# 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](/features/explaining-permissions.md) 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**.
2. In the menu that opens, click **Link external device**.
3. Enter the email address of the NordVPN user you're inviting to your Meshnet.
4. Select permissions for the other user's device to set the access level you're comfortable with.\
* [**Allow receiving files**](/features/explaining-permissions/file-sharing-permissions.md): keep this permission selected to allow file sending from the invitee.
* [**Allow traffic routing**](/features/explaining-permissions/traffic-routing-permissions.md): this permission lets the external device route its internet traffic through your device, using it as a VPN server.
* [**Allow local network access**](/features/explaining-permissions/local-network-permissions.md): this permission lets the external device access other devices on your local network, such as printers or smart home devices.
* [**Allow remote access**](/features/explaining-permissions/remote-access-permissions.md): 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](/features/linking-devices-in-meshnet/adding-external-meshnet-devices-on-android.md#accept-an-invitation-on-android)
* [Accepting an invitation on iPhone/iPad](/features/linking-devices-in-meshnet/adding-external-meshnet-devices-on-ios.md#accept-an-invitation-on-iphone-ipad)
* [Accepting an invitation on macOS](/features/linking-devices-in-meshnet/adding-external-meshnet-devices-on-macos.md#accept-an-invitation-on-macos)
* [Accepting an invitation on Linux](/features/linking-devices-in-meshnet/adding-external-meshnet-devices-on-linux.md#accept-an-invitation-on-linux)
* [Accepting an invitation on Android TV](/features/linking-devices-in-meshnet/linking-external-meshnet-devices-on-android-tv.md#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**.
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](/getting-started/use-meshnet-securely.md).
{% 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**.
4. Select permissions for the inviter's device to set the access level you're comfortable with.\
* [**Allow receiving files**](/features/explaining-permissions/file-sharing-permissions.md): keep this permission selected to allow file sending from the invitee.
* [**Allow traffic routing**](/features/explaining-permissions/traffic-routing-permissions.md): this permission lets the external device route its internet traffic through your device, using it as a VPN server.
* [**Allow local network access**](/features/explaining-permissions/local-network-permissions.md): this permission lets the external device access other devices on your local network, such as printers or smart home devices.
* [**Allow remote access**](/features/explaining-permissions/remote-access-permissions.md): keep this permission selected to stay accessible via Meshnet.\
5. Select **Accept and link device**.
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.
---
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