Moving files between your phone and computer is one of the most common tech chores there is - Vacation photos, work PDFs, a video that's too big for email. SHAREit built its reputation on exactly this job, so it's no surprise that "shareit pc" is such a popular search.
This guide covers the official ways to run SHAREit on a computer, how the phone-to-PC connection works, and where it falls short. Then we'll show a browser method that needs zero installs and works on Windows, Mac, and Linux alike - Often the faster choice for transfers under 200 MB.
ShareIt.onl is an independent web-based file-sharing tool and is not affiliated with the SHAREit app by Smart Media4U Technology.
Key takeaways
- The official Windows app comes from ushareit.com or the Microsoft Store - There is no official Linux client, and Mac support has been inconsistent.
- The desktop app needs both devices on the same Wi-Fi, and office or hotel routers with AP isolation often block the pairing.
- Local Wi-Fi transfers are very fast, often 20+ MB/s, which is why the app still wins for backing up gigabytes of video.
- The browser method moves 10 files, 200 MB total with no install and works between devices anywhere in the world.
Official Ways to Get SHAREit on a PC
SHAREit has offered a Windows desktop app for years. Availability shifts over time, so check these official channels in order:
Official Download Channels
- The official SHAREit website (ushareit.com) - Historically the main download source for the Windows version.
- The Microsoft Store - SHAREit has appeared here at times; listings come and go, so search the Store directly. Store versions are preferable because Microsoft scans them and handles updates.
- Mac users: official desktop support for macOS has been limited or absent for long stretches. If you can't find it in official channels, don't hunt for installers on random download portals - Third-party "SHAREit for Mac" installers are a classic malware vector, the same risk we cover in our guide to SHAREit APK download safety.
One Golden Rule for Downloads
One rule applies everywhere: download desktop software only from the developer's official site or a platform store. "Free download" aggregator sites often bundle adware with popular installers. If you'd like the full install walkthrough, our SHAREit for PC setup guide covers each step from download to first transfer.
Warning: Third-party "SHAREit for Mac" or "SHAREit for Windows" installers on random download portals are a classic malware vector. Stick to the official site or the Microsoft Store, where downloads are scanned and updated for you.
How Phone-to-PC Transfer Works in the App
Once the desktop app is installed, the typical flow looks like this:
- Open SHAREit on both the PC and the phone.
- Make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network, or let the app create a temporary hotspot.
- On the phone, choose "Connect to PC" (or scan the QR code shown by the desktop app).
- Select files on either side and send. Transfers run over local Wi-Fi, so large files move quickly - Often 20+ MB/s on a decent router.
There's also the WebShare route, where the phone app serves files to the PC's browser over a local IP address - No desktop install needed on the PC side. We break that down in our article on SHAREit Web and sharing files online.
The Limits to Know About
- Same network required. At the office or on hotel Wi-Fi, device-to-device connections are often blocked by the router ("AP isolation"), and the pairing simply fails.
- Installs on both ends. You need the desktop app on the PC and the mobile app on the phone for the full experience.
- Ads in the mobile app. The free mobile version is supported by ads, which some users find intrusive during transfers.
- No remote sharing. You can't send a file to a PC in another location - This is local transfer only.
- Platform gaps. Linux has no official client, and Mac support is inconsistent.
The Browser Method: No Install on Any Side
If your transfer is under 200 MB, there's a simpler path that skips every limitation above. Using ShareIt.onl in a browser:
Phone to PC:
- Open the site in your phone's browser.
- Upload up to 10 files (200 MB total).
- Copy the expiring link and open it on the PC - Or just type the short link into the PC's browser.
- Download. That's the whole process, typically under a minute.
PC to phone:
- Open the site on the PC and upload your files.
- A QR code appears next to your link.
- Point your phone's camera at the screen and tap the prompt.
- The download page opens on the phone instantly - No typing at all.
Because this runs over the internet, the two devices don't need to share a network, a building, or even a country. It works on Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, Android, and iOS - Anything with a browser - And there's no account or sign-up, so a locked-down work PC is no obstacle. For a deeper walkthrough, see our guide on transferring files from phone to PC.
SHAREit Desktop vs. Browser Sharing
| Feature | SHAREit app (PC + phone) | Browser link (ShareIt.onl) |
|---|---|---|
| Install required | Yes, on both devices | No |
| Works on Mac / Linux | Limited / No | Yes |
| Same Wi-Fi needed | Yes | No - Works anywhere |
| Sign-up | App account features | None |
| Max transfer size | Limited by disk space (GBs) | 10 files, 200 MB total |
| Speed for huge files | Very fast on local Wi-Fi | Depends on internet speed |
| Works on locked-down PCs | Usually not | Yes, browser only |
| Ads | Yes, in the free mobile app | No |
Which Should You Use?
Use the SHAREit desktop app when you regularly move very large files - Say, backing up 15 GB of phone videos - And both devices live on your home Wi-Fi. Local transfer speed is unbeatable for that job.
Use the browser method when the transfer is occasional or small-to-medium: documents, photos, a presentation, a short video. It's also the only practical option when you can't install software (work computers, public PCs, a friend's laptop) or when the devices aren't in the same place. For files past 200 MB, see our guide to sending large files online.
Plenty of people keep both in their toolkit. And if neither fits, built-in tools like Quick Share for Windows are worth a look - We compare them all in our SHAREit alternatives roundup.