Transfer files between two computers

Two computers in the same room can share a USB stick. Two computers in different buildings need something else, and most of the options involve signing in somewhere you'd rather not.

A short code avoids all of it: upload on the first machine, read out six numbers, type them on the second.

How to do it

1. On the first computer, open buddysend.com and drop your files in. Up to 5 files, 100MB in total.
2. You get a 6-digit code and a share link.
3. On the second computer, open buddysend.com/receive and type the code, or open the link.
4. Download. The files are deleted from BuddySend afterwards.

Both machines only need a browser, so Windows, Mac and Linux all work together.

When this is the right tool

• Handing a file to a colleague who isn't in your company systems.
• Using a borrowed or public computer, where you don't want to sign in to your cloud account or email.
• Moving a file to a server or VM you have browser access to.
• Sending to someone over the phone, where "go to buddysend.com and type 482917" is the whole instruction.

When something else is better

• Files above 100MB: use a cloud service or a tool built for large transfers.
• Both computers on one network: LocalSend or plain file sharing will be faster, since the file never leaves the network.
• Ongoing sync between your own machines: a sync service is the right answer; a transfer tool is for one-off handovers.

What happens to the files

Files are deleted once downloaded, and expire about an hour after upload if nobody collects them. Uploads and downloads travel over HTTPS, and file contents are never opened or scanned. Treat the 6-digit code like a password while the transfer is live.

FAQ

Is it really free?

Yes. Sending and receiving are free and need no account on either computer.

Do the computers need to be on the same network?

No. The transfer goes over the internet, so the two machines can be anywhere.

Does it work between Windows, Mac and Linux?

Yes. It runs in the browser, so the operating system makes no difference.

Is there a size limit?

Up to 5 files per transfer, 100MB in total.

Can I use it on a public or work computer?

Yes, and that is one of its better uses: you never sign in to anything on the receiving machine. The files are removed after download.

Sending to a phone instead? See PC to phone or Mac to Windows.