LocalSend Download for Windows – Share Files Between PC & Phone

LocalSend Download for Windows – Share Files Between PC & Phone

LocalSend is a free and open-source file-sharing application that lets you transfer files between nearby devices using your local network. It is useful for sharing photos, videos, documents, folders, and other files between a Windows PC and Android phone, iPhone, Mac, Linux computer, or another Windows PC.

Unlike cloud-based file-sharing services, LocalSend does not require you to upload files to an external server first. Devices communicate directly over the local network, and no account or login is required for normal file transfers.

LocalSend for Windows 11 & 10

LocalSend supports Windows 10 and newer versions, including Windows 11. The same application is also available for Android, iPhone and iPad, macOS, and Linux.

LocalSend Main Interface & Local File Sharing Features

LocalSend focuses on straightforward device-to-device sharing. Install and open the application on the devices you want to use, allow them to communicate through the same local network, select your files, and choose the receiving device.

Key LocalSend features include:

• PC-to-phone file transfers
• Phone-to-PC file transfers
• Windows-to-Windows transfers
• Android and iPhone support
• Cross-platform file sharing
• Local-network transfers
• No account or login required
• No internet required for normal local transfers
• HTTPS-encrypted communication
• File and folder sharing
• Nearby-device discovery
• Optional PIN verification
• Portable Windows version
• Free and open-source software

Share Files Without Cloud Storage

One of LocalSend’s main advantages is that your files do not need to be uploaded to cloud storage before reaching the receiving device.

This can be convenient for large photos, videos, documents, and folders when both devices are nearby.

If you specifically need online storage and synchronization between devices in different locations, see our Google Drive for Desktop Download for Windows guide.

No Account or Login Required

LocalSend does not require you to register an email address or create an online account for normal file transfers.

Install the application on both devices, open LocalSend, and allow the devices to discover each other over the local network.

Does LocalSend Need Internet?

An active internet connection is not required for normal LocalSend transfers. However, the devices must be able to communicate with each other through the same local network or another compatible local-network configuration.

For example, your Windows PC and phone can normally use the same home or office Wi-Fi network.

LocalSend Security & Privacy

LocalSend transfers normal files locally instead of routing them through an external cloud-storage server. Communication is protected using HTTPS encryption.

Optional PIN verification can add another confirmation step when receiving files.

How to Install LocalSend on Windows 11 & 10

The official LocalSend project provides Windows download options including a standard installer and portable packages.

1. Visit the official LocalSend website.
2. Open the Download section.
3. Select the Windows version.
4. Download the appropriate Windows package.
5. Open the installer.
6. Follow the installation instructions.
7. Finish installation.
8. Launch LocalSend.

Windows Firewall may ask whether LocalSend can communicate through the network. Allow the appropriate access on your trusted local/private network so nearby devices can be discovered.

Install LocalSend on Your Phone

For PC-to-phone file sharing, install the official LocalSend application on your Android phone, iPhone, or iPad as well.

Then:

1. Open LocalSend on the Windows PC.
2. Open LocalSend on the phone.
3. Connect both devices to a network where they can communicate.
4. Wait for the devices to discover each other.

LocalSend PC to Android & iPhone File Transfer

LocalSend supports transfers in both directions, making it useful when you frequently move photos, videos, documents, or folders between your computer and phone.

Share Files From Windows PC to Android

1. Open LocalSend on the Windows PC and Android phone.
2. Select Send on the Windows PC.
3. Choose a file or folder.
4. Wait for nearby devices to appear.
5. Select your Android phone.
6. Accept the transfer on the phone if requested.
7. Wait for the transfer to complete.

Share Files From Android to Windows PC

1. Open LocalSend on both devices.
2. Select Send on the Android phone.
3. Choose the files you want to transfer.
4. Select the Windows PC.
5. Accept the transfer on Windows if required.
6. Wait for completion.

This can be more convenient than connecting a USB cable whenever you only need to move a few files.

Transfer Files Between iPhone and Windows

LocalSend also supports iPhone and iPad. Open LocalSend on the Windows PC and iPhone, make sure both devices can communicate through the local network, and select the files you want to send.

This provides a cross-platform local file-sharing option without requiring normal transfers to pass through cloud storage first.

Send Photos & Videos Without a USB Cable

After taking photos or recording videos on your phone, you can transfer them directly to your Windows PC over the local network.

You do not need to upload the files to email, a messaging platform, or cloud storage first.

Share Folders With LocalSend

LocalSend can transfer folders as well as individual files. This is useful for:

• Work documents
• Photo collections
• Video folders
• Project files
• Download folders
• Other groups of files

For large transfers, keep both devices connected to a stable network until the transfer is complete.

Where Does LocalSend Save Received Files?

Received files are normally stored in the device’s download location. LocalSend also provides settings for changing the destination where received files are saved.

If you cannot find a transferred file:

1. Check the device’s Downloads folder.
2. Open LocalSend settings.
3. Check the configured save location.

LocalSend Portable Version for Windows

LocalSend also provides a portable Windows option. Instead of performing a traditional installation, download the official portable package, extract it, and run LocalSend from the extracted folder.

A portable version can be useful if you:

• Prefer portable applications
• Do not want a traditional installation
• Keep utilities in a separate software folder

For normal everyday use on a personal Windows PC, the standard installer is generally simpler.

LocalSend vs USB Cable

The better option depends on the devices, local network, transfer size, and available connections.

LocalSend vs Cloud Storage

Cloud storage and LocalSend solve different file-sharing needs. Cloud services are useful when files need to remain online, synchronize across devices, or be available when devices are in different locations.

LocalSend is designed primarily for nearby devices communicating over a local network.

For a cloud-based alternative, you can also read our Dropbox Download for Windows guide. Dropbox is designed around cloud storage and synchronization, while LocalSend focuses on direct local-network transfers.

LocalSend Troubleshooting, Privacy & Safe Download

If LocalSend cannot find another device or a transfer fails, the issue is often related to network communication, firewall permissions, VPN software, guest-network isolation, or device permissions.

LocalSend Not Finding Your Phone or PC

Check that:

• LocalSend is open on both devices.
• Both devices can communicate through the local network.
• Windows Firewall allows LocalSend.
• The phone has the required local-network permissions.
• A VPN is not interfering with local discovery.
• The devices are not isolated on guest Wi-Fi.
• Both devices use compatible LocalSend versions.

Restart LocalSend on both devices after checking these settings. If necessary, reconnect to Wi-Fi or restart the router.

Windows Firewall Blocking LocalSend

If Windows Firewall blocks LocalSend:

1. Open Windows Security.
2. Open Firewall & network protection.
3. Check whether LocalSend is allowed through the firewall.
4. Confirm that you are using the appropriate network profile.
5. Restart LocalSend.

LocalSend Transfer Failed

If a transfer starts but fails before completion, check:

• Wi-Fi signal strength
• Available storage on the receiving device
• Firewall settings
• VPN or proxy software
• LocalSend versions
• Device sleep settings
• Network stability

Try transferring a small file first. If small files work but large files fail, check available storage and network stability.

LocalSend Device Not Showing

If only one device has a discovery problem, try:

• Closing and reopening LocalSend
• Disconnecting and reconnecting Wi-Fi
• Restarting the device
• Checking LocalSend permissions
• Checking firewall or security software
• Checking network isolation
• Updating LocalSend

Public and guest Wi-Fi networks may intentionally prevent devices from communicating with each other.

LocalSend Transfer Speed Is Slow

Transfer speed depends heavily on your local network and devices. Slow transfers can result from:

• Weak Wi-Fi signal
• Congested wireless network
• Older router hardware
• Slow phone storage
• Slow PC storage
• Large numbers of small files
• Background network activity

Moving devices closer to the router can help. A PC connected to the router through Ethernet can also provide a stable connection while the phone remains connected through Wi-Fi.

Safe LocalSend Download

Download LocalSend from the official LocalSend project or its documented distribution channels.

Avoid:

• Modified installers
• Unofficial repacks
• Fake premium versions
• Unknown EXE download sites
• Installers containing bundled applications

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

LocalSend is a practical solution for transferring files between a Windows PC and nearby Android phones, iPhones, tablets, Macs, Linux computers, and other Windows PCs.

Its main advantage is simplicity: you can share photos, videos, documents, folders, and other files over your local network without creating an account or uploading everything to cloud storage first.

For Windows 11 and Windows 10 users who regularly transfer files between a PC and phone, LocalSend provides a convenient cross-platform alternative to USB cables and cloud-based sharing.