive or USB drive as the location.

4. Click Back Up Now to start to progress and wait for it to finish.

5. Connect the drive to PC 2. Then, open MiniTool ShadowMaker and click Keep Trial.

6. Go to the Restore tab and click Add Backup to import the files.

7. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the restoration.

Clone Disk

1. Remove your hard drive from PC 2 after shutdown, and connect it to PC 1.

2. Open MiniTool ShadowMaker on PC 1 and click the Keep Trial button.

3. Go to the Tools tab and choose the Clone Disk feature.

4. Choose PC 1’s hard drive as the source disk and choose PC 2’s hard drive as the target disk.

5. Click Start to begin the clone. Please patiently wait for the process to be finished.

Which Method Should You Choose?

Transfer Files from PC to PC Without Internet FAQ

Bottom Line

Transferring files from PC to PC without internet is simple as long as you choose the right method.

For a few documents or photos, Bluetooth or an external USB drive is usually enough. If you need to move large files or transfer data to a new computer, an Ethernet connection or backup software can save time and reduce the risk of missing important files.

If you’re looking for an easier way to back up, restore, or migrate your data, MiniTool ShadowMaker is a practical option worth considering. For issues with this software, contact us via [email protected].