How to transfer files from old desktop pc to new desktop pc?

Tom Verni 0 Reputation points
2026-09-20T21:17:45.4133333+00:00

How to transfer files from old desktop pc to new desktop pc? Both on the same wifi network.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Internet and connectivity
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  1. AI answer

    2026-09-20T21:18:00.8566667+00:00

    Three supported ways are available:

    1. Use the built-in PC-to-PC transfer during setup
      • This is available when setting up a new PC during the out-of-box experience.
      • On the new PC, when asked “Do you want to transfer information from another PC?”, choose Continue.
      • On the old PC, open the Windows Backup app and choose Transfer to a new PC.
      • Enter the old PC name on the new PC, then enter the one-time code shown on the new PC into the old PC.
      • After pairing, choose what to transfer, such as Folders and Settings, then start the transfer.
      • Requirements from the documented experience:
        • Both PCs should be on the same network.
        • The old PC should be updated to the latest version of Windows 11.
        • The new PC must be running Windows 11, version 2024 or later.
        • This transfer experience is available only for Microsoft accounts that do not already have an existing backup.
    2. Use an external USB drive or external hard drive
      • On the old PC:
        1. Connect the external drive.
        2. Open File Explorer.
        3. Find the files or folders to copy.
        4. Select the files. For multiple files, hold CTRL while selecting.
        5. In Home > Organize > Copy to, choose the external drive.
        6. Repeat for folders such as Documents, Desktop, Downloads, Favorites, Music, Podcasts, Pictures, and Videos.
        7. Verify the files on the drive, then select Eject before disconnecting it.
      • On the new PC:
        1. Connect the external drive.
        2. Open File Explorer > This PC.
        3. Open the external drive and the folder containing the saved files.
        4. Select the files, then use Copy to or Copy/Paste to move them into Documents, Music, Pictures, Videos, or another folder.
        5. Confirm the files appear in the new location.
    3. Use OneDrive
      • OneDrive can back up files to the cloud and sync them to the new PC.
      • This is useful if an external drive is not preferred.

    If the goal is specifically to transfer directly over the same Wi‑Fi network, the supported documented method is the PC-to-PC transfer during new PC setup, with both PCs on the same network. If the new PC is already fully set up, the documented alternatives here are OneDrive or an external storage device.

    For Nearby sharing, if transfers are slow or not working, both devices should be on the same Wi‑Fi network. If needed, check Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change advanced sharing settings and make sure Network discovery is turned on.

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  2. John Jefferson Doyon 88,720 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-20T21:58:12.3633333+00:00

    Hi, @Tom Verni

    Since both PCs are on the same Wi-Fi network, you can transfer files between them, but the best method depends on how much data you have.

    For a large number of files, I suggest using an external USB drive or external SSD. It is usually faster and simpler than transferring everything over Wi-Fi.

    You can copy folders such as Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Pictures, Music, and Videos from the old PC to the drive, then copy them to the new PC.

    Other options are:

    • OneDrive, if your files are already synced there. Sign in to the same Microsoft account on the new PC and let the files sync.
    • Nearby sharing for a smaller number of files.
    • A shared network folder if you want to transfer directly between the two PCs over Wi-Fi.

    To help choose the easiest method:

    1. About how much data do you need to transfer?
    2. Do you only need personal files, or do you also want to move programs and settings?
    3. Do you have an external USB drive or SSD available?

    Click "Add comment" to let me know.

    Thanks!

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