How to Transfer Files From an Old PC to a New PC

How to Transfer Files From an Old PC to a New PC

Getting a new PC is exciting until you remember everything on the old one. The good news: on Windows 11 you can bring across your files and most settings without special software. This guide covers three ways, from the easiest to the most hands-on, and what to do before you retire the old PC.

Note: Microsoft's direct PC-to-PC transfer feature in Windows Backup is no longer available. Microsoft now points people to Windows Backup and restore or an external drive instead, which are the methods below.

Before You Start: Make a List

Walk through the old PC and note:

• Where your files are: Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Downloads, Music, Videos - and any folders elsewhere, such as directly on C: or a second drive.
• Programs you use, with their licence keys or account sign-ins. Programs don't transfer; you'll reinstall them.
• Email: most email accounts (Outlook.com, Gmail, Microsoft 365) live online and reappear when you sign in. Old POP accounts in classic Outlook may keep mail in a .pst file on the PC - find and copy it.
• Browser data: turn on sync in your browser so bookmarks and passwords follow you.
• Your BitLocker recovery key, if the old PC is encrypted - see how to find your BitLocker recovery key.

Method 1: Windows Backup and OneDrive (Easiest)

This is Microsoft's recommended route when both PCs use the same Microsoft account.

On the old PC:

1. Open the Windows Backup app (search for it in Start).
2. Turn on backup for your folders (Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Music, Videos), apps, settings and credentials where offered.
3. Select Back up and wait until it finishes.

Folder backup uses OneDrive, so you need enough OneDrive storage. The free plan may not be enough for large photo or video libraries - use Method 2 for those.

On the new PC:

1. During setup, sign in with the same Microsoft account.
2. When Windows offers to restore from a previous PC, choose your old PC's backup.
3. Once you reach the desktop, your folders sync down from OneDrive. Pinned apps from the Microsoft Store come back; other programs need reinstalling.

If you've already finished setup, open OneDrive on the new PC and sign in - your backed-up folders appear. More detail is in how to back up your Windows 11 PC.

Method 2: External Drive (Works Without Internet)

Best for large amounts of data, or if you don't want to use the cloud. These are Microsoft's steps:

1. Connect a USB drive or external hard drive with enough free space to the old PC.
2. Open File Explorer and go to the folders you want (Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Pictures, Music, Videos and so on).
3. Select the files or folders (hold Ctrl to select several), right-click and choose Send to your external drive - or copy and paste them onto the drive.
4. Open the drive and check the files are there.
5. Select Eject before you unplug the drive.
6. Connect the drive to the new PC, open it in File Explorer > This PC, and copy the folders to the matching places on the new PC.

Large libraries can take a long time. Copy one folder at a time so you can check each one. If the new PC doesn't see the drive, see external hard drive not showing up in Windows 11.

Method 3: Over Your Home Network

If both PCs are on the same network, you can copy files directly:

• A few files: use Nearby sharing. Turn it on in Settings > System > Nearby sharing on both PCs, then right-click a file and select Share.
• Lots of files: turn on network sharing for a folder on the old PC (right-click the folder > Properties > Sharing), then open it from the new PC in File Explorer under Network and copy the files across. Turn the share off again when you're done.

Wired (Ethernet) connections are much faster than Wi-Fi for big copies.

What Won't Transfer

According to Microsoft, these don't move with Windows tools:

• Installed desktop programs - reinstall them from the maker or the Microsoft Store.
• Saved passwords and sign-ins for many apps - use your browser's sync or a password manager (see how to use a password manager safely).
• System folders such as Program Files and temporary files.

Game saves, some app settings and licence activations may also need each program's own export or sign-in.

After the Move: Check, Then Retire the Old PC

1. Open your most important files on the new PC - photos, documents, any accounts or tax files.
2. Keep the old PC untouched for a couple of weeks in case you find something missing.
3. When you're sure, back it up one last time, then wipe it with Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC > Remove everything before you sell, recycle or give it away.

Set up a regular backup on the new PC straight away, so the next move - or a failed drive - is painless.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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