categories
Updated on in How to, Remote access

Guide to Transferring Files with LogMeIn

Author: Emma Collins
Emma Collins Article author

Remote desktop file transfer is a key part of any IT process. It allows teams to exchange data across locations with much convenience and security. In such regard, LogMeIn is a popular remote access solution that people use to process their file transfers from one computer to another.

In this article, we’ll explore the file-sharing capabilities of LogMeIn and how to effectively use them. We’ll also share some troubleshooting tips for your file transfers and talk about a better LogMeIn alternative below.

How to Use LogMeIn File Transfer

Using LogMeIn to transfer files between computers involves two primary methods:  

File Manager. It’s a built-in tool that functions similarly to your standard file explorer. You can use its toolbar to manually copy, cut, and paste files from one location to another. When both the host and client PCs are powered by Windows, you can drag and drop files for an easier transfer process.

File Sharing. This lets you create downloadable links for your files and folders on your remote computer. You can then access this link on your local PC to download the files.

TL;DR 
The File Manager feature is great to use when you need to quickly transfer small files between computers. Meanwhile, the File Sharing option is better when sharing large files.

☝ Subscription requirements

To use these file sharing features, you need to purchase either an Individual, Power User, or Small Business plan under LogMeIn Pro. Users with LogMeIn Central can also access similar file transfer support. 

☝ System compatibility
For both the client and host computers, only the following systems are supported:

-Windows 7 or later
-macOS 10.13 High Sierra or later
-Windows Server 2008R2 or later

Computers running Windows XP, Windows RT, Linux, and Chromebook are currently unsupported.

How to Transfer Files Using LogMeIn File Manager

Remote file transfer in LogMeIn File Manager is a simple process. It’s similar to how you use Windows File Explorer or Mac’s Finder to copy and paste files from one folder to another.

Note:   Dragging and dropping files doesn’t work when one of the computers is a Mac. Use the buttons on the toolbar instead.


Using LogMeIn, establish a connection with the remote computer.

  1. Go to the “Computers” page and click “File Manager”.
  2. When File Manager finishes initializing, go to the folder where you want to transfer files from. 
  3. Choose the files you want to move and click “Copy” or “Cut” on the toolbar.
  4. Go to the destination folder on your local computer and click “Paste”.
☝ Tip:   If both of your computers are using Windows, you can simplify the process by dragging and dropping the files from one location to another.

Sharing Large Files with LogMeIn

Using the File Sharing feature in LogMeIn Pro, you can generate secure sharing link for big files, which you can share with others using a messaging platform. LogMeIn Pro allows secure file transfers with the following:

256-bit AES encryption: It’s virtually the strongest encryption standard available commercially, used even in government, military, and banking.

Download limitations: You can set expiration times for the download link or a maximum number of downloads, restricting further access to your files once they’re met.

LogMeIn Antivirus: This is a new feature bundled with LogMeIn Pro, helping protect your computers from malicious users.

Transfer Files Between Computers Using File Sharing

  1. Go to File Explorer and right-click the file you want to share.
  2. From the context menu, select “Send to” > “LogMeIn File Sharing”.
  3. In another window, click the “Comment” field and enter a file description.
  4. Adjust the download time in the “Sharing time limit” field. 
  5. Set a maximum number of downloads using the “Download limit” field.
  6. After setting your preferences, click “Next”. When asked for a notification option, choose “I will send an invitation myself” and click “Next”.
  7. Click “Copy” when provided with a sharing link. 
  8. Using any messaging platform, send the link to your recipients.
Note:  After sharing the link, make sure that your computer is on and connected to the Internet when your recipient downloads the files. Otherwise, the download won’t push through.

Additional File Transfer Methods

Aside from the two main methods above, you can also transfer files using LogMeIn by following the instructions below.

Drag-and-drop Between PCs

For quick transfers of relatively small files, you can simply drag and drop them between your computers.

  1. Using LogMeIn, connect to your remote computer.
  2. Go to the folder where the files you want to share are located. 
  3. Drag the files from the remote computer to your local desktop.
Note:   This only works on Windows.

Transferring Files on a Mac

LogMeIn allows you to transfer files between your Mac and a remote computer in two ways: using the File Manager and accessing a shared clipboard. To use these methods, you must meet the following requirements:

•A subscription plan for LogMeIn Pro or Central

•A LogMeIn host software installed on the remote computer

•Always-on Internet connection

File Manager

This feature lets you access your remote computer’s file directory, allowing you to select and navigate the files extensively. Here’s how you use it.

  1. On your Mac, establish a connection to the remote computer with LogMeIn.
  2. Go to “Computers” or “Pro” and select “File Manager”.
  3. The File Manager window will appear, showing you the remote computer’s directory.
  4. Find and select the files that you want to transfer to your Mac.
  5. On the toolbar, click “Copy”.
  6. On your Mac’s local storage, find a destination folder and click “Paste” on the toolbar.

Using a Shared Clipboard (Limited Functionality)

If you’re only transferring small files, this method allows you to quickly share them between your Mac and the remote computer.

  1. Connect your Mac to a remote computer using LogMeIn. 
  2. Go to the folder containing your file. 
  3. Select the file that you want to share and press “Command + C” to copy it to your clipboard.
  4. Go to your preferred destination folder on the other computer. 
  5. Then, press “Command + V” to paste it there.
Note:   This method might not be effective for large files and certain file types.

Leveraging LogMeIn's Full Potential

Aside from File Manager and File Sharing, LogMeIn also offers the following functionalities that you can leverage to access your files in different locations:

•File Syncing. This helps you keep your important files in sync across all your devices. LogMeIn lets you designate folders on different computers, and it will automatically update them whenever a change is made.

•Direct File Sharing. You can generate sharing links for other people to download files from your computer.

•Online File Storage. LogMeIn also provides 1TB of online storage. Store your files here, so that you can access them at a central location from other devices.

•Mobile Access. It also supports remote access from its mobile app, allowing you to connect to your main computer to retrieve files from anywhere.

Troubleshooting Tips

You might also encounter the following issues when transferring files with LogMeIn. We have included some recommendations that you can follow below.  

Slow transfer speeds 
If your files are transferring slowly via LogMeIn File Manager, check your Internet upload and download speeds. The problem can also be due to a high server load on LogMeIn’s end. Try transferring your files during off-peak hours instead. Note that large files load more slowly, so consider compressing them before transfer.

Permission errors
Ensure you have the necessary read/write permissions on both the source and destination files/folders. If you don’t own the remote computer, ask its owner or administrator to grant you access.

File size limitations
If you’re encountering file size limitations when sharing your files via email, use LogMeIn File Sharing instead. Also, note that the online storage feature of LogMeIn has a limit of 1 TB. Uploading files bigger than that will naturally result in errors.

Network connectivity
If you’re facing connectivity issues using a wireless connection, consider the following solutions:

•Restart your router.
•Look for any damage to your device, such as a damaged port or antenna.
•Move your router to a better location.
•Switch to an Ethernet connection.

Destination storage
Whether you’re copying files to your local computer or transferring files to the remote one, ensure that either computer has sufficient storage available. The transfer won’t push through otherwise. Delete unused files and uninstall unneeded apps to free up storage.

LogMeIn File Transfer Alternative

HelpWire is known for its intuitive interface, allowing users from different levels of experience to establish remote desktop connections with ease. Once connected, just copy your files from your local computer and paste them to your remote desktop directly.

It offers fast transfer speeds, saving time and making for better productivity. That aside, HelpWire also uses end-to-end encryption, helping you protect the files that you share and avoid unauthorized access. 

HelpWire supports Windows to Mac (and vice versa) transfers with its cross-platform compatibility. As such, you won’t need any file storage service to access your files between different platforms. This is something that LogMeIn might offer limited support.

Conclusion

If you want to quickly share files via LogMeIn, use File Manager. Alternatively, File Sharing might be a better option when transferring huge files between your computers. Experiment between the two and see which one works best for you. Or, if your computer doesn’t meet LogMeIn’s requirements and you want a better way to transfer your files, start using HelpWire today.

Tags:
LogMeIn, Tips & Tricks