Windows 10: Microsoft is working on a new migration app for Windows

Windows 11 includes a rather weak backup tool that uses OneDrive to back up some files and preferences. When you set up a new PC, you may restore these backed up files and settings.

The feature is far from a true backup tool let alone a migration tool. It does not backup installed software and includes only specific folders in regards to files either.

Microsoft seems to be working on a new Migration app to better help users transfer files and data from one Windows PC to another. Discovered by Phantom of Earth and brought to life by X-user Dongle, the app's main purpose is to move files from one Windows PC to another. The feature has been found in Windows 11 build 22635.4945, but it is not yet functional.



When you run the app, you get two options presented to you:

1. Back up this PC.
2. Transfer files to a new PC.

The first option backs up "all your files" to Microsoft's cloud storage service OneDrive. It is unclear if Microsoft really means all files, or, which seems more likely, a selection of files by the user or by Microsoft.

The second option transfers files from one PC to another. This works only if both PCs are connected to the system wireless network or in physical proximity to each other. The process involves pairing the two PCS and then transferring the files locally.

Functionality appears limited


The functionality of Microsoft's Migration app appears limited, at least at this stage in development. For one, it is already possible to back up files to OneDrive. The new feature may improve the workflow, but it does not seem to add any new feature to it.

Transferring files between two Windows PCs is fine, but this has been possible using third-party tools for a long time.

The elephant in the room is that the software seems to be limited to transferring files. Means, no software, no settings are transferred.

Heck, even the ancient Windows Easy Transfer tool allowed users to transfer user accounts, emails, and other content that Microsoft's new tool does not seem to support.

It looks, therefore, like it could become another app that is fairly limited and thus not overly useful.

What you can use instead


If you just need to transfer files, you could use external storage devices for that. You could also use network shares or other means to transfer files from one PC to another. It depends on whether the two PCs can be online at the same time.

Commercial programs like PC Mover, Zinstall or Todo PCTrans (free version is limited), may migrate other data, including installed apps and games, settings, and other data.

Another option could be to clone the hard drive of the old PC. Plenty of tools support this. While you may run into problems if the hardware of the new PC is vastly different from that of the old, you could give it a try, if you have the time.

Closing Words


Windows lacks an integrated tool to transfer files and data from one PC to another effortlessly. The new Migration app, if it will be released at all, could fill that gap. It does not really in its current stage, but since it is in development, there is at least the chance that Microsoft is adding much-needed features to it before release.

What is your take on that? How do you transfer files from one PC to another? Let us know in the comment section below.

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"Neowin reports that app developers have been receiving these emails over the past couple of days:

In its latest review of the Store, Microsoft is evaluating if the published apps are good enough to be listed in the Windows Store. This includes publicly available apps as well as private beta apps. Additionally, Microsoft is also asking developers to delete any promotional campaigns for their apps to prevent advertising charges. Similarly, app name reservations are also being nullified; which means that if your app is unpublished, there's no guarantee that you'll be able to republish it under the same name.

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The Microsoft Store, and the Xbox app doesn't work!

Hi,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



I understand that you are unable to launch Microsoft Store, Xbox app and GameBar. I’ll certainly help you with this issue.



However, please let us know:

• Do you receive any error message?
  
• Are you aware of any changes made to the computer recently?
  
• Which build version of Windows 10 are you using currently? To check type:
  winver in the search bar on the Taskbar and hit
  Enter.
  

Meanwhile, I would suggest you to refer the steps mentioned below:



For issues with launching Microsoft Store, I would suggest you to refer the steps mentioned in the article

Microsoft Store doesn't launch.



Method 1: Store app troubleshooter



I would suggest you to run the Store app troubleshooter and check. Refer the steps mentioned below:

1. Press Windows Logo key + I, to open Settings.
   
2. Click on Update & Security and select Troubleshoot from the left pane.
   
3. Scroll down, click on Windows Store apps and select Run the troubleshooter.
   
4. Follow the on-screen instructions.
   

Method 2: Re-register apps



If Store app troubleshooter doesn’t work, I would suggest you to try re-registering the apps using PowerShell. Refer the steps mentioned below:

1. Press Windows Logo key + X, and select
   Windows PowerShell (Admin).
   
2. Paste the following command and press Enter:
   Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
   
3. Once the process is complete, restart the computer and check.
   

Method 3: New user account



If re-registering the apps didn’t work, try creating a new user account and check if the issue persists. Refer the article
Create
a local user or administrator account in Windows 10



Let us know the results.



Regards,

Nikhar Khare

Microsoft Community - Moderator