WiFi Direct For PC Windows 7/8.1/10/11 (32-bit or 64-bit) & Mac
WiFi Direct For PC is a powerful service that allows two devices to connect without relying on a wireless router as an intermediary. When the technology debuted in , several manufacturers began incorporating the resource into their hardware. However, given the rapid pace of technological evolution, the protocol was largely abandoned in.
By this time, computers could create similar improvised networks for file sharing without WiFi Direct. Those still interested in using WiFi Direct as a wireless file transfer service can do so by completing a few relatively straightforward steps. Moving forward with your WiFi Direct service can begin as soon as you are ready.
WiFi Direct for PC is a wireless technology that enables direct communication and data transfer between two or more personal computers without the need for a traditional network infrastructure. It creates a peer-to-peer connection, allowing devices to establish a direct link with one another, similar to how Bluetooth works. This technology is especially useful when users want to quickly share files, collaborate on projects, or play multiplayer games, all without the necessity of an internet connection or a router.
To utilize WiFi Direct on a PC, users typically need a compatible operating system, such as Windows 8 or later. The technology uses the Wi-Fi hardware already present in most PCs, enabling them to act as both clients and hosts. Setting up a WiFi Direct connection involves discovering nearby devices, establishing a secure connection using WPA2 encryption, and then exchanging data over the established link. Users can directly browse files on other connected PCs, send files, stream media, and even share an internet connection, if one PC is connected to the internet via Ethernet or another network.
WiFi Direct provides a convenient and versatile way for PCs to communicate and share resources without requiring a traditional Wi-Fi network or physical cables. It’s especially valuable for scenarios where internet connectivity might be limited or unavailable, making it an appealing option for collaborative work, data sharing, and entertainment among PCs.
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Why Use WiFi Direct
WiFi Direct is ideal for sending something to another wireless device without requiring the internet. For example, if you’re trying to print something through a wireless printer or send a photo to somebody in the same room, you don’t need to send the data through an internet connection. Like Bluetooth, WiFi Direct allows you to send files like this.
Exploring WiFi Direct for PC Windows 7/8.1/10/11
If your device attempting to connect to your computer has the WiFi Direct feature, creating a network is relatively simple. First, you will need to turn on the device you wish to connect to your computer using WiFi Direct. Keep in mind that this device must also be WiFi Direct enabled. Find the specific task window on your device that allows you to turn on WiFi Direct and do so. At this point, you should be provided with a specific network name and passcode.
When you return to your computer, access your network menu and locate the new network created by the Direct WiFi device. At this point, you can connect to the network using the passcode provided. Your computer will now be linked wirelessly to the device in question.
Assessing Other Options
As mentioned, WiFi Direct is just one option for individuals looking to connect to a tablet from PC WiFi or other similar tasks. You can now create a network similar to those using the Direct WiFi protocol on your computer by selecting the “Network Options” menu on your Windows 7/8.1/10/11 operating system and clicking the “Set up an Ad-hoc (computer-to-computer) network.” This feature will accomplish the same level of connectivity as WiFi Direct. Like the Direct WiFi service, these ad hoc networks can be connected to any device featuring wireless connectivity.
WiFi Direct: Windows 7/8.1/10/11 Wireless File Transfer That’s Faster Than Bluetooth
Wireless data sharing has made rapid strides over the past few years. Thanks to WiFi, Bluetooth, and NFC, data can be moved from one device to another with little effort. Windows 7/8.1/10/11 10 boasts WiFi Direct, a wireless connectivity system that helps hook devices up effortlessly. Want to move data from PC to laptop? Easily done. Need to set up wireless printing? Connect your phone to your computer?
All this is quite simple, thanks to WiFi Direct. Here’s how to use WiFi Direct on Windows 7/8.1/10/11 and transfer files wirelessly.
Introducing WiFi Direct for PC: Wireless File Transfer
You can think of WiFi Direct as a sort of Bluetooth over WiFi. That is, it has the same “discover and sends” functionality of Bluetooth, but the data is sent using wireless networking. As you might have guessed, this offers incredible speed for your file transfer.
Bluetooth has been around since 1994, and although helpful in transmitting audio and connecting devices, it isn’t ideal for transferring larger files. WiFi Direct covers this problem and looks set to supplant Bluetooth in the next few years.
At this stage, WiFi Direct isn’t yet as universal as Bluetooth However, when used successfully, it is a handy feature for transferring data between Windows 7/8.1/10/11 and other suitable hardware.
Check If Your Windows 7/8.1/10/11 PC Is WiFi Direct Compatible
Using WiFi Direct to send a file is faster and simpler than Bluetooth.
First, you’ll need to check that your device is WiFi Direct-compatible. You can do this by pressing WIN+R, entering CMD to open the Command Prompt (which you should probably be using more than you are), then entering ipconfig /all.
If WiFi Direct is available, you should see an entry labeled “Microsoft WiFi Direct Virtual Adapter.”
Next, you’ll need to start transferring data over WiFi Direct. However, this isn’t as obvious as you would expect…
How to Transfer Files From Android to Windows 7/8.1/10/11 With WiFi Direct
As you’ll need a third-party app to use WiFi Direct, choosing the right option is essential.
Feem is a software that has provided WiFi Direct support to Windows 7/8.1/10/11 PC and laptop users since the days of Windows 7/8.1/10/11.
Feem is free to use, although it has various premium options. WiFi Direct in Feem is free, as is live chat. However, you can pay for iOS support, unlimited file transfers, and removing ads.
Using Feem to transfer data from Android to a PC or laptop is straightforward.
- Set Android as a mobile hotspot in Settings > Network & Internet > Hotspot & tethering. Then connect your Windows 7/8.1/10/11 computer to this network.
- Launch Feem on Android and on Windows 7/8.1/10/11 too. You’ll notice that both devices are given unusual names by the app (e.g., Junior Raccoon) and a password. Note the password, as you’ll need it to establish the initial connection.
- Send a file from Android to Windows 7/8.1/10/11 using WiFi Direct, choose the destination device, and tap Send File. Browse for the File or files, then tap Send.
Moments later, the data will be sent to your PC. It’s as simple as that—and it works in reverse, too!
No WiFi Direct? Transfer Files From Android to Windows 7/8.1/10/11 PC With FTP
If your computer doesn’t support WiFi Direct, don’t give up.
Several tools are available in Android that will let you remotely share data with Windows 7/8.1/10/11 without WiFi Direct.
ES File Explorer is a popular third-party file manager for Android. This comes with several file management features for local and network use. Among these is FTP, which provides a direct network connection between two devices.
Use ES File Explorer’s Network > FTP feature to display your Android device’s IP address.
Paste this into a file transfer program such as FileZilla to browse the contents. You can then effortlessly transfer files between the two devices.
So, try ES File Explorer if you want to transfer data from a mobile device to your laptop through WiFi and don’t have WiFi Direct.
Don’t Have WiFi Direct? Transfer Files With Bluetooth!
If your devices don’t support WiFi Direct and you don’t want to use FTP, the intelligent solution (in the absence of a USB cable) is Bluetooth.
This is particularly useful if you’re trying to use WiFi Direct on Windows 7/8.1/10/11 and find that the feature isn’t there or it doesn’t work.
First, ensure your computer is paired to a suitable Bluetooth device (phone, tablet, computer, etc.) before sending a file. The methodology for this is essentially the same across devices and requires that both are set to “discoverable.”
Both devices will then search for one another and, if successful, connect following the input of a confirmation code.
How to Transfer Files From Android to PC: 7 Methods Want to learn how to transfer Android files to a PC or vice-versa? Here are several easy methods for moving data between devices. Read More
If you’re not sure where the controls for Bluetooth can be found on your Windows 7/8.1/10/11 computer, open Settings > Devices.
With the second device in discoverable mode (check your device’s documentation), select Add Bluetooth or another device. Windows 7/8.1/10/11 will then poll for the discoverable device. Follow the on-screen instructions to add it.
With a successful pairing, switch to the Windows 7/8.1/10/11 desktop and find the Bluetooth icon in the system tray/notification area. Left-click and select Send a file; you’ll be prompted to select the target device, then browse for the File.
On sending the File, the device receiving your data file will ask you to confirm that you wish to save the data. Agree to this, then wait for the transfer to complete.
Note that due to the shorter range of Bluetooth, the best results will be enjoyed by keeping both devices close together.
Data Transfer Speeds: Which Is Best?
While trying these two methods, you will probably notice that WiFi Direct is considerably quicker than Bluetooth. Indeed, recent tests have demonstrated that Bluetooth speed is like a tortoise in comparison.
While WiFi Direct isn’t quicker than any cable data transfer (such as USB 2.0 or USB 3.0), it can transfer a 1.5 GB file within 10 minutes; in contrast, Bluetooth takes almost 125 minutes to shift the same data.
Start Using WiFi Direct in Windows 7/8.1/10/11 Today
Which option you choose will depend on the data you want to shift. A USB 3.0 cable with compatible hardware is the fastest option. WiFi Direct is close behind, with Bluetooth coming third. WiFi direct makes an excellent middle-ground option, but as it is not as widely available (or known) as Bluetooth, you might opt for a cable.
Perhaps the most crucial aspect of using WiFi Direct in Windows 7/8.1/10/11 is its ease of use today. After all, early implementations of the technology were somewhat tricky to use.
How to Reset a USB Wireless Adapter
USB wireless network adapters offer instant Internet access to PCs with no built-in wireless capabilities. They are also smaller and more convenient than bulky wireless network cards. If you are experiencing Internet connection problems, your adapter may have an issue. Reset your USB wireless adapter through Windows 7/8.1/10/11 to repair any problems that occur with the device.
