Easy-Peasy PC2PC Transfer?

If your old computer and new computer are both online using your own personal Network from your internet router and you Share the folders from the old computers C:\User\UserName folder, You can remotely access the old computers files from the new computer by typing the Computer name into search or the Run Box (ie) \\ComputerName and pressing Enter. It will ask for your login information, then give you access to the shared folders on the old computer where you can copy them over to the new one. This is relatively easy, but there are a few settings that have to be set.

The Easiest solution is to get a USB Flash drive or External HDD, and Drag and Drop or Copy and Paste the User files from the old computer into the flash drive, Then reverse the process on the new computer. Copy the files into the same location on New Computer.

A popular way is to make an image backup of old pc and restore image backup on new pc using tool like Macrium Reflect.

However, sorting drivers can be an issue. If new pc comes with Windows preinstalled, you can export drivers.

Of pc comes without OS, temporarily install W10 first to get drivers of new pc.

a) There is no easy solution. Unlike Apple computers, files can be transferred, but programs cannot (thanks, Microsoft!)

The issue with transferring/copying installed programs lies in the installation routine that creates a folder in C:\Program Files or C:\Program Files (x86) to hold the files, creates icons in menus such as Start, All Apps or All Programs, copies support files in C:\Windows and creates Registry entries so Windows knows how to run the programs.

As to the old computer with Win10, it still has support until Oct. 14, 2025. The new computer with Win11 will run nearly all programs Win10 will, haven't found anything that won't. Big difference is there is no 32-bit/x86 version of Win11 but 32-bit programs can still be installed/run. Forget the really old 16-bit programs.

You will learn how to backup and restore user profile in Windows, without spending hours customizing the new computer.

b) Available software solutions (such as Laplink’s “PC Mover” or EaseUS’s “Todo PCTrans”), which claim to move everything, including programs, is problematic and get middling reviews.

I have used these ( a long time ago) with considerable success for transferring a user account (selected installed programs, settings) with considerable success, using a disk image of the old PC as source. Of hundreds of programs, a small number needed reinstalling, a very few needed a license.

I avoided transferrring large programs (think games, Office, security programs).

If you have many programs, the time saving is worth the license fee.

If you have few, then do it manually. It's time vs money!

Transferring personal files can be done in various ways and is comparatively trivial.

SteveM said:

General question: Has anyone used Dell Migrate? Is it a possible solution?

DELL thinks it's a possible solution...

https://www.dell.com/en-us/lp/migrate

dalchina - yes, I will be loading my programs manually. You say, "Transferring personal files can be done in various ways and is comparatively trivial." Not so trivial when you are computer-challenged like me!

Example:

a. Connect USB disk to 1st PC
b. Copy the folders/files you want to transfer to that disk
c. Remove USB disk
d. Connect USB disk to new PC
e. Copy folders and files to where you want them

OR
set up networking between the two (but this can be hard, so probably not for you

Then simply drag and drop files and folders.