Tether an Android Device to a Windows PC

Tethering allows you to transfer files from an Android device to a Windows PC.

Change the Default USB Configuration to File Transfer

By default, the USB configuration is set to "no data transfer." To transfer files between an Android device and Windows PC, you must change the default configuration to "file transfer."

1. On the Android device, open the Settings app.

2. Tap About tablet.

3. Tap Build number SEVEN times.
   

   

   
   
   The message "You are now a developer" appears. 

4. Tap the back arrow to return to Settings.

5. Select System > Developer Options.
   In Android 12 or earlier, select System > Advanced > Developer Options.

6. Tap Default USB configuration.

7. Select File transfer.

8. (Optional) Tap the back arrow to exit. 

9. (Optional) Turn off Use developer options at the top of the screen.

Transfer Files from the Android Device to Windows PC

To transfer files from an Android device to a Windows PC,

1. Connect the Android device to a PC using a USB cable (either USB to USB-C or USB-C to USB-C). 

2. On the Windows PC, open File Explorer and transfer the files you want to move.

Reviewed & approved: JB, 06 Apr 2026