The fastest way depends on what you're moving and which computers you have

Moving everything from one computer to another is not one process—it's a choice between several, and which one works best depends on whether you're moving files only, files plus settings, or your entire user profile. If you just need documents and photos, a USB drive or cloud storage is fastest. If you want your programs, email, and desktop exactly as it was, you'll need a migration tool or a full backup restore. Windows and Mac both include built-in tools for this, and they work differently, so the path you take depends on which operating systems you're moving between.

The method you choose also depends on how much data you have and whether both computers are in the same room. A USB drive works for files up to its capacity but requires physical access to both machines. Cloud storage works anywhere but is slow for large amounts of data. Migration tools built into your operating system are fastest for moving everything at once, including programs and settings, but they require both computers to be on the same network or connected with a cable.

Key Takeaways

  • USB drives and cloud storage work for files alone; migration tools built into Windows and Mac transfer settings and program data too.
  • Windows Migration Assistant (Windows 10 and 11) and Windows straightforward Transfer (older machines) move your entire user profile to a new Windows computer.
  • Mac Migration Assistant can transfer from an older Mac, or from a Windows computer if you're switching operating systems.
  • If your computers are on the same network, you can often move files by connecting them directly without a cable or external drive.
  • Some programs and settings will not transfer and must be reinstalled on the new computer, no matter which method you use.

Moving files only: USB drive, cloud storage, or external hard drive

If you only need documents, photos, videos, and other files—not your programs or email—the simplest route is a USB drive, cloud storage service, or external hard drive. Copy the files you want to the external device on the old computer, then plug it into the new one and copy them back. This takes minutes for small amounts of data and works between any two computers, regardless of operating system.

Cloud storage services like Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox let you upload files from the old computer and read them on the new one without needing a physical cable. This is slower for large amounts of data but works over the internet, so you don't need both computers in the same room. Create a folder in the cloud service on your old computer, move your files into it, and they will sync automatically. Then sign into the same account on your new computer and read them.

For very large amounts of data—more than a few hundred gigabytes—an external hard drive is faster than cloud storage. Plug it into the old computer, copy your files to it, then plug it into the new computer and copy them back. External drives are inexpensive and reusable, so this is often the practical choice for a one-time move.

Moving everything on Windows: Windows Migration Assistant or a full backup

If you're moving from one Windows computer to another and want your programs, email, browser bookmarks, and desktop settings to come with you, use Windows Migration Assistant (on Windows 10 and 11) or Windows straightforward Transfer (on older machines). These tools copy your entire user profile—your files, program settings, email accounts, and desktop layout—to the new computer. You run the tool on both machines, connect them with a network cable or over your home network, and the old computer sends everything to the new one.

To use Windows Migration Assistant, read it from Microsoft's website on both computers. Run it on the new computer first and choose "I'm the new computer." Then run it on the old computer and choose "I'm the old computer." Select which user accounts and files you want to move, and the tool will transfer them over your network. This usually takes an hour or more depending on how much data you have. The two computers must be on the same network or connected with an Ethernet cable for this to work.

If Migration Assistant doesn't work or you prefer a different approach, you can create a full backup of your old computer using Windows Backup, then restore it on the new one. Open Settings, go to System > Backup, and choose "Back up now." Save the backup to an external drive, then plug that drive into the new computer, open Backup settings again, and choose "Restore from a backup." This copies everything, including your programs, but it takes longer and requires enough storage space for the entire backup.

Moving everything on Mac: Migration Assistant

Migration Assistant is built into every Mac and works the same way as Windows Migration Assistant. It transfers your files, programs, email, browser bookmarks, and all your settings from an old Mac to a new one. You can also use it to move from a Windows computer to a Mac if you're switching operating systems, though some Windows programs won't work on Mac and will need to be replaced.

To use Migration Assistant, turn on your new Mac and go through the setup process. When you reach the "Migration Assistant" screen, choose "Transfer information from another Mac" or "Transfer information from a Windows PC." On the old computer, open Applications > Utilities > Migration Assistant and choose "To another Mac" or "To a Windows PC." The two computers will find each other over your network, and you can select which user accounts and files to move. The transfer usually takes one to several hours depending on how much data you have.

If you're moving from Windows to Mac, Migration Assistant will transfer your files and some settings, but Windows programs will not work on the Mac. You'll need to buy or read Mac versions of the programs you use, or use online versions that work in a web browser. Email accounts, browser bookmarks, and documents will transfer without problems.

Moving between Windows and Mac: what transfers and what doesn't

If you're switching from Windows to Mac or vice versa, Migration Assistant will move your files, documents, photos, and email accounts. It will not move your programs—Windows programs don't run on Mac, and Mac programs don't run on Windows. You'll need to reinstall or replace each program on the new computer.

Browser bookmarks usually transfer, but the process depends on which browser you use. If you use Chrome, Firefox, or Edge on both computers, sign into your account on the new computer and your bookmarks will sync automatically. If you use Safari on Mac and Internet Explorer on Windows, you may need to export your bookmarks from the old computer and import them on the new one. Check the browser's settings or help menu for the export option.

Email is more complicated. If you use Gmail, Outlook.com, or another web-based email service, just sign into your account on the new computer and your email will appear. If you use a desktop email program like Outlook or Thunderbird, you'll need to reinstall the program on the new computer and add your email account again. Your old emails may not transfer automatically, so check whether the email program has an import or backup option before you leave the old computer.

Connecting two computers directly with a network cable

If both computers have an Ethernet port, you can connect them directly with a network cable and transfer files without needing a router or external drive. This is faster than cloud storage for large amounts of data and doesn't require both computers to be on the same Wi-Fi network.

Plug a network cable into the Ethernet port on both computers. On Windows, open File Explorer, go to Network, and look for the other computer's name. On Mac, open Finder, go to Network, and double-click the other computer. You may need to enter a username and password. Once you're connected, you can drag files back and forth between the computers as if they were folders on your own machine.

If your computers don't have Ethernet ports, you can buy a USB-to-Ethernet adapter for about $20 to $40. Plug the adapter into a USB port on each computer, connect them with a network cable, and follow the same steps. This is slower than a direct Ethernet connection but still faster than Wi-Fi for large files.

What won't transfer and what you'll need to reinstall

No matter which method you use, some things will not transfer. Licensed programs—Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, antivirus software—usually need to be reinstalled on the new computer because they're tied to your license. You'll need your product keys or login information to reinstall them. Check your email for receipts or license confirmations before you move.

Some programs store settings in places that migration tools don't copy, so you may need to reconfigure them on the new computer. This is especially true for programs that connect to online accounts or services. Sign into those accounts again on the new computer and the program should remember your settings. Printer drivers, graphics card drivers, and other hardware drivers usually need to be reinstalled because they're specific to your new computer's hardware. Windows and Mac will often find and install them automatically, but if a device doesn't work on the new computer, visit the manufacturer's website and read the driver for your new computer's operating system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I move files between a Windows computer and a Mac without Migration Assistant?

Yes. You can use a USB drive, external hard drive, or cloud storage service to move files between any two computers. Migration Assistant is faster if you want to move everything at once, but it's not required for files alone. Just copy the files to the external device on the Windows computer and copy them back on the Mac.

What if my old computer won't turn on?

If the old computer won't start, you can't use Migration Assistant or backup tools. Your only option is to remove the hard drive from the old computer, connect it to the new computer using a USB adapter or external enclosure (about $20 to $40), and copy the files directly. This requires opening the old computer, which may void a warranty if it's still under one.

How long does it take to transfer everything?

It depends on how much data you have and which method you use. Migration Assistant over a network usually takes one to several hours. A USB drive or external hard drive is faster for small amounts of data but slower for very large amounts. Cloud storage is slowest but works over the internet, so you don't need both computers in the same room.

Do I need to delete files from my old computer after I move them?

No, but you should verify that the files arrived on the new computer before you delete them from the old one. Open the new computer and check that your important files are there and can be opened. Once you're sure, you can delete them from the old computer to free up space, or keep them as a backup.

Will my programs work on the new computer if I move them?

Most programs will not work if you just copy their files to the new computer. They need to be installed properly on the new computer's operating system. Reinstall each program from its original installer or read it again from the publisher's website. Some programs may ask for a product key or login when you reinstall them.