-

🔌 How to Connect Two Computers via USB-to-USB Cable for File Transfers

Need to move files between two computers without using Wi-Fi, external drives, or the cloud? You might be wondering: can I just use a USB cable to connect two PCs?

Short answer: Yes — but only with the right type of cable.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about connecting two computers via a USB-to-USB data transfer cable, how it works, what you should avoid, and how to transfer files like a pro.

⚠️ Important Warning:
Never connect two PCs using a standard USB-to-USB cable. It can cause permanent hardware damage. You must use a USB bridge/data transfer cable with a built-in chip to safely manage communication.

🧠 What Is a USB-to-USB Data Transfer Cable?

Also called a USB bridge cable, this special cable contains a chip that acts as a controller. It allows two computers to communicate with each other safely, without short-circuiting either machine’s USB ports.

🟢 Features of a Data Transfer Cable:

  • Has a bulge or box (the data bridge) in the middle of the cable
  • Comes with bundled software (e.g., Easy File Transfer, GO! Bridge, PCLinq, etc.)
  • Usually supports USB 2.0, 3.0 or even Type-C
  • Designed specifically for PC-to-PC communication

Using a data cable is often faster than transferring files over Wi-Fi — especially large files like videos, game installers, or design assets.

📦 What You Need

  • ✅ A USB data transfer cable (with a bridge chip)
  • ✅ The software that came with the cable (on CD or downloadable)
  • ✅ Two Windows laptops or desktop PCs (Windows 7/8/10/11)
  • ✅ Admin access on both devices

🛠️ Step-by-Step: How to Connect and Transfer Files

✅ Step 1: Plug In the USB Transfer Cable to Both Computers

  • Insert one end of the cable into a USB port on Computer A
  • Plug the other end into a USB port on Computer B
  • Wait for Windows to detect the cable on both systems
⚠️ If either computer shows a “power surge on USB port” error — unplug immediately. This only happens with cheap or faulty cables.

✅ Step 2: Install the Data Transfer Software

Most cables come with software preloaded on a mini-CD or flash drive, or offer a download link.

  • Insert the disc or open the installer
  • Install the software (e.g., Easy File Transfer, GO! Bridge, PC-Linq)
  • Repeat this on both computers

If you're using Windows 10/11, it may auto-install the required drivers, but using the official software provides a much better experience.

✅ Step 3: Launch the Software on Both PCs

  • Open the transfer software on both systems
  • Wait for it to detect the connection (usually automatic)
  • Both computers should appear as connected peers

Depending on the software, the interface will show dual windows — one for each PC’s file system.

✅ Step 4: Start Transferring Files

  • Use drag and drop to copy files from one system to the other
  • Large files like movies, backups, and games can be transferred quickly
  • Some software allows folder syncing and backup modes too
💡 Tip: For best results, avoid running large programs or downloads during the transfer.

📊 Performance: How Fast Is It?

Transfer speed depends on:

  • The USB version (2.0 ≈ 480 Mbps, 3.0 ≈ 5 Gbps)
  • The cable’s quality and chipset
  • Your system's hard drive speed

In general, USB 3.0 data cables can copy a 4GB file in under 10 seconds if both PCs support it.

🧪 What If the Transfer Software Doesn’t Detect the Other PC?

Try the following troubleshooting steps:

  • Unplug and reinsert the cable in both systems
  • Restart both computers
  • Disable firewall or antivirus temporarily
  • Ensure you're using the correct and latest version of the software
  • Use different USB ports (preferably USB 3.0 for speed)

⚠️ What Happens If You Use a Regular USB Cable?

This is very important: You should NEVER connect two PCs directly using a regular USB-A to USB-A cable.

Why? Because both USB ports are power sources, and directly linking them can cause:

  • 🔥 Power overloads
  • 💥 Permanent motherboard damage
  • ⚡ Port failure or data corruption

Only use a cable designed for PC-to-PC connections — always with a built-in bridge chip.

🖥️ Alternatives to USB Data Cable Transfer

  • Wi-Fi File Sharing: Connect both PCs to the same network and use shared folders
  • Ethernet Crossover Cable: Another fast, wired method for local transfer
  • Cloud Storage: Services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive
  • External Hard Drive: Copy and paste files via USB drives

🔁 Pros & Cons of USB-to-USB Transfer Cables

Pros Cons
Fast transfer speeds (especially USB 3.0) Requires dedicated software
Secure, direct PC-to-PC connection Not supported on macOS/Linux (in most cases)
Bypasses Wi-Fi issues or internet need Quality depends on the cable used

🔐 Safety Tips When Using Transfer Cables

  • Use cables from reputable brands (e.g., Plugable, Ugreen, Belkin)
  • Scan files with antivirus before or after transfer
  • Do not remove the cable while transferring files
  • Do not mix USB power-only cables with data cables

📦 Recommended USB Transfer Cables

  • Plugable USB 3.0 Transfer Cable – works with Windows Easy Transfer
  • StarTech USB 2.0 Data Transfer Cable – with PCLinq software
  • Ugreen USB Transfer Cable – high-speed and stable

You can find these on Amazon, local electronics shops, or computer accessory vendors.

🎯 Final Thoughts: Fast, Direct File Sharing Without the Cloud

Connecting two computers via USB-to-USB is still one of the most efficient and direct methods for file transfer — especially when you’re dealing with large data or limited network access.

Just remember the golden rule: never use a regular USB cable for this purpose. Use a proper USB data transfer cable with a built-in bridge chip, follow the steps in this guide, and enjoy smooth, fast, and reliable transfers.

Need help setting up your data cable or troubleshooting file transfer issues? Bigtoyo Computer Technology Ltd. provides expert IT setup, device linking, and technician training to make your PC-to-PC experience seamless.

Written by Bigtoyo Computer Technology Ltd. – Experts in tech repair, computer networking, and hands-on technician training across Nigeria and beyond.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular Post

My Printer Not Connecting

-
Image
 If you are having an issue with installing a printer or getting other issues dealing with a printer or printer setup on the computer, try this troubleshooter.  If a step doesn't apply, skip to next step  1. Turn computer off  2. Turn printer off 3. Disconnect power to printer for 2 minutes  4. Turn printer back on  5. Wait one minute  6. Make sure all connections are good  7. If your printer has both parallel and USB connectors, only have one of the two connected and not both. The USB is faster. (most new systems do not have parallel connections)  8. Turn computer back on  9. Make sure the printer has ink  10. Is the printer networked? If so is it connected to the network via computer or router. If it is connected via a computer and the computer is off, the other systems will not see it.  11. Make sure the dependencies to the print spool is started  12. Check the manufacturer of the printer to see if there is a newer driv...
Read more

INTRODUCTION TO CHIP-LEVEL TECHNOLOGY

-
Image
Chapter 1: Introduction to Chip-Level Technology     1.1 What is Chip-Level Technology?   Explanation of chip-level technology: Delving into the microscopic world of electronic components and circuits. How chip-level technicians work at the heart of devices to diagnose and repair intricate issues.  1.2 Importance of Chip-Level Expertise   Highlighting the significance of chip-level technicians in repairing complex electronic devices. Examples of devices where chip-level expertise is crucial: smartphones, laptops, gaming consoles, and more Chapter 2: Basics of Electronic Components   2.1 Understanding Electronic Components Introduction to fundamental components: resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, and integrated circuits (ICs). How components combine to create circuits, allowing devices to function. 2.2 Role of Components in a Circuit Explanation of how each component contributes to the overall operatio...
Read more
-
Image
j BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is an essential firmware embedded in a computer's motherboard that initializes hardware components and enables the operating system to boot. Sometimes, updating or reprogramming the BIOS becomes necessary to fix compatibility issues, add new features, or enhance system performance. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of BIOS reprogramming, covering the necessary steps and precautions to ensure a successful update. Understand the Purpose of BIOS Reprogramming : Before proceeding with BIOS reprogramming, it's crucial to understand why you need to update or reprogram it. Common reasons include resolving hardware compatibility issues, improving system stability, fixing security vulnerabilities, enabling new features, or supporting updated hardware. Make sure to identify the specific need for reprogramming to avoid unnecessary updates that could potentially cause problems. Research and Gather Necessary Materials : Begin by re...
Read more

IP Address: internet protocol

-
Image
   What is an IP address?     An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a unique numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication.     It serves two main functions: identifying the host or network interface and providing the location of the device in the network. Types of IP addresses:     IPv4: This is the most common type of IP address used today. It consists of four sets of numbers separated by periods (e.g., 192.168.0.1). IPv4 allows for approximately 4.3 billion unique addresses.     IPv6: With the increasing number of connected devices, IPv6 was introduced to address the depletion of IPv4 addresses. It uses eight sets of numbers separated by colons (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334). IPv6 provides a significantly larger address space. How IP addresses work:     When a device wants to communicate with a...
Read more

An Introduction to IT Chiplevel Repair: Unveiling the Inner Workings of Modern Devices

-
Image
  In the fast-paced world of technology, where devices are becoming more intricate and compact, the need for skilled professionals capable of delving into the core components of electronics has grown exponentially. Chiplevel repair and chiplevel engineering have emerged as crucial disciplines, allowing technicians to diagnose and mend devices at a microscopic level. In this article, we'll explore the fundamentals of chiplevel repair, its significance in the realm of IT, and how it contributes to the functioning of devices we rely on daily. What is Chiplevel Repair?   Chiplevel repair , often referred to as board-level repair , is a specialized field within electronics repair that focuses on identifying and resolving issues at the individual component level of a device's circuit board. Unlike traditional repair methods that involve simply replacing faulty parts, chiplevel repair involves diagnosing and fixing problems within integrated circuits, microchips, and other intricat...
Read more

RESISTOR TESTING

-
Image
1- Visual inspection: Checks for missing or any burning on resistance.   2- Using Digital Multimeter: You can check the resistor resistance by selecting the ohm range in the digital multimeter, If the resistor is in circuit, you will generally have to remove the resistor so you are testing only the resistor value and not the other components in the circuit.   Connect test probes across the two points of the resistor as shown in the photo, polarity isn’t important, value of resistance shown is 9.86 kΩ. Note: All resistors have a specific tolerance rating. The tolerance rating is marked by a color band on the end of the resistor’s body, normally the band is gold indicating 5 % tolerance. If the tolerance band is silver, then the rating is 10 %. How to test SMD Resistors: Because of the small size of SMD resistors, there is often not room for the traditional color band code to be printed on them. Therefore, new resistor SMD codes were developed. The most commonly seen codes are t...
Read more

HARDWARE TECHNICIAN

-
Image
   As a Laptop technician, you must understand a basic rule of business, time is money.      Whether you are boss or work for someone else, the ability to identify and isolate a Laptop fault quickly and decisively is very important to the success of your business. It requires some common sense, and a little bit of focus. It also requires an understanding of the troubleshooting process, and reliable plan of action. Even though the number of Laptop configuration and setups are virtually unlimited, the methodology used to approach each repair is always about the same. This introduction is intended to isolate the concepts of basic troubleshooting and show you how to apply basic laptop repair steps that will help you narrow the problem down before you even take a screwdriver to the Laptop. By applying a constant technique. You can safe precious time from every laptop repair. The General Troubleshooting Steps Regardless of how your particular Laptop might be, a depend...
Read more

Straight Through Cables vs Crossover Cables: Key Difference

-
Image
What is an Ethernet cable? An Ethernet cable is a network cable used for high-speed wired network connections between two devices. This network cable is made of four-pair cable, which is consists of twisted pair conductors. It is used for data transmission at both ends of the cable, which is called RJ45 connector. The Ethernet cables are categorized as Cat 5, Cat 5e, Cat 6, and UTP cable. Cat 5 cable can support a 10/100 Mbps Ethernet network while Cat 5e and Cat 6 cable to support Ethernet  What is Straight Through Cable? Straight Through Cable Straight-through cable is a type of CAT5 with RJ-45 connectors at each end, and each has the same pin out. It is in accordance with either the T568A or T568B standards. It uses the same color code throughout the LAN for consistency. This type of twisted-pair cable is used in LAN to connect a computer or a network hub such as a router. It is one of the most common types of network cable. What Is Crossover Cable? Cross...
Read more