Google Quietly solves major issue with Quick Share for windows, making file transfers smoother and faster

One of the most efficient ways to transfer files between Android devices and Windows PCs is through Google’s Quick Share. This tool is fast, easy to set up, and, until recently, had a frustrating limitation: it only worked efficiently if both devices were on the same Wi-Fi network. Google, however, has quietly addressed this limitation, making Quick Share far more versatile and effective in various network environments.

Quick Share’s Early Network Restriction Issue

When Google introduced Quick Share for Windows in 2023, the tool’s optimal file transfer speeds depended on both devices being connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If this condition wasn’t met, Quick Share would fall back to a slower Bluetooth connection, which significantly delayed large file transfers. For instance, when transferring a 5.4GB file over Bluetooth, the speed hovered around 60KB/s, requiring close to 24 hours to complete. In contrast, transferring the same file over a Wi-Fi connection boosted the speed to roughly 30MB/s, completing the process in just a few minutes.

The Quiet Update That Changed Everything

Recently, users have discovered that Quick Share can now transfer files over Wi-Fi speeds, even when the Windows PC isn’t on a Wi-Fi network. This change, though not formally announced by Google, has transformed Quick Share into a much more versatile tool. Testing has shown that even with no Wi-Fi network connection on the PC, Quick Share can still reach transfer speeds around 30MB/s or higher, as long as the PC’s Wi-Fi adapter is active.

How This New Setup Works

When initiating transfers from two Android devices (for example, a Xiaomi 14T Pro and a OnePlus 12) to two Windows PCs, the process often starts over Bluetooth but quickly switches to a much faster connection. Initially, the transfer speed is about 60-80KB/s, typical for Bluetooth, but then speeds up to 30-40MB/s as the Android device creates a temporary Wi-Fi hotspot to support faster data transfer. The hotspot name usually includes the term “DIRECT,” suggesting a Wi-Fi Direct-type connection, although there’s currently no confirmed use of Wi-Fi Direct in the Windows Nearby library.

Enhanced Portability with Quick Share

For users frequently on the move, the update eliminates the need to connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network, making file sharing significantly more flexible. Transfer speeds vary based on the devices’ Wi-Fi capabilities and environmental factors, with some tests recording speeds as high as 90-110MB/s. This improvement means that large files can now be sent almost anywhere without lengthy wait times, which is invaluable for users on public networks or traveling.

Remaining Limitation: ARM Compatibility

While this update is a significant improvement, Quick Share for Windows still lacks official support for ARM-based Windows devices. Interestingly, the Quick Share app does run on ARM devices like Copilot Plus PCs, but installation requires transferring files from an x64 Windows machine, as the Quick Share installer currently fails on ARM devices.

With the restriction of needing a shared Wi-Fi network removed, Google has made Quick Share for Windows a much more versatile and accessible tool, addressing one of the most significant limitations users faced. While ARM compatibility is still pending, Quick Share now offers fast, reliable transfers between Android devices and Windows PCs in almost any setting, allowing users to work more efficiently wherever they are.