How to Sync Two Computers on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ever found yourself working on one computer, only to realize your latest files or settings are stuck on another device? Frustrating, right? Thankfully, Windows 11 makes it easier than ever to sync two computers so your files, apps, and settings follow you wherever you go.

Whether you’re switching between a work laptop and a personal desktop or just setting up a backup system, this guide will walk you through step-by-step methods to sync two computers on Windows 11.

Table of Contents

Why Sync Two Computers on Windows 11?

Before we jump into the steps, let’s answer the big question: why bother syncing?

Consistency – Have the same settings, themes, and preferences on both PCs.
Productivity – Access the same documents and apps without juggling USB drives.
Backup – Keep important files safe on another machine.
Convenience – Seamlessly pick up where you left off on any device.

Think of syncing like having a digital twin of your computer—it mirrors your work so you don’t waste time transferring files manually.

Different Ways to Sync Two Computers on Windows 11

There isn’t just one way to sync—Windows 11 gives you multiple options depending on what exactly you want to sync (files, settings, or everything).

Let’s break them down:

Sync with Microsoft Account (settings, personalization, apps)
Use OneDrive for files and folders
Sync via Local Network (File Sharing)
Use Nearby Sharing for quick transfers
Third-party tools (GoodSync, Resilio, Dropbox, etc.)

Method 1: Sync Two Computers Using a Microsoft Account

Windows 11 lets you sync system settings and preferences through your Microsoft account.

Step 1: Sign in with Microsoft Account

On both PCs, open Settings → Accounts.
Select Your info.
Sign in with the same Microsoft account.

Step 2: Enable Sync Settings

Go to Settings → Accounts → Windows backup.
Turn on Remember my apps and Remember my preferences.

This syncs:

Themes & wallpapers
Passwords & Wi-Fi networks
Language preferences
Microsoft Store apps

👉 Great for making both computers “feel” identical.

Method 2: Sync Files and Folders with OneDrive

Want your documents, photos, and desktop files to stay updated across both PCs? Use OneDrive, Microsoft’s built-in cloud service.

Step 1: Set Up OneDrive

Open Start → OneDrive.
Sign in with your Microsoft account.

Step 2: Choose Folders to Sync

In OneDrive settings, pick which folders to back up:
- Desktop
- Documents
- Pictures

Step 3: Access Files on Another PC

On your second computer, sign into OneDrive with the same account.
Your files will appear automatically in the OneDrive folder.

Bonus: You can also access these files on your phone or via browser.

Method 3: Sync Over Local Network (File Sharing)

No internet? No problem. You can sync computers on the same Wi-Fi network.

Step 1: Enable File Sharing

Open Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center.
Select Change advanced sharing settings.
Turn on Network Discovery and File and Printer Sharing.

Step 2: Share a Folder

Right-click a folder → Properties → Sharing tab.
Click Share… and choose your other computer’s user.

Step 3: Access Shared Folder

On the second PC, press Win + R and type:

\\ComputerName
Hit Enter to see shared folders.

This method is perfect for large file transfers without cloud services.

Method 4: Use Nearby Sharing for Quick Sync

Think of this as AirDrop for Windows.

Step 1: Turn On Nearby Sharing

Open Settings → System → Nearby sharing.
Select Everyone nearby.

Step 2: Send Files

Right-click a file → Share → choose the other PC.

Both computers need to be on the same Wi-Fi or Bluetooth network.

Method 5: Use Third-Party Sync Tools

If you want advanced sync options, third-party apps are a lifesaver.

Resilio Sync – Peer-to-peer syncing without cloud.
GoodSync – Automates backups between PCs.
Dropbox / Google Drive – Cloud-based sync like OneDrive.

These are great if you’re syncing large datasets or need more control.

How to Sync Browser Data Between Two Computers

If you use Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome, syncing ensures your bookmarks, history, and extensions are identical.

Edge: Sign into Edge with your Microsoft account → Enable sync in settings.
Chrome: Sign in with your Google account → Turn on sync.

Now your browsers look the same across both PCs.

How to Sync Emails and Calendars

For Outlook users:

Add the same email account to Outlook on both computers.
All mail, calendar events, and contacts sync automatically.

For Gmail users:

Common Problems When Syncing Two Computers

Problem 1: Sync Settings Not Working

Ensure both PCs use the same Microsoft account.
Restart after enabling sync.

Problem 2: OneDrive Not Syncing

Check internet connection.
Right-click OneDrive icon → Resume syncing.

Problem 3: Slow Transfers on Local Network

Use a wired Ethernet connection for faster syncing.

Tips for Smooth Syncing

Use the same Microsoft account across both PCs.
Keep both systems updated with Windows Update.
Enable automatic backups in OneDrive for peace of mind.
For large files, use network sync instead of cloud to save bandwidth.

When Not to Sync Computers

Syncing isn’t always ideal. Avoid syncing if:

You’re on a metered internet connection (cloud sync eats data).
You use different PCs for personal vs. work use (privacy concerns).
One computer is low on storage.

Conclusion

And there you have it—multiple ways to sync two computers on Windows 11. Whether you prefer the simplicity of OneDrive, the power of local network sharing, or the flexibility of third-party tools, syncing makes your workflow smoother and your files safer.

Think of syncing as having a backup brain for your computer—always ready to pick up where you left off.

So go ahead, try out these methods, and make juggling between computers a thing of the past.

FAQs

1. Can I sync two computers without the internet?

Yes, using Local Network File Sharing or Nearby Sharing.

2. Is OneDrive the best way to sync two computers?

For most users, yes. It’s built into Windows 11 and easy to set up.

3. Do I need the same Microsoft account on both PCs to sync?

Yes, if you want system settings and apps to sync automatically.

4. Can I sync two computers with different operating systems?

Yes, with third-party apps like Dropbox or Resilio, but built-in Windows sync works best between Windows 11 PCs.

5. Does syncing slow down my computer?

Not really—syncing happens in the background. But if you’re syncing very large files, it may use bandwidth temporarily.