How to Move Your Files and Settings to a New Computer

The fastest way depends on what you're moving and whether both computers are in the same room

You have three main routes: an external drive or USB stick (slowest but works anywhere), a network cable between the two computers (faster, requires setup), or Windows' built-in transfer tool if you're moving between two Windows machines (fastest, handles settings too). The method you choose depends on how much data you have, whether you want to move settings and programs alongside files, and whether both computers are near each other.

If you're moving a small amount of data—a few gigabytes of documents, photos, or videos—an external drive is the simplest. If you're moving everything, including Windows settings, user accounts, and installed programs, Windows straightforward Transfer (on older machines) or the Settings app's transfer feature (Windows 10 and 11) will do most of the work for you. A network connection is faster for large transfers but requires both computers to be on the same network.

Key Takeaways

An external USB drive or portable hard drive works for any size transfer and requires no setup, but moving large amounts of data takes longer than a network connection.
Windows 10 and 11 include a built-in transfer tool in Settings that moves files, user accounts, and some program settings without needing external hardware.
A network cable or Wi-Fi connection between two computers is the fastest method for moving large amounts of data, but both machines must be on the same network.
Before you start any transfer, back up important files on your old computer in case something goes wrong during the move.

Using an external drive or USB stick

Plug the external drive into your old computer, copy the folders and files you want to move, then unplug it and plug it into the new computer. This works on any computer, any operating system, and requires no setup. The trade-off is speed: moving 100 gigabytes of files can take an hour or more, depending on the drive's speed and how full it is.

For files only, this is the simplest method. Open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac), select the folders you want—Documents, Pictures, Downloads, Desktop—and drag them to the external drive. Once the copy finishes, eject the drive safely (right-click and select "Eject" on Windows, or drag the drive icon to the Trash on Mac), then plug it into the new computer and copy the files to the same locations.

If you're moving a lot of data, a portable hard drive (1 or 2 terabytes) is faster and cheaper per gigabyte than a USB stick. USB 3.0 drives are noticeably faster than USB 2.0, so check the drive's label or specifications before buying. If your new computer doesn't have USB ports, you may need a USB-to-USB-C adapter.

Windows built-in transfer for files, settings, and programs

Windows 10 and 11 include a transfer feature in the Settings app that moves your user account, files, and some installed programs to a new computer on the same network. This is faster than manually copying files and preserves your desktop layout, browser bookmarks, and some program settings. Open Settings on your new computer, go to System > About, scroll down, and look for "Migrate your data" or "Transfer your data"—the exact wording varies by Windows version.

The tool will ask for your old computer's network name or IP address. Both computers must be on the same Wi-Fi network or connected with an ethernet cable. The transfer can take several hours for large amounts of data, so plug both computers in and plan to leave them running. Once it finishes, restart the new computer and log in with your old Windows account—your files, desktop, and most settings will be there.

This method does not move every installed program. Large applications like Adobe Creative Suite or Microsoft Office may need to be reinstalled on the new computer. Check your old computer's list of installed programs (Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features) and note which ones you want to keep, then install them on the new machine using your product keys or account login.

Network transfer using a cable or Wi-Fi

If both computers are on the same network, you can copy files directly from one to the other without an external drive. On Windows, open File Explorer, click "Network" in the left sidebar, find your old computer's name, and double-click it. You may be asked to enter your old computer's username and password. Once you're in, you can copy files and folders the same way you would from an external drive.

On Mac, open Finder, go to Go > Connect to Server, type the IP address or network name of your Windows computer (ask your IT person if you don't know it), and click Connect. Again, you'll need the username and password for the old computer. Once connected, you can drag files between the two machines.

Network transfers are much faster than external drives for large amounts of data—a 500-gigabyte transfer might take 30 minutes over a wired network instead of several hours over USB. The downside is that both computers must be set up correctly to share files, which can be tricky if you're not familiar with network settings. If the connection drops halfway through, you may have to start over. An external drive is more reliable for very large transfers.

Transferring between Windows and Mac

If you're moving from a Windows computer to a Mac, or vice versa, you cannot use Windows' built-in transfer tool. Instead, use an external drive or a network connection. Copy your Documents, Pictures, Downloads, and Desktop folders to the external drive on the old computer, then plug it into the Mac and copy them to the equivalent locations (Documents, Pictures, Downloads, and Desktop folders in the home directory).

Some programs and settings are specific to Windows or Mac and will not transfer. Microsoft Office, Google Chrome, and Firefox work on both, but you'll need to reinstall them and log in again. Windows-only software like Adobe Creative Suite has Mac versions, but you'll need a separate license or subscription. Check the software's website to see if a Mac version exists before you buy a new computer.

What to do before you start

Back up your old computer before you begin any transfer. If something goes wrong during the move—the external drive fails, the network connection drops, or a file gets corrupted—you'll still have a copy of everything on the old machine. Use an external drive, cloud storage like OneDrive or Google Drive, or your computer's built-in backup tool (File History on Windows, Time Machine on Mac).

Check how much data you're moving. On Windows, right-click your user folder (usually C:\Users\[Your Name]), select Properties, and look at the total size. On Mac, click the Apple menu, select About This Mac, then Storage, and note the amount used. If it's more than half your external drive's capacity, you may need a larger drive or a network transfer instead.

Make sure your new computer is fully set up and connected to power and the internet before you start. Updates and driver installations can interfere with transfers, so let your new computer finish any startup tasks first. Restart it once, log in, and wait for the update notifications to stop before you begin moving files.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer programs and games, or just files?

Windows' built-in transfer tool moves some program settings, but most programs need to be reinstalled on the new computer. Games, in particular, usually require a fresh installation. Use the external drive method for files only, then reinstall your programs on the new machine using your original installation files or product keys.

How long does a transfer usually take?

An external drive transfer of 100 gigabytes takes one to three hours, depending on the drive's speed. A network transfer is two to four times faster. Windows' built-in transfer tool can take several hours for large amounts of data because it's also moving settings and program information. Plug both computers in and plan to leave them running overnight for very large transfers.

What if the transfer stops halfway through?

If you're using an external drive, unplug it safely, plug it back in, and resume copying the files you haven't moved yet. If you're using a network connection, restart both computers and try again. Windows' built-in transfer tool will usually resume from where it left off, but if it doesn't, you can start the transfer again—it will skip files that are already on the new computer.

Do I need to delete files from my old computer after the transfer?

Not when ready. Keep your old computer running for a few days after the transfer to make sure everything on the new machine is working correctly. Once you've confirmed that all your files and programs are on the new computer, you can wipe the old one or donate it. If you're selling or recycling the old computer, use a tool like DBAN (Darik's Boot and Nuke) to securely erase the hard drive so your personal data cannot be recovered.

Can I transfer my Windows license to the new computer?

If you have a retail license (not one that came with the computer), you can transfer it to the new machine. Deactivate Windows on the old computer (Settings > System > set up), then set up it on the new one using the same product key. If Windows came with your old computer, the license is tied to that machine and cannot be transferred. You'll need to buy a new license for the new computer.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.