Windows 10: Best way to transfer your data and programs from Win10 system to a new computer.

There is a plenty of locked threads all around this community, with people keep asking this question.
Short answer is usually - there is no way, you should reinstall all programs from scratch.

But that's not true. For 15 years already I transfer my Windows systems from one PC to another once even from Desktop to a Notebook with no problems. And yesterday I tried this way for Windows 10 for the first time.

You need some backup software. I prefer Acronis True Image - it is very fast and reliable. For a system transfer trial version will be enough, but you might consider to buy it, since backup is a must for anyone who values it's data/programs/settings.

Warning: this way will completely wipe out your new system and replace it with old one. But isn't it the whole point?
So, you make a system backup for your system disk usually it is disk C: to some external drive USB-HDD, USB-Stick, etc. Then you have 3 options:

1. You may install the same backup software on a new PC and then choose "Restore" option with the backup file you created, and to the system disk of a new PC. After a while you will be asked to reboot, then process will spend some time, and you get your system transferred.
   
2. You may create bootable drive the same USB-stick, but note, that you should do it before storing backup file to this drive, since making it bootable will destroy all previous information, in True Image there is an option for it. Then you boot your new PC from it you might need to access boot menu to choose from which drive to boot. And then all the same - choose to restore from your backup.
   
3. You may just plug your hard drive or SSD from new system to your old PC via USB-SATA connector, for example, or, if you have some free disk connectors, then directly into it - like instead of DVD drive in some notebooks. Then you don't need external drives and may just choose "Clone disk" option in backup software. But obviously it requires some disassembly of hardware. Plus side is that it is the fastest way.

Personally I prefer the 2nd way - as it is quite fast and with less hassle. The new notebook of my wife was up and running in 1 hour 20min for backup, 30min for restore and 10min for other operations.

This way you will have a completely transferred system - all your settings, passwords, etc - it's all there, you can't even tell the difference except, probably your new system is faster, since more powerful hardware was probably the reason for you to upgrade. I can't even imagine how much time I saved during my lifetime, not needing to reinstall and to set everything from scratch over and over again including installation and settings for Windows itself.


Some side notes.

1. True Image can perfectly transfer system to a larger disk, it will stretch volume size automatically. But it can even shrink it and fit even if new disk is smaller, only used space is important, so if you have less used space on old disk then new disk size, you can still transfer it useful for migration from HDD to SSD.
   
2. The downside is, that you will not have "new, clean system". If your system is cluttered, glitchy, and so on, maybe you should use you chance to reinstall everything.
   
3. They will tell you that you will probably have issues with drivers and hardware compatibility. Probably. But I don't believe that's possible nowadays, with all driver updates being downloaded automatically from Internet. Personally I've never had issues with it yesterday transfer was, for example, Intel->AMD.
4. I don't address legal issues here - obviously you should own Windows, and probably reactivate it on new system.
5. You may got something wrong and your new system will not boot. But keep in mind that it is the old system that you care about, and it should be quite fine, since you only read information from it. You can give it another try, or try another way of the above. Finally, you can ask someone experienced to perform it for you. During those 15 years I performed several dozens of transfers for myself, my relatives and friends, and never had issue with it that couldn't be solved.

Finally, remember to always have several backups of important information, and remember - you're doing all above at your own risk. But I hope you'll save yourself countless hours with that.

:)

 

data transfer to new computer

programs and files missing after data transfer to new computer. not listed in apps nor thru search. Have used win defender. Is the program somewhere?

 

Data and program transfer.

What's the easiest/best way to transfer all my data and programs from old vista computer to new windows 10 computer? I do not have most program materials to re-install programs from old to new.

Will transferred data and programs be a copy from old computer to new computer?

 

Transfering win10 from a dead computer

Greetings,
Need assistance please, my MSI Laptop caught the dreaded Logo loop disease and is useless. I've purchased a new Laptop but since this is my work computer, all my files, programs and passwords need to be on the new laptop. Since my 'old' laptop is dead how do get my information transferred? I've pulled both of the drives (SSD and SSHD), tested them (both are accessible). However, the operating system is win10pro, the new one is win10 home. I'm more concern with the SSD drive transfer since that was my system drive (the other was just ancillary program and data storage. Any suggestions besides using a Jack Korvorian starter kit?