How to Transfer Files from Windows PC to Android and Vice Versa?

Android device storage has been growing larger with time allowing users to store tons of valuable data on their smartphones. Just like your PC, your phone stores a lot of files including images, music, videos, books and documents among others. There are many reasons why you would like to move data between your PC and Android device including:

Create a backup for your data.
Enable on-the-go access to your files.
To transfer files from one PC to another.
Synchronize your data across your devices.

Fortunately, there are many options you can use to transfer files from your Windows PC to Android and vice versa. For example, via USB, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection, using cloud storage service and sending the files as an email attachment. Below are some of the most convenient ways of sharing files between your computer and Android devices.

How to Move Files Between PC and Android with a USB Cable?

USB cable transfer is one of the most convenient options when need to copy files from your PC to the phone or the other way.

Connect the USB-C side on the Android device and then plug in the USB-A side into the USB port on your computer.
Unlock your Android screen and swipe your finger down from the top edge of the display and tap the USB connection notification.
In most Android devices, the only charging option is the default selection. Select “Transfer files” in the resulting menu.

If you only want to transfer media files, you can choose “Transfer photos (PTP)”.
On your computer screen, you may see the AutoPlay dialogue box. Click the option to open the device/ folder to view files.
You can also open the Windows File Explorer to access the Android storage. You will find the device listed on the left pane of the File Explorer.

Open the folder containing your files and the destination folder in two separate windows.
You can use the copy and paste or drag and drop method to move the file(s) across the Android and Windows device.

The process is the same when copy files from the computer to your phone/tablet and vice versa.

How to Transfer Files Between Windows PC and Android Using Bluetooth?

Though Bluetooth is not the most reliable method, it is still an option of moving files between your Android and Bluetooth enabled PC.

Enable Bluetooth and Pair the Devices

First, you must enable the Bluetooth feature on both your computer and mobile device. On your Windows PC, open the Settings app and go to the “Devices” options.
This will open the “Bluetooth & other devices” settings page. Ensure that “Bluetooth” is on.

Turn on Bluetooth on your Android device and ensure that the device is discoverable.
Now click the “+” sign to add a Bluetooth device to your PC and choose “Bluetooth” on the resulting dialogue.

Windows will search a list of available devices, click your Android device on the list and check your Android display.
Compare the PIN displayed on your PC and Android device, if they match tap “Pair” on your phone/ tablet.

Now click the connect button on your Windows screen to pair. “Your device is ready to go!”
Click “Done” to complete the process.

Transferring Files from PC to Android

Go to the folder containing the file(s) that you want to transfer, right-click the file and go to “Send to”.
This will expand the send to option. Choose “Bluetooth” device.

Select your Android device on the Bluetooth file transfer wizard that appears and click the “Next” button.

Check your Android notifications and accept the file to complete the transfer.

You will get a confirmation when the file transfer completes successfully. Click the “Finish” button.

Transfer Files for Android to PC

First, click the Bluetooth icon on the Windows tray in the notification area and select
Browse your phone storage and select “Receive a file” from the pop-up menu.

On your Android device storage, long-press the file you want to transfer and tap the share icon.
Select Bluetooth from the various sharing options.

Choose the PC from the available Bluetooth devices to start sharing the file.

You will see the transfer status on your PC screen. Once complete, you can select the location on your computer where you want to store the file and then click the “Finish” button.

Transfer Files Via Cloud Storage Services

Cloud storage services such as Google Drive and Dropbox can be a good option for sharing files between your PC and android phone.

On the source device (PC/ Android) upload to the file(s) to the cloud storage.
Log in to the cloud service account on the destination device (PC/Android) and download the file to the device local storage.

Transfer Files with a USB External Storage

You can also use a USB memory stick to move files between Windows PC and your Android phone/tablet.

You may need a USB OTG adapter to connect the flash disk to your android phone. Once connected, open your phone file management app and move or copy files to/from the external storage device.
On your PC, just plug the flash disk to a USB port and then open the external storage device from the File Explorer.
Copy & paste or drag & drop files to and from the storage device to transfer.

Summary

Whether you want to move files from Android to PC for backup, synchronize files across your devices or for any other purpose. You can use the various methods discussed above to transfer files from PC to Android and vice versa.

How to Transfer Files from Windows PC to Android and Vice Versa?

How to Move Files Between PC and Android with a USB Cable?