I just ordered a new Dell laptop for my business. I primarily use Macs for personal use. When I upgrade Macs, there is a migration assistant app that will transfer apps, documents, etc. from one laptop to another.
Is there something similar on Windows 10 that will transfer all of my settings/configuration, apps, etc.?
If you have setup sync and login to the new pc with same username it will sync then for you
Microsoft account synchronization will only sync a few settings mostly concerned with visual appearance.
Your best option, @ericnixmd, is to create a backup image of the factory software of the new computer with a program such as Macrium Reflect Free. Then create a backup image of the old computer and restore it to the new computer. As long as both computers were licensed for the same version of Windows 10 (IE: Home or Pro), there will be no licensing issues. As long as both computers are set up to boot in the same mode (Legacy BIOS v. UEFI) and both computers use the same SATA controller mode (ACHI v. IDE), you should have no issues with your old Windows installation adapting to the new computer.
Is there any benefit to doing a clean install of Windows 10 when I get the laptop or can I just remove all the Dell bloatware with the Windows app uninstall option?
It's a brand new machine.
Hi Eric,
I'm really interested in this topic as I'm just about to do the same thing, except from Desktop to Desktop.
I have lots of installed programs and would love to just be able to back everything up as suggested and restore it to the new PC but I've not heard of anyone who has actually done it, so I'm somewhat skeptical.
Please let us know what you decided to do and whether it worked smoothly or not.
Thanks.
I've successfully used Laplink Software's PC Mover in the past to make this as quick and painless as possible. Costs around $30 for a one-time use license, but it will move most applications as well as OS and data. It was worth it for me: whether or not it is for you is something you can decide for yourself. Here's a link: Laplink(R) – Homepage
HTH,
--Ed--
Thanks NavyLCDR,
That's good to hear from you.
Can I ask if your old and new PCs were similar?
I'll be transferring from a PC with standard HDDs to one with an M2 boot drive and it will also have a different Graphics card.
Both will be on Windows 10 Home.
Will the Restore from the Old PC backup be able to sort out the correct Drivers?
Thanks.
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