Transferring files between computers

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: Transferring files between computers. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

Quick Methods

Method 1: USB Flash Drive / External Drive (Easiest)

1. Connect the USB drive to the old computer.
2. Press Win + E to open File Explorer.
3. Navigate to the files you want to transfer.
4. Copy the files (Ctrl + C).
5. Paste them to the USB drive (Ctrl + V).
6. Safely eject the drive (right‑click the drive in File Explorer and select Eject).
7. Connect the drive to the new computer and copy the files over.

Method 2: Windows Migration Tool (Best for Full Transfer)

Microsoft no longer provides the legacy Windows Easy Transfer tool. For a full migration you can use the free PCmover Express utility, which can be downloaded from the PCmover website.

1. On the new PC, open the Microsoft Store, search for “PCmover Express” and install it.
2. Launch the app and select “Transfer from another PC”.
3. Follow the on‑screen prompts to choose a transfer method (USB cable, Ethernet network, or external drive).
4. On the old PC, run the companion PCmover client when prompted.
5. Complete the transfer; the tool will copy user profiles, documents, and many settings.

Method 3: Direct Cable (Ethernet)

1. Connect the two computers with an Ethernet cable (modern NICs do not require a crossover cable).
2. On both PCs, open Settings → Network & Internet → Advanced network settings → Network and Sharing Center.
3. Click “Change advanced sharing settings”. Under “Private (current profile)”, turn on “Network discovery” and “File and printer sharing”.
4. Ensure the Windows firewall allows file sharing (the “File and Printer Sharing (SMB‑In)” rule should be enabled).
5. On the source PC, right‑click the folder you wish to share, choose Properties → Sharing → Advanced Sharing, check “Share this folder”, and set permissions (e.g., add “Everyone” with Read/Write).
6. On the destination PC, open File Explorer, select Network, locate the source computer, and copy the shared files.

Method 4: OneDrive / Cloud Storage

1. On the old PC, move the files you want to transfer into the OneDrive folder.
2. Allow OneDrive to finish syncing (check the OneDrive icon in the taskbar).
3. On the new PC, sign in to OneDrive with the same Microsoft account.
4. Ensure “Files On‑Demand” is enabled if you want to conserve local disk space (Settings → Settings → tick “Save space and download files as you use them”).
5. After sign‑in, the files will appear automatically; you can make them available offline by right‑clicking and selecting “Always keep on this device”.

Method 5: Send to Yourself (Email)

• Suitable for very small files (generally under 25 MB, the typical attachment limit).
• Compose an email to your own address, attach the files, and send.
• On the new computer, open the email and download the attachments.

Method 6: Bluetooth (Small Files Only)

1. On both PCs, enable Bluetooth (Settings → Devices → Bluetooth & other devices).
2. On the source PC, open Settings → Devices → Bluetooth & other devices, click “Add Bluetooth or other device”, choose “Bluetooth”, and select the destination PC to pair.
3. Once paired, right‑click the file you wish to send, choose Send to → Bluetooth device, and select the destination PC.
4. On the receiving PC, accept the transfer when prompted.

What to Transfer

• Documents
• Pictures / Photos – see How to backup photos to external drive for best practice.
• Music
• Desktop files
• Browser bookmarks (Chrome, Edge, Firefox)
• Email data (e.g., export Outlook PST file)

How to Export Browser Bookmarks

Chrome

1. Open Chrome, click the three‑dot menu ► Bookmarks ► Bookmark manager.
2. In the manager, click the three‑dot menu ► Export bookmarks and save the HTML file.

Edge

1. Open Edge, click the three‑dot menu ► Favorites ► Export favorites and save the file.

Firefox

1. Open Firefox, click the Library button ► Bookmarks ► Show All Bookmarks.
2. In the Library window, select Import and Backup ► Export Bookmarks to HTML… and save the file.

Transferring Large Programs

• Most applications need to be reinstalled on the new PC.
• If the application provides an export or settings file, copy those files to the new machine.
• Gather product keys for any paid software before uninstalling the old version.

Troubleshooting Common Transfer Issues

• Network not discovered: Verify that “Network discovery” is enabled on both PCs and that they are on the same subnet.
• Permission errors: Ensure the shared folder grants the appropriate permissions (see File sharing permission issues).
• External drive not recognised: Check that the drive is formatted with a compatible file system (NTFS for files > 4 GB) and that the USB port is functioning.
• OneDrive sync stalls: Review the OneDrive sync status and consult OneDrive not syncing.

Still Having Issues?