Share files using OneDrive

Question

Share files using OneDrive

Phillip Richcreek 1,125

I have a PC and a MS Surface Book, both running Windows 11 and within about 15 feet of each other. I want to start sharing files between the computers. Is that done with OneDrive?

Thanks for your help,
PR

Dustin Harper 0 Reputation points

2026-10-07T16:49:10.65+00:00

As long as you're logged in with the same account, yes OneDrive can do that easily. Save things in your OneDrive and it should be available on both devices. This is probably the easiest way to do it. It also keeps those files in the cloud in case of any machine failure they are backed up (making restoring much easier). You can choose which folders to sync in OneDrive as well (https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/onedrive/choose-which-onedrive-folders-you-want-to-sync-on-windows-or-macos).

If you are using separate accounts and want to share files between the two, you can set up shared folders on your machine as well. (Quick guide here - https://www.wintips.org/how-to-set-up-network-file-sharing-on-windows-11/).

2 answers

Your answer

Dustin Harper 0 Reputation points

2026-10-07T16:49:10.65+00:00

As long as you're logged in with the same account, yes OneDrive can do that easily. Save things in your OneDrive and it should be available on both devices. This is probably the easiest way to do it. It also keeps those files in the cloud in case of any machine failure they are backed up (making restoring much easier). You can choose which folders to sync in OneDrive as well (https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/onedrive/choose-which-onedrive-folders-you-want-to-sync-on-windows-or-macos).

If you are using separate accounts and want to share files between the two, you can set up shared folders on your machine as well. (Quick guide here - https://www.wintips.org/how-to-set-up-network-file-sharing-on-windows-11/).

Answer 1

Hi,

OneDrive isn't a good approach if they are on the same WiFi network or Ethernet.

Onedrive helps If you want the same files available on both computers and automatically synchronized, Sign in to OneDrive with the same Microsoft account on both Windows 11 devices. Files placed in the OneDrive folder will sync between them automatically. More details here.

If you simply want to send files directly between the two computers, you don't need OneDrive. Windows 11 has Nearby sharing, which can transfer files between nearby PCs using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Since the computers are only about 15 feet apart, this is a good option.

The best way is file sharing, though, which I talked about initially:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/experience/connectivity-networking/file-sharing-over-a-network-in-windows

I hope this information helps. If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to reach out. Wishing you good luck!

Answer 2

Craig Long 18,830

With OneDrive, your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders will merge; you'll see the same files on both machines, except for desktop apps. If you like that, you're good to go. If not, you'll need to change your OneDrive backup preferences in the Manage Backup settings.

Manage Backup

Craig Long 18,830 Reputation points

2026-10-07T21:17:45.1+00:00

Choose folders is disabled for the Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Music, and Videos folders—meaning you have no choice with them.