6 Easy Solutions to Transfer Files between Android and Windows

There are several methods for android file transfer for Windows users. Most of the users want to transfer the files such as photos, videos or data files. There are different solutions to transfer files from Android to Windows PC based on the file type and size. Most of the solutions are good to support Android owners with Windows 7/8/10 users. Also, the transfer files might be ranging from small-sized files like text files to large-sized files like movie files, etc.

For Small files, the Bluetooth feature in the Tablet or Phone will be much useful and can avoid any further configuration or setup time. Instead, for larger files, Bluetooth transfer or WiFi transfer may take a considerable amount of time, and it will be better to try direct transfer using the USB cables which are fast and reliable. Depending on the file size you can select one of the methods, which are most suitable for you.

We will see a quick overview of most of the methods to transfer Android files fro Windows users.

Bluetooth File Transfer

This is the simple solution to transfer a file from Android to Windows PC. As long as you don’t have the internet to download any apps describes above, or any cable with you, then Bluetooth File transfer from Android to Windows is the pretty quick solution. Before we start, make sure you have Bluetooth on Windows laptop and Android phone and both are turned on. Make sure to pair both Android and Mac with each other.

Now head over to Windows 10 Settings > Bluetooth & other devices > Turn on Bluetooth. Now Scroll Down Related Settings > Send or receive Files via Bluetooth. 

On Android devices, after pairing, you can see Windows Computer. To see the settings go to Android Settings > Connected Devices > Bluetooth Turn On. Now you can see paired devices and Windows computers under Bluetooth > Paired devices. If you don’t see the devices each other, repair both Windows and Android Again.

Now you are on Send or receive Files via the Bluetooth screen on Windows and the Android file transfer can initiate by sharing the file via Bluetooth from Android phone. For those who want to send the file from Windows to Android, click Send File > Pixel 2 (Android device on the screenshot) > Next to send the file to Android.

Bluetooth 3.0 supports up to 25Mbps file transfer speed and not fast enough compared to other solutions. However, this Android file transfer solution is not using any third-party apps and ideal to transfer a few files between each platform.

Related: How to Transfer Photos Without Losing Quality-A Complete Guide

Transfer Data from Android with Cloud Drives

This is a pretty easy and reliable solution to transfer files. The Cloud drives like DropBox or Google Drive is offering free space and can be utilized to transfer files between Android and Windows. The only condition to work this is, on both platforms, here Android and Windows should use the same user account on the cloud drive to transfer files. If you have Google Drive or DropBox apps on both Windows and Android, log in with the same user account.

Now, just Copy or Move your file to this cloud drive folder installed on your PC or tablet, and that’s all. You can access the same file on your Tablet or PC after those files synced automatically on PC. You can upload any file to this Cloud drive from Android phone and download it on Windows, or you can do vice versa.

The drawback of this solution, if you want to send a file from Android to somebody’s laptop, you can’t use your credentials on their laptop Cloud Apps. Then you may need to share the cloud drive folders with friends’ account and obviously, it is not a secured solution. This solution is good for transferring files between Android and Windows for the same user.

Download Link:  Google Drive | Dropbox | OneDrive

Apps to Transfer Android Files to Windows PC

There are hundreds of Android Apps available from the play store to transfer files from Android to Windows PC. As long as you have the apps installed on Android and Windows, these Apps are the best solution to transfer files between Android and Windows PC. These File transfer apps are most reliable, fast, secure and easy to handle. The apps are not restricted based on the user account. In short, any Android owner can initiate the file transfer to any windows machine and with proper pairing or authorization.

We are listing the top three free apps to transfer files between Android and Windows. All these have both Windows and Android apps and work together pretty well. AirDroid app is the best in town that offers multiplatform support. AirDroid has built-in apps for iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, and Web versions.

Xender is another file transfer app, that offers faster speed than Bluetooth file transfer and works with Android, iOS, PC, and Mac. SHAREit is another platform that offers file transfer speed of up to 200 times Bluetooth files transfer. Samsung Kies is another exclusive app for Samsung phone users. This app also supports Windows and Mac to transfer files from Android. You can connect Windows even in offline and transfer files from Android using these apps.

Download Link: AirDroid | Xender | SHAREit | Samsung Kies

Related: Share Large Files between iPhone & Android, No Wi-Fi or Data Required.

Direct USB and Android File Transfer

When you want to transfer large Android files to PC, then this direct plugin USB transfer will be the most stable solution. This method is simple and usable for most of the files, but it requires you to take the USB cable supplied with the Tablet or Android Phone always. It may not be practical to most of the people; hence it is advised only for large file transfers where one will occasionally do. Just plug the USB cable into your PC and set your Tablet as the media device which will enable to access the files as if it is a Pen Drive.

In addition to this direct USB, Windows explores, there is an app called Android File Transfer for Windows and Mac Users. This App on PC will help the user to explore the Android folders and transfer files between both platforms. This Android File Explorer app will help you to browse and transfer files between the Windows computer and Android devices.

Download Link: Android File Transfer

Android USB Storage to Transfer Files

Nowadays it is possible to connect the Pen Drives to the Tablets or Android Phones. These USB drives are coming as Flash Drives for Android devices with a micro USB connector. This Pen drive (OTG drive) is coming with dual interfaces (Micro USB and USB) for connecting to your smartphone and PC directly. You can directly insert this Android USB Drives into the Phone. The Android device will automatically detect the OTG Drive and install the App for you.

You can access the files on the Pen Drive and download files from the drive to Android or upload files to this OTG drive. If you want to transfer very large files like HD movies etc. the efficient method will be using this Android USB Pen drives. The disadvantage is that these USB drives need to carry wherever we are going.

Related: Save Your Data!, Best Android OTG (On The Go) Devices to Backup Phone

MicroSD Card to Transfer Files

If your Tablet is having an external SD card, then it will be easier to transfer very big files in the order of GB’s. Fortunately, most of the Laptops now have the SD card reader integrated into them which is very helpful to transfer the files. The method is that we need to copy the file into External SD card if it is not yet copied, and Remove the Card from Tablet and insert the Card into Laptop (using proper Adapters) and then we can transfer the files from SD card to Laptop. The disadvantage is that some tablets may not be having SD card option and some laptops may not be having the Card reader options. In addition to that suitable adapters may be required to insert the card into Laptop slot.

When you select it is always better to select higher class SD files like class 10 or above, which will make sure higher speed while you are reading or writing into the SD card either from PC or Android device. You can see in this article, a couple of good selections and how to select good SD card instructions.

Email Attachments

Email attachments were the primary way to transfer files between devices in the past that has become almost obsolete with new technology and Apps. Meanwhile, if you have a MAC computer and seeking a solution to transfer the file to Android, please read 7 Free Apps to Transfer Files between Android and MAC over WiFi.

Chat Apps to Transfer Android Files

As technology advances, we can find newer methods of file transfer like NFC. Recently, with the file upload and download support for Social Networking Apps like Whatsapp, Facebook Messenger, Viber, etc. the file transfer of images, videos, etc. becomes much easier irrespective of the devices. With these Apps, we can directly attach many files easily to many users which can be downloaded to all the receivers whether Android or Windows. getting common for most of the devices that can be used to transfer files within the close ranges. The Chat/Social Apps have now supported file uploading and downloading which will be more useful to send small files easily and fast.

Please see more cross-platform Chat apps that support file transfer. However, these chat apps may compress the files and reduce quality. Also, most of the chat apps are supporting only media files. You may not able to transfer doc and PDF files.

Related: Everything You Can Transfer between Smartphone and Computer

You can also use the other methods given here for transferring files between Android and PC. However, those solutions may take more time than this. Cloud Storage option needs a double transfer of the files, i.e., first from device to cloud and then cloud to another device which will take more time. Also, WiFi direct option may not be worthwhile when compared to the size of the file. It will be cumbersome to take cables and adapters if you want to try the methods of a direct plugin and Pen Drive options.

For transferring medium files, you can have multiple methods like the Android File Transfer Apps or Cloud Drives. Whereas, Bluetooth method may take more time due to the low transfer rate. But still, you can use Bluetooth method according to your choice as explained above. You can select any one of the above-given methods for transferring files between Android and Windows PC as per your choice. You may also find more options in some devices similar to Samsung Kies App in Samsung devices. Choosing the correct method will save your time and will be effective for your time.