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How to transfer files from old computer to new computer (and programs, too!)

Windows 10

Congratulations, you’ve got a new computer! Now, in order to start actually using it, you need to transfer your files from the old computer to the new one. In fact, you’d probably want to transfer more than just data files: programs / apps, software settings, user profiles, email accounts are all part of your computer, and should be transferred to the new PC as well. In this article, we will see how to copy everything from old computer to new PC (desktop or laptop), automatically and without too much hassle.

This tutorial works for Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8 and Windows 7, both 32bit and 64bit.

There are basically two approaches to a file transfer such as this one: you can do it manually (say, using a USB drive), or you can use transfer software, that does it all for you. We’ll cover both options here, starting with the easier way – automatic transfer.

In order to transfer your data to new computer in a streamlined way, we’ll be using a product called Zinstall WinWin. You can get WinWin here, or check out its user guide here. It transfers all of your files from one computer to another, and not just files – your programs (like Outlook, Office, Quickbooks, Turbotax and others), your settings (Favorites, Email accounts, wallpaper) and your user profiles are all transferred as well. Here is how to do the transfer:

How to transfer files from old computer to new computer

  1. First, run Zinstall WinWin on both of your computers – the old computer and the new computer.
  2. Tell it which is which (that’s the only question you’ll have to answer in this entire process):
  3. The computers will then connect automatically and allow you to start the transfer.
    You don’t need to make any configurations, set up networks or connect special cables. The software does all of that for you, as long as you can get both computers online. It will then automatically use your home network (which is fast), instead of going over internet (which is slow and insecure).
  4. If you’d like to select which files and programs you want to transfer, press the Advanced menu. If you just want to transfer everything, you don’t need to go to the Advanced menu.
  5. Press “Go” on the new computer to start the transfer

Ready to transfer your files from old computer to new computer?

Get Zinstall WinWin here, and you’ll be able to start the transfer in a few minutes from now.

Video tutorial – how to transfer files from old computer to new computer