How to Send Files From Mac to Windows PC via Bluetooth

Things to Know

• Although Apple Mac computers and Windows PCs use different operating systems, there are several methods for transferring files between them, including Bluetooth.
• You’ll need to ensure that Bluetooth is activated on both devices.
• You can also only use this method of file transfer for devices that are within 30 feet of each other, although 20 feet is recommended for uninterrupted data transfer. Bluetooth file transfers are also slower than alternatives such as using a cloud-based file storage/transfer solution.

Learn How to Send Files From Mac to Windows PC via Bluetooth — Step by Step

Step 1: On your Windows PC, head to Settings. You can access this from the Start button at the bottom of the screen. Alternatively, you can press the Windows key and “I” together on your keyboard.

Step 2: Under Devices choose Bluetooth & other devices and ensure that Bluetooth is switched on. The button should be blue and slid to the right. By doing this, you’re telling your Windows machine that it can connect to other Bluetooth-enabled devices — and receive files from them.

Step 3: On your Mac, open System Settings. You should be able to access this by clicking the Apple icon on the screen.

Step 4: Check that Bluetooth sharing is on, and look for your Windows machine under “Nearby Devices.” Click the Connect button.

Step 5: Go back to your Windows PC — you should now see an alert asking you to “Add a device.” Click on the alert box.

Step 6: Pair your Mac to your Windows device. Click on “Allow.”

Note: When you’ve done this pairing process once, you shouldn’t have to repeat it the next time you want to share files via Bluetooth unless you tell either device to “Forget” the connection.

Step 7: On your Windows PC, go back to Settings, Devices, and Bluetooth & other devices. Scroll down and under Related setting you’ll find “Send or receive files via Bluetooth.” Click this option.

Step 8: You’ll now see a popup window with two options. Choose the bottom option: “Receive files.”

Step 9: Go back to your Mac and search for Bluetooth File Exchange using Spotlight. You can also usually find this app under the “Utilities” folder. Tip: The icon is the standard blue and white Bluetooth symbol.

Step 10: Open the app and use Finder to select the file you want to transfer from your Mac to your Windows PC. When you click on the file, you should see a “Send” button — click here.

Step 11: Your Mac will now check which device you want to send the file to. Ensure that you pick your Windows PC from the available list.

Step 12: On your Windows PC, you’ll get a notification that the file is being received. This may take a while, depending on the size of the file. The most important aspect of this step is to remember to save the file once it’s been received. You’ll be able to choose a location to store your transferred file. And that’s it! You now know how to send files from Mac to Windows PC via Bluetooth.