Microsoft Transfer Backup to New PC is not working! Help please!

Question

Microsoft Transfer Backup to New PC is not working! Help please!

KIZ 5

I have followed all instructions to transfer from my old laptop to the new one. I have ensured all file sharing options are allowed and I have also ensured both my old and new laptop are logged into the same account.

Instructions from the old PC say, "Enter PC name on the new PC...."

WHERE?!!!! HOW?!!! No prompt comes up, where am I supposed to enter this detail? When I go into linked devices on my new PC, my old one is showing so I'm definitely logged in. Please help, this is doing my head in and no amount of google searching or youtube searching has provided an answer!

Thank you!

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Answer 1

Lychee-Ng 27,955 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hi KIZ,

I understand how confusing it could be to manage backup between two PC at the same time. First, please refer to the official article: Transfer your files and settings to a new Windows PC - Microsoft Support

Now, it's worth noting that the PC-to-PC transfer happens during the OOBE (Out-of-Box Experience). From your question, I see you mentioned seeing linked devices on the new PC. Is it safe for me to assume that you already finished the setup process and logged in Windows?

If it's correct, I'm sorry but you have to start from scratch again. When you set up a new Windows PC, you'll see a screen offering to restore from another PC. If you've already completed the setup, you won't see this option again unless you reset the new PC.

User's image

In short, the Windows Backup app is for your previous PC. On your new PC, you need to be in OOBE for this transfer to work.

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Lychee-Ng 27,955 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-12-23T11:44:34.6166667+00:00

Hi KIZ, have you had a chance to check the reply provided? I hope the above information helps with your issue.
Stephen 0 Reputation points

2026-09-06T20:42:07.3833333+00:00

I have the same problem. I was very careful during the OOBE. That screen (image above) never appeared.
Lychee-Ng 27,955 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-09-07T06:20:31.4733333+00:00

Hi Stephen,

I know it's a little confusing so I must remind that this thread was created and answered almost a year ago. Since then, many changes have been made and one of them being that the Backup feature is no longer supported. You can find that information at the top of the official article here: Transfer your files and settings to a new Windows PC: