Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →For occasional transfers between a Galaxy phone and a nearby Windows PC, Quick Share is usually the more convenient choice once it is set up; USB is the simpler wired fallback when you prefer a cable or wireless discovery is not working. There is no official head-to-head speed test establishing that either method is universally faster. The Android-to-Windows feature once commonly called Nearby Share is now called Quick Share. Microsoft’s separate Nearby sharing is for sharing between Windows PCs, not the Galaxy-to-PC route described here.
USB or Quick Share: which should you use?
| Consideration | USB cable | Quick Share |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Connect the Galaxy phone to the PC with a USB cable that supports data transfer. Samsung lists USB cable transfer as a Galaxy-to-Windows option. Samsung’s transfer instructions | Send files wirelessly between a nearby Android device and a Windows PC using Quick Share. Google’s Quick Share for Windows page |
| What you need | A data-capable cable with connectors that fit both the phone and PC. | The appropriate Windows app, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or Ethernet, compatible devices, and visibility settings that let the devices find each other. Google’s requirements |
| Convenience | Requires having a cable and physically connecting the devices. | No cable is needed, which is handy for nearby transfers after setup. |
| Network sensitivity | Does not rely on Quick Share’s wireless discovery or same-network setup. | Some networks block device-to-device sharing; Google suggests connecting the PC to the phone’s hotspot as a troubleshooting option. Google’s troubleshooting guidance |
| Speed evidence | No controlled USB-versus-Quick Share benchmark is published in the cited official sources. | No controlled head-to-head benchmark is published. Samsung says Quick Share speed varies with the device, network conditions, and user environment. Samsung Quick Share |
Choose USB if you would rather make a physical connection or Quick Share cannot discover the devices. Choose Quick Share if you often send files while the phone and PC are together and want to avoid plugging in. Neither recommendation guarantees a particular transfer speed.
Quick Share is the current Android-to-Windows name
Google’s Android instructions now call the Android-to-Windows feature Quick Share; “Nearby Share” is outdated wording for this route. Microsoft’s Nearby sharing is a different feature documented for Windows PCs sharing with other Windows PCs. Microsoft notes Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025; that servicing date does not mean Nearby sharing itself stopped working.
Set up Quick Share between a Galaxy phone and Windows
Install the version that matches the PC
Google directs users with non-Samsung PCs to its Quick Share for Windows app. If the PC is a Samsung PC, Google directs users to Samsung’s Quick Share app from Microsoft Store instead. These are separate apps with separate requirements; do not assume Samsung’s requirements apply to Google’s app. Google’s compatibility and setup page
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Latest Version USB C 3.2 Gen 2 Cable】ZeroneTeck latest USB C for Thunderbolt cable: ①This 20Gbps USB C to USB C data cable is capable of meeting your ultra-fast data transfer needs. ②USB C to USB C monitor cable support 4K@60Hz Ultra HD video output ③In addition, this Type c to Type c cable also has a faster than normal 60W data cable with 100W ultra fast charging. Makes it easy for you to solve all your problems with just one cable.
- 【20Gbps USB C Data Cable】USBC to USBC data transfer cable provides explosive transfer speed up to 20Gbps, connect hard drives and SSDs, Also suitable for phone to laptop data transfer, transfer large files in seconds and save you more work time. Meanwhile, USBC to USBC 3.2 gen 2 20gbps data transfer cable backward compatible with USB 3.1, USB 3.0 and USB 2.0.(*Note: Maximum speeds are achieved when both upstream and downstream devices are Thunderbolt 3/4 interfaces.)
- 【4K@60Hz USB C Cable for Monitor & Plug and Play】Plug and play, no drivers or applications required to use this cable! USB C monitor cord to stream 4K@60Hz (3840*2160) content directly from your phones, tablets, laptops and desktop computers to large screens such as monitors, HDTVs and projectors. You will enjoy stunning Ultra HD video and colorful image quality. (Note: Please make sure your device has a USB-C port and supports DP Alt mode).
- 【5A/100W Fast Charging Cable】USB Type C fast charging cable with E-Marker IC chip, safely charges your devices with up to 100W power. It can fully charge a MacBook Pro 60%, an iPad Pro 75%, a iPhone 15 85%, and a Switch 95% in 35 minutes. Fully satisfies the charging power needs of professionals for MacBooks Pro, Android devices, Samsung and iPad Pro. Charge any USB-C device at maximum speed for timely use and no more waiting. *Note: Requires a C-port adapter of appropriate power.
- 【Dual Vehicle System】 Flawlessly supports CarPlay & Android Auto for seamless navigation/music streaming. 20Gbps ultra-speed — 40× faster than USB 2.0 CarPlay cables with enhanced signal stability.
Check Google Quick Share’s requirements
- The Android device must run Android 6 or later; Google says Quick Share is already installed on Android 6+ devices.
- Google’s Windows app supports 64-bit Windows 10 and later. ARM-based PCs require Windows 11 or later.
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi or Ethernet must be enabled, and Google says the devices should be on the same network.
- Keep the devices within 5 metres (16 feet), Google’s recommended maximum proximity for Quick Share for Windows.
These requirements are for Google’s Windows app. Samsung’s app has its own requirements and compatibility limits.
Make the devices discoverable and approve the transfer
Both devices need visibility settings that allow them to find each other. On the PC, Google lists Everyone, Contacts, Your devices, and No one as visibility choices. For more private sharing, Google advises signing in and selecting Contacts or Your devices. When a file arrives, the recipient is asked to approve it; transfers between your own devices on the same Google Account are automatically accepted. Google says transfers are encrypted. Files received on Windows are saved in a Quick Share folder under Downloads. Google Android Help
Rank #2
- [ 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.
Use USB when a cable suits the situation
Samsung lists USB cable transfer among the ways to move files between a Galaxy phone and Windows. Use a cable that supports data, not just charging, and check that its connectors match the phone and PC. Samsung’s cited page establishes USB as an option, but the exact connection steps can vary by Galaxy model and Windows setup; consult its device-specific instructions at Samsung Support.
What to try when Quick Share cannot find the PC
- Confirm the app: use Google Quick Share for a non-Samsung PC, or Samsung’s Quick Share app for a Samsung PC. Google’s setup page
- Check compatibility: verify the Windows version and, for an ARM-based PC, the Windows 11 requirement for Google’s app.
- Enable wireless connections: turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi or Ethernet, and check that both devices are connected to the same network.
- Review visibility: make sure neither device is set to No one and that the selected setting allows the other device to be discovered.
- Move the devices closer: keep them within Google’s recommended 5-metre range.
- Try a different network: Google notes some office networks block device-to-device sharing and suggests connecting the PC to the phone’s hotspot.
If wireless setup remains inconvenient, Samsung lists USB cable transfer as another Galaxy-to-Windows method.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- Move Files Fast: Transfer music, movies, or entire seasons of TV shows in seconds at 40 Gbps.
- HD Display: Connect your laptop to an external monitor to mirror or extend your screen in up to 8K@60Hz or 4K@144Hz.
- Huge Range of Power: Supports a maximum 240W charge when paired up with a compatible charger. Charge virtually any USB-C device from phones and accessories to laptops.
- Built to Last: Proven in lab tests to withstand up to 5,000 bends.
- What You Get: Anker 515 USB-C to USB-C Cable (USB4, 3.3ft), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Samsung PC app requirements are different
For Samsung’s Quick Share Windows app, Samsung lists Windows 10 version 2004 or later and specified Intel Bluetooth and Wi-Fi driver versions. It supports compatible Samsung Galaxy Books and some other Windows PCs with Intel Bluetooth and Wi-Fi drivers, subject to possible model-specific restrictions. Samsung says its page sets no number or size limit for nearby file sharing, and cautions that actual speeds vary by device, network conditions, and environment. These statements apply to Samsung’s app, not automatically to Google’s separate Windows app. Samsung Quick Share
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 20Gbps Data Transfer: This USB C data cable (USB C 3.2 Gen 2x2 cable) supports blazing-fast 20Gbps data transfer for fast file transfers, high-speed storage access, and external drive connections. This USB C 3.2 Gen 2 cable / USB-C data cable ensures reliable performance and is backward compatible with earlier USB-C versions.
- 8K or 4K UHD Video Output: This USB C video cable / USBC display cable supports 8K@30Hz or 4K@120Hz video output to a USB-C monitor. Use this USB-C monitor cable to connect your computer to a USBC monitor like the MB169C Type-C portable monitor, ZenScreen MB16AC, AOC i1601fwux, or LG 4K USB C monitor for gaming, content creation, or extended desktop viewing.
- 240W Power Delivery: This 240W USB C display cable charges laptops, tablets, and phones with up to 240W. The USB C to USB C video cable for monitor (USB C to USB C data cable) supports devices like iPad Pro, Google Pixel 2/3XL, OnePlus 2/3, HTC 10, Huawei P9, LG G5, Nexus 6P, and Galaxy S9/S9+, S8/S8+, Note 9/Note 8 when used with a USB Type C charger, USB C power adapter, or USB C car charger.
- Broad Monitor & Dock Compatibility: This USB C to USB C monitor cable works with USB-C monitors and docks such as Dell U2520D, P2720DC, U2721DE, U2719DC, and HP E273d, E24d G4, E223d, E27d G4—delivering smooth video output and charging.
- Thunderbolt 4 & USB-C Device Support: This Thunderbolt 4 & USB C cable is compatible with USB-C computers such as MacBook Pro, Dell XPS 13/15, Dell Alienware 13/15/17, Dell Precision 15/17, Aspire R13/V15, S5-391-6419 Nitro, V17 Nitro, Predator 15/17, ROG G752VL, GT752VT, GT752VY, GX700VO, ZenBook Pro UX501VW, Clevo P750DM/P770DM/P870DM, ThinkPad P50/P70, MSI GS40, GS60, GT72, GT80, Vortex, WS60, WS72, and VAIO S11.
Rank #4
- 【Up to 40Gbps Data Sync】Delivers up to 40Gbps high speed transaltion, 4x faster than USB 3.2 cable, 2x faster than previous generation USB4 cable. It can copy 10GB files in seconds, avoid waiting, and effortlessly get everything you want. Plug and play, no drive needed.*The final performance depends on whether your device supports USB4, Thunderbolt 4/3.
- 【240W Rapid Charging】Up to 240W (48/5A) power supply when paired with a compatible charger. Backward compatible with 100W, 140W, 180W in Extended Power Range(EPR). It is ready to provide you with enough power at any time. Equipped E-Marker chip for safety, stability, and battery protection. Support PD 3.1, QC 4.0, FCP, AFC fast charging technology for future proof.
- 【8K HDR Design for Professionals】 Provide a single 8K@60Hz / 5K@60Hz / 4K@144Hz or dual 4K@60Hz display support. Connect your laptop or dock to a monitor and get a crisp detail and 10-bit color depth view. Support MST Daisy Chain, release your efficiency and improve the professionalism of the project.
- 【Future-proofed Compatibility】The USB 4 cable fully supports the function of Thunderbolt 4. Backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB 3.2 Gen 2 x 2, USB 2.0. It works seamlessly with all Thunderbolt 4 / 3 / Type-C devices. Compatible with Apple Studio Display, Mac Studio, Mac Mini, MacBook, Surface, iPad Pro, iPhone 17/16, docking station, SSD, power bank, GaN charger, etc. We recommend using cables below 5FT when connecting to the docking for stable performance.
- 【Top-Notch Material】Aluminum shell ensures efficient heat dissipation and protects the chip. Experience unprecedented durability with our unique 48-strand braided techniques. It offers 3x protection without tangle and gets worry-free usage. Triple protection with EMI-resistant tinplate, 28 AWG OFC conductors, and stainless steel connectors improves signal quality and ensures long-lasting connections.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
