Tired of emailing yourself files just to move them between devices?
Setting up a local download server can make sharing fast, easy, and private.
Here’s how to do it.
✅ 1. What is a local download server?
It’s simply:
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A computer, laptop, or NAS (Network Attached Storage)
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Storing shared downloads
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Accessible by any device on your home Wi-Fi or LAN
✅ No internet upload needed — local only = faster and safer.
✅ 2. Choose your server
Options:
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Old laptop
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Desktop PC
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Raspberry Pi (low-power server)
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NAS device (e.g., Synology, QNAP)
✅ Anything that can stay online and connected.
✅ 3. Set up shared folders
On Windows:
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Right-click folder → Properties → Sharing → Share with network
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Set permissions (Read-Only or Read/Write)
✅ Give password access for extra security.
✅ 4. Find server IP easily
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On server: Press
Windows + R, typecmd, typeipconfig -
Find IPv4 Address (e.g.,
192.168.1.10)
Access from other devices:
\\192.168.1.10\Downloads
✅ 5. Optional: Install a file server app
For more features:
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FileZilla Server (free FTP server)
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HFS (HTTP File Server) — super easy, browser-based
✅ Share files with nicer web or FTP interface.
Key points to remember
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Local download servers = no upload delays
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Any old PC or NAS can become a server
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Folder sharing + password = basic secure setup
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File server apps = better web access
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Perfect for homes, small offices, teams