# Linking external Meshnet devices on Windows Linking a device of another Meshnet user allows for reciprocal access between your devices, which can be limited by setting specific [permissions](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/explaining-permissions) if needed. ## Send an invitation from Windows To add an external device to your Meshnet, invite its owner using their NordVPN account email: 1. Go to **Devices in Meshnet** and click **Link devices**.
"Link devices" card highlighted
2. In the menu that opens, click **Link external device**.
Clicking the "Link external device" button
3. Enter the email address of the NordVPN user you're inviting to your Meshnet.
Email address input shown in the designated field
4. Select permissions for the other user's device to set the access level you're comfortable with.\ * [**Allow receiving files**](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/explaining-permissions/file-sharing-permissions): keep this permission selected to allow file sending from the invitee. * [**Allow traffic routing**](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/explaining-permissions/traffic-routing-permissions): this permission lets the external device route its internet traffic through your device, using it as a VPN server. * [**Allow local network access**](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/explaining-permissions/local-network-permissions): this permission lets the external device access other devices on your local network, such as printers or smart home devices. * [**Allow remote access**](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/explaining-permissions/remote-access-permissions): keep this permission selected to stay accessible via Meshnet.\ 5. Select **Send invitation**. 6. Wait for the recipient to accept the invitation. For details, consult the appropriate guides: * [Accepting an invitation on Windows](#accept-an-invitation-on-windows) * [Accepting an invitation on Android](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/adding-external-meshnet-devices-on-android#accept-an-invitation-on-android) * [Accepting an invitation on iPhone/iPad](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/adding-external-meshnet-devices-on-ios#accept-an-invitation-on-iphone-ipad) * [Accepting an invitation on macOS](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/adding-external-meshnet-devices-on-macos#accept-an-invitation-on-macos) * [Accepting an invitation on Linux](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/adding-external-meshnet-devices-on-linux#accept-an-invitation-on-linux) * [Accepting an invitation on Android TV](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/linking-external-meshnet-devices-on-android-tv#accept-an-invitation-on-android-tv) Once the invitation is accepted, your peer's device will appear in the **External devices** list. ### Optional: Withdraw an invitation Invitations automatically expire after 72 hours if not canceled earlier. To withdraw a pending invitation: 1. On the **Devices in Meshnet** tab, navigate to **Link Devices** > **Sent Invitations**. 2. Next to the invitation you want to withdraw, select **Cancel**.
"Cancel" button highlighted next to an outgoing invitation.
3. Confirm that you want to negate the invite by clicking **Cancel invitation**. ## Accept an invitation on Windows To complete the device linking process, the recipient needs to accept the invitation in their NordVPN app. {% hint style="warning" %} **Caution** Ensure that the invitation you accept is from a user you know and trust. For more information, see [How to use Meshnet securely](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/getting-started/use-meshnet-securely). {% endhint %} If you're on Windows, follow these steps to accept the invite: 1. Open the **NordVPN** app and go to **Devices in Meshnet** . 2. Navigate to **Link devices** > **Received invitations**. 3. Next to the invitation you want to accept, select **Respond**.
Showing the Respond button highlighted
4. Select permissions for the inviter's device to set the access level you're comfortable with.\ * [**Allow receiving files**](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/explaining-permissions/file-sharing-permissions): keep this permission selected to allow file sending from the invitee. * [**Allow traffic routing**](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/explaining-permissions/traffic-routing-permissions): this permission lets the external device route its internet traffic through your device, using it as a VPN server. * [**Allow local network access**](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/explaining-permissions/local-network-permissions): this permission lets the external device access other devices on your local network, such as printers or smart home devices. * [**Allow remote access**](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/explaining-permissions/remote-access-permissions): keep this permission selected to stay accessible via Meshnet.\ 5. Select **Accept and link device**.
Showing the Accept and link device button highlighted
After accepting the invitation, the peer device will appear under the **External devices** category. {% hint style="info" %} **Note** If you have Meshnet on multiple devices, you'll need to individually accept the invitation on each device to link them all. {% endhint %} ## Checklist for device linking If the device is not showing up in your **External devices** list, refer to the following checklist to address common issues: * [ ] Verify the email address you entered when sending the invitation. * [ ] Confirm that the recipient has accepted the invitation.