How to get written instructions on transferring files from old Windows 11 computer to new Windows 11 computer?

Not everything should or can be transferred directly from the old computer. Your personal files, such as documents, pictures, videos, music, and desktop files, can be copied using OneDrive, an external USB drive.

Installed programs should normally be downloaded and installed again on the new computer. Simply copying program folders from the old computer will usually not work because programs also install system files, services, and registry entries.

I am going to share with you the step by step by using a USB drive for example. However, if you have Microsoft 365 subscription, let me know, because it can be easier to do this via OneDrive instead, but I don't want to just assume you have that.

On the old computer -

1. Connect the external USB drive to the old computer.
2. Open File Explorer by clicking the yellow folder icon on the taskbar.
3. On the left side, click This PC.
4. Under Devices and drives, you should see the USB drive. It may be called USB Drive, External Drive, or have a manufacturer’s name. Make a note of its drive letter, such as D:, E:, or F:.
5. In File Explorer, click each of these folders under your name:
   • Desktop
   • Documents
   • Downloads
   • Pictures
   • Music
   • Videos
6. Open one folder at a time. Press Ctrl + A on the keyboard to select everything in that folder.
7. Right-click one of the selected items and choose Copy.
8. Open the USB drive, right-click an empty area, and choose New > Folder. Give the folder a name such as Old Computer Files.
9. Open that folder. Create separate folders inside it named Desktop, Documents, Pictures, and so on.
10. Open the matching folder and right-click an empty area, then choose Paste.
11. Repeat these steps for each folder you want to transfer. Wait until the copying process is completely finished.

On the new computer -

1. Connect the USB drive to the new computer.
2. Open File Explorer and click This PC.
3. Open the USB drive, then open the Old Computer Files folder.
4. Open the Documents folder on the USB drive.
5. Press Ctrl + A to select everything, then right-click and choose Copy.
6. On the left side of File Explorer, click Documents.
7. Right-click an empty area and choose Paste.
8. Repeat this process for Desktop, Pictures, Music, Videos, and any other folders you copied.