How to Connect Two Computers Using a USB Cable

Prepare a USB-to-USB bridge cable. There are many types of USB cables, but it’s crucial to use the correct USB-to-USB cable. Only this type can connect two PCs (often called a 'bridge cable', sometimes referred to as a 'USB data sharing cable', 'USB network cable', or 'USB linking cable'). The standard cable will have an electronic circuit in the middle and a male USB connector at both ends.

Install the software on both computers. This step must be completed before plugging the cable into the computers. The bridge cable usually comes with a CD or DVD containing the necessary software. Start by inserting the disc into the computer and launching the installer when the window pops up. If the software doesn’t launch automatically, press ⊞ Win+E to open File Explorer, then navigate to the CD/DVD ROM drive on the left side of the screen. Double-click on the “setup” or “installer” file.

• If the cable does not come with software, visit the manufacturer’s website and look for a “Software” or “Drivers” section. Download the software designed for your cable onto both computers.
• If given a mode option, choose “link” (also known as “bridge” or “transfer”).

Plug each end of the USB cable into the USB ports on each computer. Be careful not to stretch the cable too tightly. If you need to extend the cable to connect the computers, move them closer together to avoid damaging the cable.

Launch the data-sharing software on both computers. Once the software is installed, a shortcut icon will appear in the Start menu. Click “Start,” go to “All Programs” or “All Apps,” and select the software from the menu. From this point on, you won’t need to switch between the two computers to share files, as all operations will be carried out on one computer.

Browse files from one computer on the other. Note: the software will resemble a file manager with two windows (labeled “local” and “remote”), each representing one computer. The Local window shows the files on the computer you're using, while the Remote window displays the files on the other computer.

Share files. To copy content from the remote computer to the one you're using, simply drag the desired file from the Remote window into a folder in the Local window. You can also transfer files in the reverse direction, from the local computer to the other, by following the same process.

Prepare the necessary devices. Technically, Macs can't connect to each other directly through a USB cable. The most feasible way to establish a USB-to-USB connection on a Mac is to link a USB cable from one computer's USB port to the Ethernet port of the other computer.

• USB-to-Ethernet adapter: These adapters are universal, meaning you don’t need to buy one specifically for Apple computers. One end of the adapter has a male USB connector, and the other end has an RJ-45 female port for the Ethernet cable.
• 10/100BASE-T Ethernet cable: This is a standard cable with an RJ-45 connector, available at most electronics stores.
• You can also search online for additional methods to share files between two Mac computers for simpler options.

Plug the USB adapter into the USB port of Computer 1. If only one of the computers has an Ethernet port, connect the adapter to that computer. Otherwise, it doesn’t matter which computer you start with.

Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to the RJ-45 port on Computer 2. This port is typically located on the side or back of the computer.

Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable (attached to Computer 2) to the USB adapter. The physical connection process is now complete.

Open the Sharing settings on both computers. On each computer, go to the Apple menu, click on 'System Preferences,' then select 'Sharing.' Once the Sharing settings appear on the screen, you will also see the name of the computer you're using.

Use Finder on one computer to connect to the other. Choose either of the two computers to begin. Start by opening Finder, selecting 'Go,' and clicking on 'Connect to Server.' Then click 'Browse' to view a list of connected computers. Find and double-click on the second computer’s name in the list and enter the password when prompted (if required).

Transfer files between the two computers. The file list from the second computer will appear on the first one. You can drag and drop files between the two computers using the Finder window.