How to Transfer Files from Your Old PC During Windows 11 Setup

Microsoft’s Transition to Windows 11: New Backup Tool for Seamless Transfers

As Microsoft officially phases out support for Windows 10 in under three months, a significant number of users are gearing up to upgrade their aging hardware, particularly those unable to run Windows 11. In anticipation of this transition, Microsoft is developing a cutting-edge tool designed to facilitate the transfer of not just files, but also settings and preferences from older systems to new ones. A recently released support document sheds light on how this user-friendly process will operate.

Streamlined File and Setting Transfers

The innovative backup solution leverages local network capabilities to connect two devices seamlessly. Users can initiate the process via the Windows Backup app on their existing computer. Simply select the option to “transfer information to a new PC, ”and follow the on-screen prompts to pair the devices using a unique code.

Transferring files from one PC to another with Windows Backup app

Choosing What to Move

After devices are paired, Windows 11 guides users in selecting specific folders for transfer. Options include any user folder and even entire drives, although it is crucial to ensure that BitLocker-encrypted drives are decrypted beforehand. Once selections are made, users can simply click on “Start transfer, ”allowing the system to efficiently migrate files over the network.

Finalizing the Setup

Upon completion of the transfer, Windows 11 will provide a summary of all moved items, allowing users to finalize the setup effortlessly. This means that all critical files will be readily available for immediate use on the new device.

Limitations of the Backup Tool

In the support document, Microsoft clarifies that there are several items the backup experience cannot transfer:

System files and folders, including Program Files and Temporary files.
OneDrive, which requires separate setup on the new computer.
Installed applications.
Credentials and passwords.
Data on BitLocker-encrypted drives, which must be decrypted beforehand.

Availability and Requirements

This new file transfer functionality is currently accessible for Windows Insiders and is on track for a wider rollout. To utilize the tool, the existing PC must be running Windows 10 or 11 (with the latest updates), while the new device should be equipped with Windows 11 version 24H2 or newer. It is essential to note that ARM-based machines are not currently supported. Therefore, users acquiring devices such as the Surface Laptop 7 or other ARM-powered machines will need to handle file transfers manually until this limitation is addressed by Microsoft.

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