Yes, but usually not with an ordinary USB cable. To transfer files directly, you need a purpose-built PC-to-PC transfer cable and compatible software, a supported USB4 connection configured for network sharing, or a device feature such as HP Device Bridge. If you are unsure whether your computers support a direct connection, copying files through an external drive is a straightforward alternative.
Why an ordinary USB cable usually will not work
USB-C describes a connector shape, not a guaranteed way to link two computers as file-sharing devices. The computers, ports, cable, and required software must all support the same function. Microsoft notes that USB-C features can be limited when the PC, cable, and connected device do not share the necessary support: Microsoft’s USB Type-C guidance.
A regular charging or data cable is not automatically a PC-to-PC transfer cable. Apple’s guidance explains that USB-C and Thunderbolt cables can carry data with compatible devices and ports, but that alone does not establish a direct file-transfer connection between two computers: Apple’s cable guidance.
Microsoft’s USB Type-C FAQ also describes a specific Windows 10 feature in which two Windows 10 desktop PCs cannot connect for peer-to-peer transfer through that feature; it identifies a Windows Mobile-to-Windows desktop pairing instead. That statement applies to the feature and Windows 10 context covered by the FAQ, not to every later USB4 setup or third-party transfer product: Microsoft Q&A on USB-C file transfer.
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![CONMDEX Android Auto USB Cable [3ft, 2-Pack] 10Gbps, 3A Fast Charging](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41vy0X7qsdL._SL160_.jpg)
- [Reliable Car Connectivity & Android Auto] Engineered specifically to solve "falling short" connection issues in vehicles. This cable provides a stable, high-speed link for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ensuring consistent navigation and music streaming in models like the Ford Raptor and other modern consoles
- [True 10Gbps Ultra-Fast Data Sync] Eliminate data transfer bottlenecks with genuine USB 3.1 Gen 2 performance. Move 4K movies or entire photo libraries in seconds at 10Gbps—speeds significantly faster than standard USB 3.0 cables that often drop to 40Mbps
- [Built for Tidy Spaces & Durability] The 3ft length is the "perfect length" for car consoles and tidy desktop setups, eliminating excess cable clutter. Featuring an aluminum alloy case and premium nylon braiding, it is manufactured to prevent loose wires and fraying near the plugs
- [Versatile One-for-All Functionality] A single solution for your high-speed ecosystem. Seamlessly connects the latest iPhone 18 Pro Max Duo/17/16, Samsung Galaxy S26/S25/S24 Ultra, PS5/PS4 controllers, and external SSDs to USB-A ports
- [Charging & Compatibility Boundaries] Provides efficient 3A/18W fast charging for smartphones and tablets. Please note: This cable is optimized for mobile devices and is not intended for high-wattage laptops (65W+) or use cases requiring cables longer than 3 feet
Choose a transfer method that both computers support
| Method | What makes it work | Best fit | Key check |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB bridge or data-transfer cable | A purpose-built cable and compatible companion software | A direct transfer when the computers’ operating systems are supported | Exact OS versions, ports, required software, and current product support |
| USB4 interdomain connection | A supported USB4 network connection, followed by network file sharing | Supported USB4 PCs and users comfortable setting up file sharing | USB4 hardware, cable, Windows support, and the network route used for sharing |
| External drive or other removable storage | Copy files to storage on one computer, then copy them to the other | Migration or situations where direct-link support is uncertain | Available capacity, connectors, and file-system compatibility |
| HP Device Bridge | HP software on both computers and a compatible display setup | Users with supported HP equipment and monitor configuration | Device model, software, ports, and display settings |
Use a purpose-built USB transfer cable
A USB bridge or PC-to-PC data-transfer cable is designed for connecting two computers. It uses a transfer mechanism and companion software rather than relying on an ordinary cable to make one computer appear as a USB storage device. StarTech product documentation describes models for Windows and Mac combinations, including USB 3.0 and USB-C versions: USB 3.0 transfer cable documentation and USB-C transfer cable documentation.
Before buying or connecting one, check the manufacturer’s documentation for the exact cable model, both computers’ operating-system versions, their ports or required adapters, and the transfer software it requires. The cited product sheets establish the product category and documented platform combinations, but do not establish compatibility with every current Windows or macOS release, current stock, or price.
Rank #2
- 10Gbps Data Transfer: USB 3.1 Gen 2 cable for ultra-fast sync of 4K movies, photos, & music. It's also backward compatible with USB 3.0. DOES NOT support video output
- Universal Compatibility: Designed for iPhone 15/16/17 Series and compatible with CarPlay, Android Auto, Portable SSDs (including Samsung T7), Samsung Phone and all USB-C devices
- 3A Fast Charging & Heavy-Duty: Equipped with a 22AWG thick copper core, it handles 3A current effortlessly, ensuring stability and reliability for extended use
- Innovative Braiding: Features a sleek white nylon braiding and silver aluminum port housing, offering a stylish yet durable design
- IRMZ USB-C Data Cable Specifications: 10Gbps High-Speed Data Transfer, 3A Fast Charging, Innovative Braided Design, 3ft Length, White Color
Use USB4 networking when the computers support it
USB4 can provide a network connection between two supported PCs using USB4 interdomain networking, also called USB4NET. Microsoft says the protocol can also work with a Thunderbolt 3 PC when connected using a USB4 or Thunderbolt 3 cable. This is networking over the cable, not a general USB file-device connection: files are shared through the resulting network connection. See Microsoft’s USB4 interdomain connection documentation.
This route depends on supported USB4 hardware and operating-system support, including the Windows USB4 connection manager for the Windows setup Microsoft documents. After establishing the network connection, configure file sharing as you would over a network. If the other PC is also reachable over Wi-Fi or another network, selecting it by name may not ensure that file sharing uses the USB4 route.
Rank #3
- [ Excellent Performance ] This USB C 3.1 cable connects a portable external USB C 3.1 SSD to a computer for speedy file transfer or syncs and charges Samsung smartphones or tablets equipped with the USB C port. Data synchronization is 20 times faster than USB 2.0 cables (480Mbps). (Does not support video output.)
- [ Fast Charging & High Speed Data Transfer ] This usba to usbc data power cable can sync your favourite photos, videos and music at a data transfer rate of up to 10Gbps(1250MB/s). Files can be synchronised in seconds. In addition, it can quick-charge your USB-C devices at up to 3A safe charging power. Tested charge Samsung Galaxy S22 from 0 to 60% in 30mins with Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 technology.Tips: USB 3.1 Gen 2 renamed to USB 3.2 Gen 2 by USB-IF in 2019.
- [ Extreme Durability & High Quality ] : Unique ABS case with the reinforced connector withstand 10000+ bending test. Durable TPE cable not only stay tangling-free but also flexible enough to be wrapped up and put in a bag ! (PS:The connector shell is wrapped around by a piece of plastic film to protect the shell from scraching ,feel free to remove the film when you use it.)
- [ Universal Compatibility ] This USB C to USB A Charger cable is Compatible with almost all USB-C devices. For Samsung Galaxy S24/S24+/S24 Ultra/S23/S23+/S23 Ultra/S22/S21/S20/S10/S9/Note 20/10/A70/A80/A90/A54, iPhone 16/16 Plus/16 Pro/16 Pro Max, iPhone 15/15 Plus/15 Pro/15 Pro Max, Google Pixel 9/8/7/6/5/, Moto G9/G8/G7/G Pure, LG G7/G6/V50, Sony XZ, Bose 700, GoPro, Nintendo switch, Samsung Galaxy Tab S6, iPad Pro 2018 11''/12.9", Samsung T7/T5, Crucial X8/X6, LaCie Rugged SSD, G-Drive, WD My Passport, Seagate Fast, SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD etc. (OnePlus phones are not supported.)
- [ What You Get ] 1 X Super-Fast USB-A to USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 Cable (3 ft including both ends), our worry-free LIFETIME WARRANTY and friendly customer service. NOTE: If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us, we will be happy to serve you and give you an easy and pleasant shopping experience.
Transfer files through an external drive
When direct transfer support is unclear, removable storage avoids the need to connect two computers as peers. Microsoft lists a USB drive, SD card, or external hard drive as ways to move files to a new Windows PC: Microsoft’s external-storage migration guidance.
- Connect the drive or card to the computer that has the files.
- Copy the files you want to move to the removable storage.
- Safely eject the storage device, then connect it to the destination computer.
- Copy the files from the device to the destination folder.
Make sure the storage has enough free capacity and uses a file system both computers can read and write. You may also need an adapter if the storage device’s connector does not match one of the computers’ ports.
Rank #4
- [Finder’s Red]: Quickly identify your Data-Sync cable in a tangle of different functions wires. No more guessing: Red = Fast Charge = Data Sync". Lab study: Red data cables reduce‘wrong unplugging’ by 62%. Spotted 3X faster than black in bags/offices. Ideal for travel, meetings, and late-night charging.
- [Lock-Tight C Port & Zero Interruption]: Super Snug USB-C data cable. No Loose/Wobble, Stable Rapid Charging & Data Sync. Tested to withstand 50,000+ bends and 10000+ Plug-in. Withstands long-term use without loosening. No more annoying ‘disconnected’ alerts.
- [Phenomenal Superspeed+ 10Gbps Data Transfer Speed]: Wherever you are, access your games, photos, and videos quickly. With read speeds up to 10Gb/s, you can load files up to 2x faster than most usb 3.0 a to c cables, 20x faster than usb 2.0 cables, and 800x faster than USB 1.0 cables. This incredible performance will give you an ultra-fast experience like never before.
- [High Quality Nylon]: The upgraded USB C 3.1 data cable features military-grade double-braided nylon that outperforms cheap plastic coatings. The tight 1200D nylon weave resists cuts, pet bites, daily wear, and ensure stable 10Gbps high speed data transfer and 3.1A fast charging."(LDLrui Lab Certified: 10+ years lifespan at 8 bends/day).
- [The Only Charge Cable You Need]: Say goodbye to your old usb a to c charge cables. LDLrui usb charger cable has the unrivaled charging speed you need to fast charge your phone, tablet, and USB-C notebook. Charge Samsung S10 to 50% in just 30 minutes—that’s up to 30% faster than with other 2.4A charger cable.
Check whether HP Device Bridge fits your setup
HP Device Bridge is a specialized option, not a generic feature of USB cables. HP describes it as supporting data transfer and keyboard-and-mouse sharing across Windows-to-Windows, macOS-to-macOS, and Windows-to-macOS computers. It requires HP’s software to be installed and running on both computers, along with the relevant compatible display connection and settings. Check HP’s requirements for the particular equipment and configuration: HP Device Bridge support.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- [5GBPS SYNC & ANTI-INTERFERENCE] Transfer 10GB in 20s. Premium shielding drastically reduces EMI noise, helping to fix wireless mouse lag & Bluetooth drops. 24K gold-plated connectors ensure maximum signal integrity for cooling pads & drives.
- [PERFECT 3FT: NO CLUTTER, STEADY POWER] Stop letting 6.6FT cables tangle your desk. Our 3FT cord is the optimal length for cooling pads. It minimizes voltage drop, ensuring high-power hard drives maintain a highly stable connection during heavy transfers.
- [22,000+ BENDS & LOW PORT STRAIN] Built for relentless plugging. Reinforced SR joints target common stress points to prevent snapping. The lightweight 3ft design minimizes downward cable strain, helping protect your laptop's expensive USB ports.
- [HEAVY-DUTY & HYDROPHOBIC] Tightly braided nylon handles aggressive pulling and daily desk wear. The stain-resistant, hydrophobic jacket repels everyday spills and wipes clean easily, keeping your workspace looking pristine and professional.
- [ATTENTION: READ BEFORE BUYING] Standard USB-A to A male cable. Plug-and-play for peripherals. NOT FOR: PC-to-PC Direct Link, video out, phone/tablet charging, or power banks. Ensure your device needs a Type-A port. 3-Year Support included.
Check before you connect
- Identify the cable: Confirm whether it is an ordinary cable or a product specifically sold as a computer-to-computer transfer or bridge cable.
- Confirm compatibility: Check both computers’ operating systems, ports, required adapters, and software against the documentation for the specific product or feature.
- Use official software sources: Install transfer software from the cable maker or device manufacturer’s official source.
- For USB4, verify the network path: Confirm that both PCs support the documented USB4 setup and consider whether another network connection could carry file sharing instead.
- For removable storage, check capacity and format: Ensure the device has room for the files and can be used by both computers.
